Back to Rhythm [Extra tracks]

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!

I'd forgotten how much I miss rock the way it was played back in the 80s. Back then I worshipped bands like Ratt, Guns n' Roses, Motley Crue and Def Leppard. I remember liking Great White's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" but didn't have any of their albums (yes, back then we had the vinyl and maybe a cassette or two). This summer, I threw a huge 80s party and reconnected with the music I loved. I found myself really drawn to the blues-rock that Great White features; when I found they were releasing a new CD I preordered it immediately. I've not regretted the purchase. These guys still know how to rock! Give them a chance and I think you'll love what they have to offer!

If you're a fan of GW, then this whole album is very familiar. There aren't really any surprises, just more good solid content that is mostly in a similar style as some of their previous work. Overall, the album takes a little more relaxed, mature tone as opposed to being a hard-rocking album all the way through. It has it's strong tracks and not so strong ones too, but overall it's worth buying if you have previously enjoyed the GW sound. How many good ROCK albums are made these days anyway? Not many. If you enjoy traditional rock performed by skilled musicians, the rarity of that these days makes it worth purchasing all by itself - support the craft.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 32 reviews  4.2 out of 5 stars