Winger Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
If you can forgive an aging Kip Winger for singing the praises of jailbait in "Seventeen," then Winger Live is a harmless, nostalgic trip through the glamour and glitz of '80s hair metal. The band's entire founding lineup is present -- a rare feat for any 20-year-old act, but one that's especially impressive given this genre's high turnover rate in the 21st century. Kip's pipes and poster-boy good looks have withered a bit with age, and many (if not all) of the songs have been modified, their original keys lowered in accordance with the singer's dwindling range. Still, Winger blows through this two-disc set with convincing energy, playing all the predictable hits ("Heading for a Heartbreak," "Seventeen," "Miles Away") while falling prey to the typical (but excusable, since it's all in good fun) trappings of an '80s rock band. That is, they devote entire tracks to solos by guitarist Reb Beach and drummer Rod Morgenstein, and there's a great deal of "Come on!" and "Help me out! Sing it!" yelled by the enthusiastic bandmates. Most of the highlights are sandwiched onto the second disc, which features the band's encore section as well as a solid version of the forgotten "Who's the One." For the most part, Winger Live is strictly a "fans only" release, but that won't keep it from evoking a bit of guilty nostalgia in others. ~ Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Many figured that the last they heard from Winger was 1993's coolly received Pull, as the group splintered shortly after the album's release in the face of grunge's brief reign and Beavis & Butthead deeming the group un-hip. But with just about every '80s band reuniting in the much more hair metal-friendly climate of the early 21st century, it was only a matter of time until the Winger gentlemen reappeared. And in 2006, three-fourths of the original Winger lineup returned, with the appropriately titled IV. Although original keyboardist/guitarist Paul Taylor is nowhere to be found, Winger's other main three -- singer/bassist Kip Winger, guitarist Reb Beach, and drummer Rod Morgenstein have all reclaimed their rightful positions. Instead of trying to completely overhaul the Winger sound for the 21st century, the lads stick closely to the expected Winger musical template, which switches between heavy rockers (the album-opening "Right Up Ahead"), pop with a melodic yet-hard edge ("Four Leaf Clover"), and the obligatory power ballad ("On a Day Like Today"). The only difference between Winger 2006 and Winger 1988 is that the subject matter is more current events-based, as evidenced by such tracks as "M16." Still, if you liked Winger before, there's no reason why you won't like them on IV. [The CD was also released with a bonus track.] ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
'In the Heart of the Young'
Release Date 7/13/1990
Tracks 11
Label Atlantic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Winger's second album, In the Heart of the Young, continues in the same vein of slick, progressive-tinged, radio-ready pop-metal featured on their debut -- almost what Asia or 90125-era Yes might sound like as hair bands. The melodies and guitars still twist and turn in unpredictable directions, but the material on In the Heart of the Young isn't always as musically interesting as the songs on Winger. Plus, the inclusion of more ballads detracts from the overall energy. Still, there's enough here to make the album worthwhile for anyone who enjoyed its predecessor, especially in the absence of a best-of collection. "Miles Away" became a Gulf War love anthem, while "Can't Get Enuff" and "Easy Come Easy Go" are fine rockers that nevertheless failed to make much of a dent in the charts. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Since Winger was marketed largely on the looks of lead singer Kip Winger, and since their sleazy rockers and lovelorn ballads cover the same old pop-metal territory, the band's high-quality musicianship tended to get overlooked. Guitarist Reb Beach earned wide praise from other musicians, and he, ex-Dixie Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein, and keyboardist Paul Taylor bring a distinct progressive metal influence to many of the tunes on Winger. Even if the lyrics are standard issue, the album is impeccably composed, crafted, and played, with melodies, riffs, and guitar solos taking off in unexpected directions and keeping the listener slightly off balance -- no easy task in the cookie-cutter hair metal genre. The only misstep is an overdone, tight-assed, totally misguided recasting of "Purple Haze." Otherwise, Winger is a surprisingly accomplished debut. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
