Ronnie Atkins - 'One Shot'

Ronnie cheerfully describes himself as ‘old school and a complete idiot when it comes to IT and Pro Tools’ but he had enough savvy to keep some song ideas on his phone and he’s enlisted Pretty Maids band-mate Chris Laney to help unlock their potential, alongside a strong cast of friends made over the years including Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, Pontus Egberg, Linnea Vickström Egg, Björn Strid and Pretty Maids alumni, Allan Sørensen and Morten Sandager.

Musically, you could call this a melodic rock album with a heavy twist. Lyrically, Ronnie admits that he found it hard to write about the obligatory sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll stuff due to his personal situation so it has turned out to be a very personal and bittersweet affair. The epic title track is a good example. It’s all melancholic piano and burnt-out candles for the first 90 seconds before being shocked into life with the ‘one shot, one life…can’t waste another day’ lines as Ronnie ponders ‘what if tomorrow is too late’? It’s beautifully written and powerfully delivered in what is the most poignant and genuinely inspiring song you’ll hear all year.

Make no mistake though – this is not a depressing record. Tracks like “Real”, “Scorpio” and “Picture Yourself” might be a little reflective but they rock along in fine style and Laney has added some fantastic melodic arrangements to many, including “When Dreams Are Not Enough”. Even if these songs had been less philosophical and maybe a little more carnal they would still be great tunes but with the added depth it just means a lot more.

This is definitely a bit personal as Ronnie is a big favourite with the Rockfiend crew and was a charming interviewee when I spoke to him last year. I’ve always pledged never to use the word ‘sophomore’ to describe anyone’s second album (because I’m not American or a college kid) but I’m willing to make an exception if I get the chance to review a second solo effort from Ronnie. Preferably in about 20 years’ time.