I’ve got a new and unique album of reinterpreted 80’s rock anthems from Barbara Lusch; and boy is this record cool.

Taking well known hits from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Bono, and Guns N Roses; Lusch flips the tables by converting these anthems into soft, sultry, sexy, and soulful jazzy showtunes.

“I wanted to do these songs my way, and bring out the vulnerability and emotional depth of the lyrics”, Barbara explains.

An interpreter of both jazz and pop, Barbara is also a producer, actress, and model. With an amazing set of vocal chords and the ability to control them, Lusch’s mature voice will bring you back to days listening to songs by Peggy Lee, Eva Cassidy, or Doris Day.

After a stint as vocalist in the popular band Pepe and the Bottle Blondes (Portland, Oregon), Barbara set sail on her voyage as a solo artist and performer. Since 2002, she has performed throughout the Pacific NorthWest with regular appearances at Jimmy Mak’s, The Liberty Theater in Astoria, Heathman and Benson Hotels, and The Allison. You might have also heard her at Portland’s Cathedral Park Jazz Festival or the Portland Jazz Fest.

The original idea for Rock Me Sweet came from Barbara’s friend Tom Nunan who thought it would be a great idea to take rock anthems recorded by male vocalist, slow them down, and add a torchy ballad feel to each… Tom was right.

By connecting each track (when possible) with Jazz Standards in Lusch’s repertoire, songs such as “Sweet Child of Mine”, “Living On A Prayer, “Dancing In The Dark”, and “I Want You To Want Me” become completely fresh and new singles.

“I worked on these songs as if I were preparing a monologue. My acting experience has taught me story-telling techniques, and now it is so rewarding to perform this music, knowing that the lyrics have a deep significance for me and hoping this will be communicated to my audience as well,” Barbara says.

Recorded at the legendary Studio A of Capital Studios, Rock Me Sweet was arranged by Earl Rose (who also conducted the orchestra). Session musicians on this record include multiple Grammy Award winner Al Schmitt, pianist Michael Lang, bassist Hassan Jiffry, guitarist Larry Koonse, and drummer Harvey Mason.

Barbara has taken your favorite rock anthems from the ’80s and made them her own. If you have ever wondered what these songs would sound like slowed down with more sex appeal and top-shelf jazz musicianship, then go grab your copy now.

I have included the full tracklist below:

1. Dancing In The Dark
2. Hot Blooded
3. I Want You To Want Me
4. Living On A Prayer
5. Sweet Child Of Mine
6. Owner Of A Lonely Heart
7. Hungry Like The Wolf
8. Cat People
9. Where The Streets Have No Name
10. Dancing With Myself
11. Running On Empty

You can connect with Barbara on Facebook or Twitter.