Here we go with another example making us contemplate "What's in a name?" Similar to Journey, how much classic White Lion is really in the new White Lion? In this case, the answer is just Mike Tramp. So does this new CD truly deserve to be called White Lion? In my opinion, no freakin' way. And I would have said that before even hearing a single note off the CD. White Lion - at a minimum - MUST include guitar wizard Vito Bratta.
I've spun this CD several times now and it only sounds like White Lion twice...on the two live bonus tracks "Wait" and "When the Children Cry". Even that is a stretch because no one can play Vito Bratta like Bratta. So pox on Mike Tramp for engaging in this cash cow nonsense. Why was he not content to just put out a fifth solo CD, which this truly is?
Anyway, sorry about the rant. And don't get me wrong...while I don't think he is a great vocalist, I still think Mike Tramp is a solid, prolific songwriter that continues to crank out some of the catchiest AOR of the day. Fans of classic White Lion are not going to get much out of this CD, but fans of Mike Tramp will love it.
The CD starts off with one of those epic 4-songs-in-1 that Mike Tramp used to write for White Lion, "Sangre de Cristo". Another one bores us later called "Battle of Little Big Horn". There are some interesting bridges in these tunes, and the politically charged lyrics are OK, but overall I can't get into them. In contrast, Mike Tramp's more simplistic songs that encourage listeners to keep dreaming and never give up ("Dream", "Live Your Life") come across rather well - it is his specialty. The upbeat father-son tune "I Will" is another highlight. "Never Let You Go" brings back memories of the superior love ballads on "Mane Attraction", but this piano-driven sap fest is pretty good in its own right. "Gonna Do It My Way" is an excellent rocker with a Def Leppard-style chorus and Van Halen inspired guitar work in the verses. "Finally See the Light" is also a cool track, with a groovy verse and sing-along chorus. They should have quit here, because the chorus of the final track, "Let Me Be Me", showcases how bad Mike Tramp can really sound.
All in all, one of the better and more rocking Mike Tramp solo CDs under the guise of White Lion. There is plenty on this CD to delight most AOR fans if you don't mind the thin and raspy vocal styling of Mike Tramp.
iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9
White Lion (?) on MySpace. Official site.
Vito Bratta on MySpace.
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