Brian D. Holland.

For The People is the first release in four years by the ex-frontman of Grand Funk Railroad, one of the most successful and influential American rock bands of the '70s. The original group is history, but the guitarist and main vocalist who brought us songs like ‘I’m Your Captain’, ‘Mean Mistreater’, ‘Heartbreaker’, ‘Footstompin’ Music’, and ‘Rock & Roll Soul’ continues to excite new and old fans with original material. He’s no longer a youngster, of course, but Farner's understanding of the fountain of youth is apparent when listening to his new songs.

When thinking about Mark Farner and Grand Funk, what immediately comes to mind, even before his amazing signature guitar style, is that incredible voice. It was one of the best from the best era in rock music. With a string of hits to their credit and successful albums spanning at least a decade and a half, the initial members witnessed life as a thriving rock band from both sides of the spectrum, as an inventive underground power trio and as a hit making pop-rock quartet. Depending on personal taste and how one might view it, both versions were extremely successful in their own right, though amazingly dissimilar. Loyal Grand Funk fans largely prefer the original three-piece, primarily because of Farner’s amazing guitar solos within the early material’s potent extended instrumentals. That said, the beguiling rocked up singles that followed boasted incredible melody, instrumental agility, and songs that often combined an original brand of good ol’ American rock and roll with an R&B inclination, no doubt a result of their Motown background.

Farner hasn’t changed much, and that’s an amazing verity in itself. His guitar playing is still inspiring and his voice is incredible. Many rock vocalists lose something as they age, and it becomes quite evident, mostly in the range factor. Mark Farner still has an incredible high-pitched capacity and awesome vibrato. His sound is youthful and exhilarating.

One might think he’s just jumping on the bandwagon of political rhetoric in the album’s opener, ‘For The People’. However, those familiar with the lyrics of Mark Farner may remember songs like ‘People, Let’s Stop The War’ from Grand Funk’s E Pluribus Funk, ‘Politician’ from Born To Die, or ‘Red White and Blue’ from his own Red White and Blue Forever. He has always felt a desire to comment on current affairs, whether it’s political or religious, in favor of or against. No matter how one might view lyrical content, common ground is established in the song’s rocked up vibe.

‘Cry Baby’ is a hard driving, rhythmic crowd pleaser. The Farner vocal prowess is vigorously forthright throughout. ‘Nadean’ is another potent rocker, melodic and electric. ‘Girl’ is an interesting ballad. Though immersed in a pop setting, the melody segues nicely into a scorching guitar solo, one that fits the song perfectly. It’s a tune you could imagine hearing on today’s pop radio, yet it possesses a warm sentiment and a classic vibe. ‘Same Ol’ Feelin’ takes the listener right back to the pop rock version of Grand Funk Railroad. There’s no escaping that atmosphere here. It has classic hit written all over it, and Farner’s short yet sweet guitar solo is sizzling. Also, an interesting aspect about it is that R&B ambiance Farner has always been known for, especially within the added bridge section near the song’s end. ‘You’re My Girl’ and ‘Waiting Here For You’ are in that vein as well.

This is a brilliant album from Mark Farner, for old fans as well as new ones. The material is solid and it flows nicely from start until finish. It’s down-to-earth in listenability, yet diverse in style. There’s a little for everyone in its content. Sometimes music fans of the '70s, music fans of any era in time for that matter, fall into a rut of only having the ability to listen to the music they grew up with. There’s nothing wrong with that, as I’m inclined to believe that the music of the '70s is rock and roll at its finest anyway. However, we shouldn’t ignore new material made by those great, classic artists. Many are still releasing good music. For The People is proof that Mark Farner is one of them. The album rocks.

For The People Track Listing

1. For The People

2. Cry Baby

3. Nadean

4. Girl

5. You Know Who I Am

6. Same Ol’ Feelin’

7. You’re My Girl

8. This Time

9. Waiting Here For You

10. Symptoms

11. Where Do We Go From Here

The Mark Farner Band (also known as Mark Farner and N’rG)
Mark Farner: guitar, keyboards, piano, lead and background vocals, percussion
Lawrence Buckner: bass, background vocals
Hubert Crawford: drums
Paul O’Jibway: keyboards, background vocals, sax, percussion

Additional credits
Beth Griffith: background vocals
Bob Grundner: percussion
Dennis Bellinger: background vocals
Mark Pastoria: keyboards
Rick Farner: background vocals

The album is dedicated to Mark’s lifelong friend, drummer Bob Grundner.

Manufactured by: Oasis
Distributed by: Boinkmore... com. 2006

For The People can be purchased at the Mark Farner website and at CDBaby.com
Mark Farner
CD Baby