December 7, 2006
Winger :: Winger IV
CD Review
By The Atomic Chaser
A welcome surprise from the reformed, Winger. The band's latest release, ‘WINGER IV' retains the signature Winger melody and trademark guitar hooks of Reb Beach while still sounding like a contemporary rock record. In short, it's incredible. This is a more aggressive introspective Winger. Filled with exceptional production and song writing. As far as songwriters go, I consider Kip Winger to be one of the best in the music industry. Apart from Kip himself, ‘WINGER IV' features original guitarist Reb Beach and drummer Rod Morgenstein joined by John Roth on guitar and Cenk Eroglu on keyboards. The songs on ‘WINGER IV’ are complex musically and lyrically without ever losing the ability to easily grab you. It was like reading letters from our troops in the Middle East. There is no song on this album that isn't either great or very good. Hence why I think it’s an amazing album. If you liked 'Pull', you will love ‘WINGER IV'. It is more than a worthy successor, and quite possibly BETTER than 'Pull'. Anyone who is a fan of album-oriented rock would be crazy to pass on this album along with any other Winger album! Production is first rate and each song stands on its own merit, with tracks such as, " Right Up Ahead", "Your Great Escape", both straight ahead melodic rocker and "On a Day Like Today", a mid-tempo ballad a la "Miles Away". Then you have "Can't take it back" exhibiting the classic Winger sound loaded with Reb Beach guitar licks and Wingers mesmerizing vocals. Songs like this definitely show that they have put some effort into going into a new direction, with long hook-laden solo's replaced with slower paced ones or faster beats arranged in short doses throughout the record. Kip's voice sounds even better than it did 14 years ago. Rod's drumming is tighter than ever working perfectly with Reb Beach's sizzling guitar work! In short, if you like previous Winger releases you will love ‘WINGER IV', ten fold! It will blow you away from the moment your press play!



























