Mar 23, 2017 By Clint Rhodes for The 3 min read

Led by the gritty beauty of songs like “Everything Zen,” “Comedown” and “Glycerine,” Bush’s 1994 grunge-rock debut “Sixteen Stone” instantly won me over as a fan.

“Black and White Rainbows” is the British band’s seventh studio release and the impressive follow-up to 2014’s “Man on the Run.”

Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale handles the writing and production of the new tracks that are propelled by his distinctive vocals in a manner that results in nothing short of musical grandeur.

The 51-year-old Rossdale delivers engaging arrangements that deal with coping in a turbulent world and finding little pieces of color in an otherwise black-and-white landscape.

“These are delicate days,” declares Rossdale on “Sky Turns Day Glo” as he examines the numerous environmental concerns that can no longer be pushed aside and ignored.

“Dystopia” continues the dark undertones of living in chaos while seeking some sense of security and order in a divided world where everything you know seems broken.

Rossdale offers hope on a number of tracks that highlight love, encouragement and perseverance.

The album’s first single, “Mad Love,” is a melodic love song about finding ways to keep love alive and strong.

“Lost in You” describes the soothing memories of a past love and how it continues to provide elements of comfort and security.

“I put my faith in love,” sings Rossdale on “Toma Mi Corazon,” even breaking into some Spanish on the track that spotlights love at first sight.

“Water” is an inspiring number that encourages us to strive to lift each other up and make a difference in this world with Rosedale singing, “Breathe life into dead things/Breathe life into beauty.”

“I never thought I’d see your face again,” proclaims Rossdale on the intoxicating “The Edge of Love” as a faded love tries to be rekindled and saved.

Make no mistake, the alt-rockers can still rock it out with grinding guitar chords that recklessly escort Rossdale’s still-strong voice as witnessed on songs like “Ravens,” “Peace-S” and “Nurse.”

“People at War” closes out the 15-track set with a powerful and poignant message that addresses the plight of refugees and the trials they go through as they are forced to leave their homeland in search of safety in unfamiliar lands.

“Black and White Rainbows” is a solid effort that proves that after 25 years, Bush still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.