WINGER: IV

Cover	Release	Style
	2006-10-20	Melodic rock
	Label
	Frontiers
	Website
	Winger
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	49:57	FR CD 305
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	8/10
nederlands	Review
Remember WINGER? They were one of the so-called ‘hair bands’, which, along with bands like POISON and WARRANT, enjoyed quite a bit of success in the 80’s and early 90’s, mainly because of the airplay they received on MTV. But then Grunge came along and WINGER became a victim of ridicule, especially on the BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD animated series, also on MTV. Not long after their 3^rd album, Pull, the band split up. This was ironic, as Pull was the heaviest, the most mature and by far the best of their albums – a departure from the slick, over-commercial music of Winger and In The Heart Of The Young. 13 years on and WINGER are back with their fourth album, simply titled IV. Today, the line-up is Kip Winger (vocals, bass), Reb Beach (guitars), Rod Morgenstein (drums), John Roth (guitars) and newcomer Cenk Eroglu on keys and guitars. The heavier sound of Pull is continued here, but the band have matured even more. There are some modern influences, but - if that should turn you off - this is done only in the most elegant fashion. You’ll also recognize certain elements of the music mainmen Winger and Beach have been busy with over the years: Kip’s solo work, Beach’s band The Mob and the progressive touch which was present on the XCARNATION disc – the project of Cenk Eroglu, on which Winger, Beach and Morgenstein also participated. ‘Four Leaf Clover’, ‘Livin’ Just To Die’ and especially ‘M16’ are excellent, powerful and melodic rockers. The melancholic ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ (not the Elvis Presley song) is one of the best and most moving songs I’ve heard this year. ‘On A Day Like Today’ is another great semi ballad. Not too fond of ‘Generica’ and ‘Disappear’, but then you should allow a band one or two fillers. OK, so the lyrics may sound a bit too patriotic for our European ears, but don’t let that put you off. Just let the music do the talking. An album that needs a few spins to reveal its strengths, which are many. Great comeback for WINGER.
Musicians
Kip Winger: vocals, bass, acoustics, keys Reb Beach: guitars, vocals Rod Morgenstein: drums John Roth: guitars, vocals Cenk Eroglu: keys, guitars & fx
Tracklist
Right Up Ahead Blue Suede Shoes Four Leaf Clover M16 Your Great Escape Disappear On A Day Like Today Livin' Just To Die Short Flight To Mexico Generica Can't Take It Back
Discography
Winger (1988) In The Heart Of the Young (1990) Pull (1993) IV (2006)


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