Category: Rock & Symphonic/Metal

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:15 Min.

This 1990 song was among the tracks released for radio play from Winger’s second album: In the Heart of the Young.  Its lead singer is Kip Winger. 

REVIEW:

Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era.  Considering the group’s output, it isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard. 

Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first album and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well.  From the band’s second effort, the underrated “Miles Away” may take first place on that hypothetical list.       

Benefiting from a catchy melody (including a terrific piano accompaniment),“Miles Away” delivers a surprisingly good ballad.  Specifically, the lyrics speak of regret and lingering, if not fading, hope turning into heartbreak re: a romance broken up in part by long distance.  Backed by his band’s high-energy instrumental work, Kip Winger’s articulate, almost haunting vocals soar in impressive fashion.  This track is a Winger career highlight, as it merits a chance for re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 5:00 Min.

Canadian songstress Leah McHenry (aka Leah or LEAH) released this rock track off her 2015 album, Kings & Queens.

REVIEW:

In terms of symphonic rock, Leah McHenry strikes gold — as a compliment, this tune sounds virtually out of Evanescence’s playbook.  “Save the World” doesn’t possess the most original sound, but, for fans of the genre, this underrated gem is worth adding to any epic adventure-themed playlist. 

BRIAN ’S ODD MOON RATING:                                   8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 3:30 Min.

Lita Ford released “Shot of Poison” off her 1991 album, Dangerous Curves.  In addition to inspiring a 1992 music video, this song went on to score a 1993 Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.  

REVIEW:

This song possesses a definite ‘80s lite-metal sound.  While the standard-issue melody holds up okay, Lita Ford’s upbeat vocals can’t disguise the tune’s shallow, generally clichéd lyrics.  It’s hard to fathom why the unremarkable “Shot of Poison” almost earned a Grammy, but Ford’s charisma was evidently the difference maker.  If anything, her “Shot of Poison” remains a decent option for ‘80s rock and lite-metal playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5 Stars

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SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 4:16 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this upbeat track (Track # 2).  Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.   

REVIEW:

The pulsating “Poison Apple” serves up an epic metal homage to a suspenseful scene re: the conniving villainess of Snow White.  It’s a well-played track that Heidi Parviainen’s operatic voice ominously brings to life  — in this instance, she sounds remarkably like fellow songstress Leah McHenry.  For metal afficionados, this “Poison Apple” is certainly worth consideration as a download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 5:15 Min.

This 1988 song was the initial track released for radio play (including an MTV video) promoting Winger’s self-named debut album.  Its lead singer is Kip Winger. 

REVIEW:

Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era.  It also isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard.  Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first album and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well.  The debut album’s big hit, “Headed for a Heartbreak,” is one of them.       

The excessively soaring melody dominates the limited lyrics, but credit must go to the band’s high-caliber instrumental work.  One might even deem this song a fair assessment of Winger’s legacy from that era: it makes for great ear candy, but the song is soon forgettable considering the vast number of similar bands. 

More specifically, there isn’t any asset distinctive enough to resurrect “Headed for a Heartbreak” as some long-forgotten metal classic.  If one is seeking a decent metal ballad, this track exudes it, including a long non-vocal stretch for its finale.  Kip Winger’s hauntingly eloquent vocals are an added bonus.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 5:31 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this upbeat track (Track # 7).  Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.   

REVIEW:

Sounding as if it’s ominous epic metal meets Andrew Lloyd Webber, the pulsating “Hunting the Dreamer” is a terrific showcase for Heidi Parviainen’s operatic voice. Impressively, the intriguing instrumentals sync to her vocals instead of drowning her out.  Well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 4:55 Min.

This Coldplay track is from their 2005 album: X & Y.

REVIEW:

Hauntingly poignant, “Fix You” should inspire anyone not to give up on an uphill battle re: physical limitations, no matter the odds.  Imbuing listeners with a sense of courage and renewed willpower, this thought-provoking song is an ideal addition to workout playlists.        

BRIAN’S ODD MON RATING:                       10 Stars

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