Album Review: Beat The Devil by The Compulsions (2011)
If you're into raw, unfiltered rock with a side of swagger, Beat The Devil by The Compulsions is worth your time. Released in 2011 under the Amazon.com label, this album blends Pop/Rock and straight-up Rock vibes that feel like a gritty love letter to classic American sounds. With credits boasting talents like Sam Yaffa on bass, Frank Ferrer on drums, and guitar legends Hubert Sumlin and Richard Fortus, it’s clear these guys weren’t messing around when they hit the studio.
The standout track for me has gotta be "Shut Yer Hole." It's punchy, loud, and kinda rude—exactly what you want from a rock anthem. Featuring Hubert Sumlin, this one feels like a masterclass in attitude. The riffs are sharp enough to cut glass, and Rob Carlyle’s vocals have this snarling edge that just sticks with you. You can tell they had fun making it, and honestly? That energy bleeds right through the speakers.
Another banger is "Dirty Woman Blues." This one leans heavier into the blues-rock vibe, showcasing some killer guitar work and a groove so thick you could spread it on toast. It’s one of those tracks where you don’t realize you’ve been nodding your head until your neck starts hurting. There’s something about the way the instruments lock in together—it’s tight but not too polished, giving it an authentic, lived-in feel.
Now, let’s talk lyrics. Songs like "She's So Fn' Sexy" and "Ea$y Money" might not win awards for originality, but they're catchy as hell. They remind you why sometimes simplicity works best in rock music. These aren’t songs trying to change the world; they’re here to make you crank up the volume and forget your problems for three minutes. And honestly? Sometimes that’s all you need.
What surprised me most about Beat The Devil was how much personality shines through every track. It’s not perfect—there are moments where things feel a bit repetitive—but that doesn’t really matter. This album isn’t aiming for perfection; it’s aiming for heart, grit, and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll charm.
Final thought: If I had to pick one random thing I’ll remember about this album, it’s probably the sheer audacity of naming two different versions of the same song ("She’s So Fn’ Sexy" and "Ea$y Money"). Like… did they run out of ideas or just think we wouldn’t notice? Either way, it made me chuckle—and hey, maybe that’s the point.
Grade: 7/10
Worth spinning if you dig rough-around-the-edges rock with plenty of soul.
