Even though the band formed in ’82, this was not released until ’86. Fun fact, original members Michael Schermick and Tony Destra would leave the band to form another glam metal outfit, Britney Fox, who would have limited success – but nowhere near as famous as Cinderella would become. Now, most critics love the album after this Long Cold Winter, but for me, this was as good as it got for them. The band were all about Tom Keifer’s voice and Jeff Lebar’s guitar antics. Keifer’s voice is so distinctive with that gravelly style, but that would cause him constant problems that would need a few surgeries to keep him going.
Anyway, onto the music. What we have here folks is mid-eighties glam metal in all its glory. First song and the title song of the album, Night Songs, shows just how strong Keifer’s voice is. Second track in, Shake Me, is a bonafide glam classic. Killer tune! Nobody’s Fool is a typical power ballad that every band would throw in to keep the record company happy. There are quite a few classics on this record that they would not better on forthcoming releases. Once Around The Ride, Hell On Wheels and Push Push are really cracking tunes that any band around at the time would be jealous of.
My personal favourite track is Once Around The Ride – a great riff that really drives the song along. One of the best glam metal albums for sure.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
