Golden Earring Albums (29)
'Naked III: Live at the Panama'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 18
Label Golden Earring Benelux
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'Millbrook USA'
Release Date 3/23/2004
Tracks 13
Label Universal International
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'Last Blast of the Century'
Release Date 4/10/2001
Tracks 26
Label Roadrunner International
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'Paradise in Distress'
Release Date 12/28/1999
Tracks 14
Label Import
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What The Critics Say
This 1997 follow-up to The Naked Truth repeats the basic "live and acoustic" formula of that album, but it isn't the uninspired retread one might expect. Since the last album used most of the group's familiar numbers, this collection of songs digs deeper into the group's catalog to highlight some lesser-known gems that will delight Golden Earring fanatics. Two of the best examples are "Buddy Joe," a rousing adventure tale that translates perfectly to the acoustic setting, and "Bombay," a tune that takes an almost hoedown-style quality when stripped of its electric guitars. The set list also includes a few covers that appeared on Love Sweat, "Who Do You Love" and "This Wheel's on Fire." Both songs are ideally suited to the stripped-down atmosphere and are given performances that are energetic enough to make the listener forget this album is not electric. Naked II also differs from The Naked Truth because it includes a pair of studio tracks: "Mood Indigo" is a mid-tempo ballad with an elegant string backing and "Burning Stuntman" is a tribute to thrill seeking built on a thunderous, galloping drum pattern from Cesar Zuiderwijk. The group wisely keeps the instrumentation of these songs acoustic, so they blend easily with the live numbers. However, they probably should have been placed at the end of the album instead of in its middle. All in all, Naked II is primarily a curio for Golden Earring fans but might surprise casual listeners with its energy and tunefulness. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This album finds Golden Earring turning their attention to cover versions with mixed success. To their credit, they have chosen an interesting cross-section of songs that cover everything from the Beach Boys and the Beatles to Bob Seger and the James Gang. They also apply a significant amount of instrumental firepower to the songs: the guitar-fuelled antics of "Motor Bikin'" easily lives up to the original, and their guitar-heavy take on "When I Was Young" exudes a sinister, powerful atmosphere. Another highlight is the group's update of the Bo Diddley classic "Who Do You Love," which raises the tempo to an adrenaline-fuelled speed and further benefits from tight, energetic drum work (complete with a short solo) from Cesar Zuiderwijk. However, not all the songs benefit from the Golden Earring treatment: "Sail on Sailor" loses impact because it lacks the sweet harmonies that balanced out the Beach Boys' original version, and the guitar-heavy rearrangement of "Turn the Page" robs this Bob Seger song of its mood of quiet anguish. Another problem with Love Sweat is that it fails to rework its covers in new and interesting ways. In fact, the cover of "My Little Red Book" is practically a note-for-note copy of the original version. Because they follow the originals so closely, the resulting album lacks the kind of surprises that would make it a standout in the group's catalog. Despite these problems, Love Sweat remains a fine showcase for Golden Earring's instrumental prowess, and thus makes a solid listen for the group's following. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Face It is a result of the acoustic touring that Golden Earring had been doing around the time of this 1994 album's release. Recorded live at guitarist George Kooyman's home studio, the album has a spontaneity and a hand-crafted touch that had been missing from the group's output since the mid-'80s. However, the fact that Face It was recorded live in the studio doesn't mean the album is lacking in polish; the songs are tightly arranged and work in a number of big production touches like string sections, backup vocalists, and unexpected instruments like the accordion. The result is an album that manages to sound lush and lively at the same time. Highlights include "Hold Me Now," a spirited power ballad built on a rousing chorus that is given an extra punch by soaring strings, and "The Unforgettable Dream," a mid-tempo tune with a beguiling, Spanish-flavored melody and plenty of tasty acoustic guitar. The band also throws in plenty of full-tilt rockers like "Liquid Soul," a drum-driven tune that allows Cesar Zuidewijk to show off his percussive prowess, and the barnstorming finale "Legalize Telepathy." The one real problem with Face It is that it settles for being good instead of reaching for greatness; its songs are well-written and given spirited performances, but none of them leap out of the speakers with the instantly accessible hooks of "Radar Love" or "Twilight Zone." As a result, Face It won't win Golden Earring any new fans, but remains a solid, energetic release that will keep the group's fan base happy. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
'Something Heavy Going Down'
Release Date 2/23/1994
Tracks 9
Label CSC
See Album Tracklist and Review
