Album: Riot on Sunset

Introduction
Released in 2016, "Riot on Sunset" is the third studio album by American rocker James Durbin. Durbin first got prevalent attention as an entrant on the tenth season of the popular singing competition, American Idol, where his distinctive voice and psychological efficiencies impressed both the judges and audiences alike. With "Riot on Sunset", Durbin shows his post-American Idol musical growth and maturation, offering a refreshing mix of acid rock, pop, and metal ballad affects.

Album Overview
After leaving his previous label, Wind-up Records, Durbin self-produced "Riot on Sunset" under the guidance of Paul McPhee. The album includes 11 tracks that display Durbin's singing variety and passion for various music genres, including hard rock, power pop, and glam metal. Throughout the album, Durbin delivers memorable hooks, skyrocketing vocals, and a strong sense of musicianship.

The album begins with the energetic title track, "Riot on Sunset", which instantly sets the tone for the rest of the record. This song, like lots of others on the album, is autobiographical, as Durbin infuses his experiences growing up in Santa Cruz, California and the struggles of lost buddies into his music. The album likewise includes guest appearances from fellow artists, such as Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi on the track "Mustang Livin'".

Key Tracks
While the whole album is certainly worth a listen, some standout tracks include:

1. "Riot on Sunset" - The album's opening track, "Riot on Sunset" serves as an exceptional intro to Durbin's musical style and theme throughout the record. With a gritty, guitar-driven noise, the tune is a powerful anthem for disobedience and self-expression.

2. "City of Nightmares" - This track includes a more introspective look into Durbin's personal experiences with dependency and the darker side of his hometown. The lyrics paint a brilliant picture of a distressed youth attempting to get away the grip of devastating tendencies, and the skyrocketing chorus delivers a message of hope and durability regardless of the challenges.

3. "Beautiful" - As one of the album's slower, more ballad-like tracks, "Beautiful" showcases Durbin's emotional depth and vocal expertise. The heartfelt lyrics and tender instrumentation make it a standout track that uses a stark contrast to the harder-edged anthems on the record.

4. "Mustang Livin'" - With its catchy, transmittable chorus and rocking guitar riff, "Mustang Livin'" is a fun track that radiates positivity and offers a look into the more carefree side of Durbin's life.

Reception
"Riot on Sunset" received favorable evaluations from critics and fans alike who applauded Durbin's vocal abilities, catchy hooks, and overall musicianship. The album has been described as a "accomplishment" for Durbin and showcases his development as both a musician and songwriter since his time on American Idol. Critics have actually compared his work on this album to the likes of famous rock bands such as Guns N' Roses and Aerosmith, further solidifying Durbin's standing as a formidable talent in the rock music scene.

Conclusion
In "Riot on Sunset", James Durbin delivers an impressive album that explores various music categories, blending hard rock, power pop, and metal ballads into a cohesive, engaging noise. Durbin's powerful vocals, individual lyrics, and indisputable enthusiasm for music make this album a must-listen for fans of rock and roll. "Riot on Sunset" works as a testament to Durbin's development as an artist considering that his American Idol journey and strengthens his status as a rock music powerhouse.