White Lion--Big Game (1989)
Rating--8.8
The crown jewel of the band's discography, as the riffs, vocals, and songwriting are all at their best. Vito Bratta continues to move forward and mature as one of rock's most underrated guitarists, and Mike Tramp and company keep us nicely. This album is pretty much all-around complete, whereas the previous efforts may have fallen short on some of the songs. Reminds at times of the inventiveness of early Van Halen and Extreme; if you're going to try these guys out, this is the one to get.
The lead single was "Little Fighter," which in part explains why the album didn't soar like its predecessor. Ok--let me explain: While a strong song, with a sharp intro and great chorus, it's not as catchy as either of the lead singles off of 'Pride.' Thus, the stage was set for this disc, and it was quickly shuffled aside in the commercial landscape of the rapidly approaching nineties. Ah well---the sheep's..errrr....MTV viewer's...loss.
Two absolutely stellar, carefree type of tunes--"Goin' Home Tonight" and "Living on the Edge." Not sappy or California hair fare, just good time rock/metal. These two simply flow, and once you learn the words you'll find yourself singing along every time.
Buried here and there are nasty romps with derelict riffs, such as the sassy "Dirty Woman," the "Hot-For-Teacher"-ish "Let's Get Crazy," and a winding, foot-stomping remake of Golden Earring's "Radar Love."
The gem--and ultimate surprise from the boys--is the dark and cauldron-heavy chug of "If My Mind is Evil." A splendid chorus, and a crunching atmosphere! Not the White Lion you grew up with...
Several ballads are inserted for good measure, with "Cry For Freedom" being a nice mid-tempo rocker with a good melody.
Get it for Vito, get it for "If My Mind...", get it just to expand your metal selection.

TRACK LIST:

  1. Goin' Home Tonight
  2. Dirty Woman
  3. Little Fighter
  4. Broken Home
  5. Baby Be Mine
  6. Living on the Edge
  7. Let's Get Crazy
  8. Don't Say It's Over
  9. If My Mind is Evil
  10. Radar Love
  11. Cry For Freedom
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