Synergy just dropped yesterday, and I can tell you honestly that I've already listened to it, front to back, 4 times. Something about this record hit me differently than her two previous solo efforts did. There was no immediate connection for me on this one like there was on her self titled solo debut or her sophomore record Your Place In The Sun. But this could simply be due to the fact that I was very distracted with other things while experiencing the album for the first time. And that's just simply unfair. Janet deserves a fair shot. So I sat and focused on it for it's second play. And it's third play. And as I write this post, it's fourth play.
The opening track, "Wounded," to no surprise at all, is a strong hard rocking jam that prepares your auditory palette for the onslaught of headbangers to come (is that the right term? auditory palette? fuck it, who cares). Synergy delivers 11 tracks to all fans of Janet, be them new fans or loyal listeners from her days fronting all-girl glam metal band Vixen. 11 tracks of pure rock. The second track features a driving groove and edgy attitude, which is perfectly encapsulated by the tracks title: "You Can Kiss This." The first slow ballad doesn't arrive until track 6. And while it may be a slow one, it fully compliments the other songs on the album, and fits right in. Much like Skid Row's "Wasted Time" from Slave to the Grind, and you all know how much I love that record.
Each track on this record is just as driving as its predecessor, with each flaunting a sexy new riff, engaging groove, and the sassy angsty vocals of Janet Gardner, whose rock talents prove yet again to be aging like a fine wine. For me personally, the weakest moment on this record comes at the very end, with its closing track (and if memory serves, the second single from the album, possibly third). The closing track was inspired and written entirely about being quarantined during the Coronavirus pandemic. And while I fully understand why the song exists, I almost wish it didn't. It's certainly a fun song to listen to instrumentally, but when I'm looking to listen to music during the quarantine, I'm looking to forget about the virus. Not sing about it. I don't know about you, but "Talk To Myself" just doesn't hit. It would perhaps make a fun bonus track, but something tells me it won't age quite as well as Janet herself, or the other tracks on this record.
If you had asked me 3-4 years ago how I felt about Janet departing from the other girls in Vixen, I would've told you that I was sad to see her go. I had the pleasure of seeing Janet fronting Vixen on stage before, and it was truly something special. But due to some creative differences, both parties decided that them parting company would be the best move. And now here we are, 3 albums later, and I find myself somehow grateful for Janet's departure. Her solo records are unlike anything that came before it. It most closely resembles her last studio album with Vixen, Tangerine, but even that is something entirely its own. Gardner/James is the musical marriage we've been waiting for, and with 3 records being delivered over a span of just 3 years, they are showing no signs of slowing down.
Synergy - Gardner/James
8 - 7 - 2020
1. Wounded
2. You Can Kiss This
3. Rise Up
4. Running To Her
5. Lonely We Fight
6. Say You Will
7. I Promise
8. On A Wire
9. Gone
10. Flying On Faith
11. Talk To Myself
Favorite Track: You Can Kiss This
Least Favorite Track: Talk To Myself
Rating: 7.8/10
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