So with the release of Warrant’s second album in 1990, the band struck gold mainly due to the title track lighting up the charts and becoming the band’s signature tune. Of course this was also a poison chalice for front man and main songwriter Jani Lane, as he hated the fact that people would recognize him as the “Cherry Pie guy” until the day he died.
Enough of the sadness, let’s celebrate what was probably the last of the great hair rock albums before the grunge bomb hit. Cherry Pie is a killer tune and it opens up the album, but there is so much more goodness hidden in the grooves, like the second track Uncle Toms Cabin, which is my favourite. Great hook and chorus, and Jani’s vocals are superb, what a great song! I Saw Red is the first power ballad on the album, and I have to say I really like it. Mainly due to the vocal and the guitar when the power kicks in. Bed Of Roses has a great hook and melody, and just a hint of what is now known as Americana in the main verse. Sure Feels Good To Me is a kick-ass up tempo rocker that closes out Side 1. A definite feel good Friday night special.
Over to Side 2 we go with Love In Stereo and, boys and girls, I’m pleased to say it’s more of the same. A great sing-a-long hard rockin’ tune with a snappy solo. Blind Faith is the second power ballad and was the fourth single released. Song And Dance Man has its feet in two camps, as its part ballad and part rocker. I love the rocker part as the riff is really cool and the solos are killer. Talking about solos, there were big rumours at the time that the solos were played by hired guns, namely Mike Slamer from Streets.
Next track, You’re The Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised carries on the sing-a-long party anthem vibe of most of the record. Mr. Rainmaker has a a nice riff but it’s Jani’s voice that drives what is otherwise a stock melodic rock tune. A cover of Blackkfoot’s Train Train follows, I love the original with that deep southern groove, and Warrant gave it the LA treatment. The album finally closes out with Ode To Tipper Gore. I get the freedom of speech thing, but just putting a selection of swear words from live shows together is something a 12 year-old would find cool.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
