The Cult--Sonic Temple

The Cult--Sonic Temple (1989) Rating--7.9 **U.S. Sales Certification--Platinum**

Less bluesy and nasty-Marshall distortion on this release when placed alongside the last, as the songs are a bit more advanced. Still, not a whole lot of the rock is lost. Sort of streamlined, but still more meats-and-potatos than a lot of bands. A decent ride, no matter how you want to compare it to 'Electric.'
"Fire Woman" and "Edie (Ciao Baby)" were the two singles, with the latter having a slow, violin-based intro that builds into a good chorus and smooth solo.
A number of songs just plain flow and rock: "Sun King," "Sweet Soul Sister," "Soul Asylum," and "New York City," to name a few of the top highlights. Zeppelin-tinged riffs show up on "Automatic Blues," and Badlands-like harmonica work leads into the pounding riff of "Medicine Train."
Solid, with less hooks---which means you'll remember the album as a whole more than you'll remember individual songs. Not entirely a bad thing...
TRACK LIST: Sun King/Fire Woman/American Horse/Edie (Ciao Baby)/Sweet Soul Sister/Soul Asylum/New York City/ Automatic Blues/Soldier Blue/Wake Up Time For Freedom/Medicine Train

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