Steelheart--Steelheart (1990)
Rating--8.0
Everybody Loves Eileen--RealAudio
Despite being standard-fare, almost cheesy '80s metal, this album still pushes forth the talents of a band adept at both
songwriting and its instruments. While many of the songs simply remind of other, more notable bands, it's still an enjoyable,
party-atmosphere listen. Very sharp, distorted guitars, in the vein of a Slaughter or Dokken.
Another interesting distinction: vocalist Michael Matijevic can hit some of the highest notes in metal, bar none--he comes across as
smoother than Mark Slaughter, yet not as powerful as a Halford. Place him somewhere in between, and it's an impressive set of
pipes.
A number of super '80s-style riffs, which are showcased in full force on songs like "Love Ain't Easy", "Rock n' Roll
(I Just Wanna)", and the sassy "Gimme Gimme". Firehouse and AC/DC
undertones can be heard on such rippers as "Can't Stop Me Lovin' You" and "Sheila", and lighter shades of Poison
and Warrant are displayed on "Down n' Dirty".
The lead single on this album was the soaring,
respectable power ballad "I'll Never Let You Go", though the true gem is the innovative, crisp and talented "Everybody Loves
Eileen".
TRACK LIST: Love Ain't Easy/Can't Stop Me Lovin' You/Like Never Before/I'll Never Let You Go/Everybody Loves Eileen/
Sheila/Gimme Gimme/Rock n' Roll (I Just Wanna)/She's Gone/Down n' Dirty
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