MC5 – Heavy Lifting Album Review
Album Info:
| Release Date | October 18, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45:19 |
| Genre | Pop/Rock |
| Styles | Hard Rock, Detroit Rock, Proto-Punk |
Heavy Lifting, released in 2024, blends celebration and nostalgia. Although it bears the “MC5” name, Wayne Kramer is the primary contributor to the work. Kramer, the band’s key guitarist and songwriter, drove the sound. Yet, this is not a full-band project.
By the album’s start, only Kramer and drummer Dennis Thompson were alive. Thompson added to two tracks but left most of the work to Kramer. Both passed away in 2024, shortly before the release. This made Heavy Lifting a touching farewell. It honored a band that shaped proto-punk and hard rock and marked the end of Kramer’s career.
The album differs from classic MC5 sounds. Produced by Bob Ezrin, it leans towards hard rock. It lacks the raw energy of previous hits like Kick Out the Jams, Back in the USA, and High Time. Instead, it mirrors Kramer’s 1990s solo work. Albums like The Hard Stuff, Dangerous Madness, and Citizen Wayne are similar. They share personal stories and diverse influences.
Heavy Lifting presents a polished production that is suitable for radio. It echoes the 1980s and ’90s rock scenes. Guest guitarists like Slash, Tom Morello, and Vernon Reid add star power. Yet, their impact is less than it would have been in their prime. The album aims for mainstream appeal but retains Kramer’s signature grit and defiance.
While it doesn’t quite match Kramer’s 1990s peaks, it comes close. The album reaffirms his status as a rock pioneer. His songwriting remains bold, reflecting his journey.
For MC5 fans, this album is a bittersweet note. It marks the end of Kramer’s story. It’s a tribute to a man who never conformed, never burned out, and kept evolving.
