In a day and age when incoherent rapping about high financial status, and pop punk bands are the rage, nothing makes me feel better than pressing play, and basking for an hour in thumping drums, crunching guitar (along with the occasional solo), and beautifully orchestrated lyrics. Chuck Mosley hits home with his debut solo album Will Rap Over Hard Rock for Food, which mashes together all these elements to form a symphony of musical genius. Mosley, whose rap-rock style has influenced such renowned acts as Korn, has teamed up with Korn frontman Jonathan Davis on Will Rap’s “The Enabler,” which provides the perfect amount of energy every album’s first track deserves. More gut-busting songs ensue until “Nameless” later slows things down and delivers a melodic chord progression and stellar vocals on which the 51 year-old Mosley shows no signs of weakness. Selections such as “Come Around” and “Sophie” sustain a gentle mood, which counters the louder songs but allows the album to flow more fluidly than the waters of the Cuyahoga River. Mosley, formerly the singer of 80s funk metal band Faith No More, covers one of his own form hits in his revamped version of “We Care A Lot,” which combines the classic synth lines and background vocals with completely new guitar work and verse lyrics that, in my opinion, signify a rebirth of sorts in Mosley’s musical career. Will Rap Over Hard Rock for Food was the most pleasant musical surprise I have received this year and completely exceeded all my expectations. Mosley and producer Michael Seifert could not have collaborated any better on the album, and to anyone who enjoys hardcore rock music with some slower, yet just as moving songs included, this album is for you. 

Edsman Rating: 9.5/10