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Back to the Rhythm
Home > Complete List of "q-r" Artists > Ratt > Item 4
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Back to the Rhythm
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by Great White
Sales Rank: 7793
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List Price: $16.98
$13.99
At Amazon
on 2-1-2008.
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Great White's sound has more in common with the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Led Zeppelin than that of their contemporaries. Great White consists of nearly all original members, the most recent of which has a nine year history with the group. The guitar and vocal team of Jack Russell and Mark Kendall are stronger than ever on this explosive new CD and have a unique synergy, not unlike Plant/Page, Tyler/Perry or Jagger/Richards.
More from Great White
Great White pulls off a highly enjoyable return to their roots in this, one of their most consistently solid efforts to date. Disclaimer: I'm not a diehard fan of GW and own about half their albums. This instantly became my favorite due mostly to lack of filler. I'd rather have 12 strong songs that I enjoy straight through than 7 great ones and 5 clunkers, for example. The insert is everything you'd imagine; obligatory thank you's, credits, a pic of the band and the always welcomed lyrics section. There is also a classy nod/dedication to the victims and survivors of the infamous "Station Fire." I don't know if any proceeds from the album go to a fund but that's beside the point. Back to the review! Back To The Rhythm: Love it! It's the "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" of the album for me. Classic GW keyboard/guitar jam and fast-paced. Solid opener and a highlight. I dug the version released on their "Thank You, Goodnight" album and am pleased to see it's inclusion here. Here Goes My Head Again: Co-penned by Jack Blades and Michael Lardie, another winner! Upbeat and catchy. Take Me Down: Heavier, bluesier, more plodding but still enjoyable. This one was co-written by all the GW bros in the current lineup and took a few listens to grow on me. However, it did, and I'm diggin' it. Play On: Another highlight! Also, featured on "Thank You, Goodnight," and I'm elated to see it appear here. The studio version found on BTTR is a little funkier in places and the keys are prominent. Fantastic! Was It The Night: Sad love songs. Something about sad, bluesy love songs. I just like 'em. Another thumbs up! I'm Alive: Well executed, positive love song. Still Hungry: Didn't make a strong first impression. However, it wasn't bad either. Fast-paced. I'd have rather seen the "30 Days In The Hole" cover they're using on the European version... It's just somewhat trite and the lyrics seem very "80's" to me. Didn't White Lion and Winger already do this? grin Standin' On The Edge: Back to something cool! I love it, classic GW. Mark and Michael definitely have chemistry on these uptempto groovy numbers. How Far Is Heaven: In my top 3 favorites! Very nice ballad dealing with mortality. Poignant and masterfully done. Neighborhood: Uptempto but not as catchy as the others. I'm sure it'll get better with additional listens. Lyrics are good! Cold World: Mark Kendall is definitely an underrated guitarist. I really dig this riff-heavy song. Dark, bluesy, not a standout but not filler. Just Yesterday: A tribute and reflection on times gone by for a 20+ year veteran band. Slow, intricate guitarwork and a very nice vocal from Jack. Great closer! I don't like to take the time much anymore to write reviews. It's fun but I have no idea how many people read or appreciate them. But this cd deserves as much acclaim as it can get. The vocals, song-writing and musicianship are all top notch here. It won't change the world but it is certainly more enjoyable than most of the "current rock" I hear nowadays. 12 kudos to GW! Lastly, I have no illusions about GW not being a "hairband." They don't either; just look at the VH1 compilations they participate in. I think the term "hairband" has a negative connotation when it shouldn't. I'm always seeing fans of GW, Cinderella, Tesla and others talk about how much better they are than their "contemporaries" and how they shouldn't be categorized the same. Honestly, the genre was and is still pretty darn cool. There are just as many GW's and Tesla's in it as there are Poison's, Ratt's and Warrant's (all of which I enjoy, for the record!). So, just enjoy the music, turn it up and don't worry about the justifiable "hairband" tag that goes with it. Just bang your heads proudly and raise your glasses! And when the ballads kick in, hold your lighters high and make out with your chick. Call it Rock n' Roll!
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Back to the Rhythm
Available from Amazon
Price: $13.99
Updated on 2-1-2008.
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