I almost binned this one, assuming he was French or Belgian or something. Ironically it was the ‘Jan’ in Jan Le’Brandt’s name that saved the day although that’s probably more Dutch than Scandinavian.
He hasn’t released a single for five or six years according to what Spotify is telling me and I have to wonder why because ‘Light of Love’ is powerful stuff indeed.
He’s from the wild, untamed north of Norway originally, later moving to the south where he tried his hand at the heavy metal scene unsuccessfully, later moving on to what he describes as “singing over many genres”.
He works with several bands including a cover band but I’m more concerned here with this solo effort. He classifies himself as an exponent of melodic AOR ballads, which you can interpret in either of its manifestations – Adult-Oriented-Rock or Album-Oriented-Rock – with a 1970s-90s timeline.
Either way it’s big, bold and brash and full of melody. Think of Heart (especially), Boston, Toto, Foreigner, Survivor, Asia, and REO Speedwagon.
Indeed I would argue that ‘Light of Love’ would be in good company with any of those bands. The guitar parts sound like they’re being shot out of a machine gun and the solo mesmerises. The drums could be the Grim Reaper rapping on your back door (a nod to the metal he forsook to do this) and the overall effect is as ‘wall of sound’ as it comes.
But it’s his vocal that really registers. Rich, supremely powerful, and lifted straight out of the music studios on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles in the 1980s.
The song explores how love can endure loss, deception, and heartbreak; ultimately finding its way back stronger. “Light of Love is about what happens after everything falls apart,” says Jan.
“It’s that pivotal moment where you can either give up… or choose to find a way back through the pain.”
And that’s so AOR as well isn’t it? Foreigner wanted to know what love is. Jan Le’Brandt can tell them. He’s found it.
(Continues after the Spotify link).
Featured Musicians:
Tor Talle – guitars
Robert Hauge – guitars, mix & master
Bengt Risåsen – bass
Øyvind Karlsen – drums
Dag Selboskar – keyboards
Find him on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063605528880
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janlebrandt/
