England’s Oldest and Greatest Rocker Ian Hunter Powers on to His 85th Birthday with Two Amazing Singles and an Age Defiant Long Player, by Ron Swanson

How many rock stars have lived long enough, not to mention remained creatively vital enough, to release two great albums in their mid 80s? Ian Hunter has to be the only one and his two great, recent, octogenarian-composed albums are: Defiance, Part 1 (2023) and Defiance, Part 2, which is out now.

Ian Hunter’s 85th birthday will take place June 3, 2024.

With Defiance, Part 2 still a few days in the future, all I have available to talk about now are the two wonderful singles he has put out in the last month, “Precious” and “People.”

Both songs are on the poppier end of the spectrum for Ian. “Precious” is both infectious and insightful. Queen guitarist Brian May tones himself down just a bit to fit the song beautifully. I believe Queen opened for Hunter’s early 70s band Mott the Hoople or vice versa in the way back, so that’s a great combination now. I consider both Ian and Brian among the best I’ve ever heard.

As with all the best of Hunter’s songs, there is a fierce, uncompromising intelligence somehow coexisting with an absolute love of the music and the telling of a good story on both of these songs.

As for the rest of Defiance: Part 2?

“Hope” is gorgeous and “Weed” is anthemic— in life and in song— and the lyrics have earned a careful listen.

“What Would I do without You” is not one of Ian’s best, but adding Lucinda Williams makes anything better.

There’s a song called “The 3rd Rail.” Ian does seem to have a knowledge of Chicago and its history which reminds me of his long ago performance of “Resurrection Mary” at Lounge Axe and seems like a shout out to me and all of his Windy City fans who love his music and support his live shows.