Knowing that none of us are getting any younger, Kip Winger wanted to write one more album before it’s too late. The result is Winger’s new release, Seven, out on May 5 on Frontier Records. It’s their seventh studio effort and the follow-up to 2014’s stellar album, Better Days Comin’.
In the glorious world of 80s glam metal, Kip Winger’s voice is comparable to that of Stephen Pearcy, Tom Keifer and Mark Slaughter – you recognize them all immediately. And that voice is as strong, if not stronger now, than it was on the band’s platinum selling, self-titled 1988 debut album – remember Madalaine and Seventeen?
Pair that unmistakable vocal talent with guitarist/songwriter extraordinaire, Reb Beach, and you’ve got the nucleus of a powerhouse band. Rod Morgenstein, Paul Taylor and John Roth round out what is one of the most technically proficient acts of the genre – both 35 years ago and today.
The opening riff of the first single, Proud Desperado, signals the direction of the rest of the album. Reb’s solo was shot out of a cannon on this one. I only wish it were longer!
Heaven’s Falling and Tears of Blood are up next, both following Winger’s tried and true formula of crunchy riffs and arena-rock choruses. I wouldn’t take a bathroom break at a live Winger show during either of these new tunes.
One of the highlights is Stick the Knife In and Twist. “Electric lips you can’t resist – come and get your fix.” The boys very well may have pulled those lyrics from a beer-stained folder dated 1989… and that’s just fine with me!
If there’s a masterpiece on this album, it may be the last track, It All Comes Back Around. It’s seven-and-a-half minutes of complex chord progressions and Reb Beach wizardry. Clearly, this one was a labor of love for Kip and the band.
Winger guitarist, John Roth, described Seven as “meticulously produced and recorded, [with] tons of layers of background vocals.” While true at times, it also has hints of these guys just turning it up to10 and pressing record!
For whatever reason, perhaps it was Beavis and Butthead, Winger has been unjustly criticized from the beginning. But Kip is an immensely talented and classically trained musician with a band of close friends that’s more than worthy of bearing his name.
As fans, we’re fortunate to continue getting new music from bands like Winger, who obviously love creating it as much as we love consuming it.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski
Connect with Winger online:
https://www.facebook.com/WingerTheBand
