To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their monster debut album, Lynch Mob released Wicked Sensation Re-imagined on August 28, 2020. Available on Rat Pak Records, the album is a limited release with fresh new cover art, and all original songs have been re-imagined in their own special way to give Lynch Mob fans something truly special to commemorate this incredible milestone.
Founding members, George Lynch and Oni Logan recruited bassist Robbie Crane (Ratt, Black Star Riders) and drummer, Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Silverthorne) to lay down the power and groove to this very special release.
“The term ‘re-record’ makes me cringe, this is not that,” explains Lynch. “We re-invented the wheel on this record. It’s really a different animal than the original! Fans won’t be disappointed!”
The opening title track and first single, “Wicked Sensation” gets quite the unexpected transformation as George infuses elements of funk and soul into his playing. It definitely will get you moving much like the original version, just in a whole new way.
The bluesy re-imagined “River of Love” is a must listen to. Slowed down in tempo, the track really showcases vocalist, Oni Logan’s warm and powerful voice.
Next to the title track, “Sweet Sister Mercy” has always been one of my favorite Lynch Mob songs. I think that is due in part to the killer chorus and background vocals.
“All I Want” sounds even better thirty years later with all of its sexy swagger and big fat groove thanks to Brian (Tichy) and Robbie (Crane). Big fan of the solo, which features some really great talk box effects as well as some very tasty licks and leads.
“Hellchild”, the second single released in anticipation of the album, sounds even darker and more gritty than the original version. Mr. Scary (George Lynch) really shows us why he is one of rock’s most influential guitar players out there today.
Other album highlights include “Bed of Roses”, and “Rain” which are now a pair of excellent mid-tempo rockers that get your feet tapping and singing along in no time.
“Through These Eyes” is re-imagined as an acoustic ballad, and it sounds better than the original version in my opinion. Going unplugged, stripped the track down to the bare bones and really shows the heartfelt emotion that the song was intended to have. This is most definitely another track that you might want to skip ahead to.
Closing out the album, is “Street Fighting Man.” Re-imagined as more of modern day blues rocker, the song is the perfect way to bring this musical undertaking to a close.
Music is felt and interpreted in different ways to different ears. Great songwriting will always stand the test of time, and Lynch Mob has proven that with this 30th anniversary release of Wicked Sensation. While the original still holds up extremely well to this day, there is always room for reinvention and reimagining. These songs have been handled with great care by George (Lynch) and Oni (Logan) and coming from someone who still has Wicked Sensation in their musical rotation, this is a must pickup.
Rating: 8/10 Stars.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
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