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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