Kip Winger decided to start his own group in 1986 after gigging with
Alice Cooper to hone his chops. Winger (vocals, bass) joined forces
with guitarist Reb Beach, bassist Paul Taylor, and drummer Rod Morgenstein,
formerly of The Dixie Dregs. They very quickly made it to the top
of the charts with their monster metal-pop hit "Seventeen." More success
was to follow after a solid million selling debut. 1990's 'In The
Heart Of The Young' was equally successful selling over a million
copies. After a fast rise to the top it was an equally quick drop
out the spotlight for the group as the 1990's Seattle alternative
rock sound took the world's youth by storm.
'The Very Best Of Winger' is a sixteen-track collection that serves
as a real eye opener. It concisely highlights an abbreviated yet tremendously
successful career. You have a tendency to forget groups like this
because they weren't around long enough to stay at the forefront of
your mind. Best of collections like this remind you of just how good
groups like Winger were and how important their role was in developing
and promoting a particular genre.
'On The Inside' and 'Hell To Pay' are bonus tracks recently recorded
by the original lineup for this collection, they were written previously
for the 'Pull' sessions. Using 'On The Inside' as the album opener
was a brilliant move by Kip. It starts things off fresh and vibrant
and gives everyone a taste of something new. There isn't any filler
on this entire CD. Every song is overflowing with the energy and sexuality
of rock and roll. My favorites were 'On The Inside', 'Seventeen',
and the raucous 'Junkyard Dog (Tears On Stone).'
This music wasn't about teen angst (as the status quo may believe)
it was about being young and full of life. Kip Winger gives a nice
introduction in the liner notes about his feelings and the collection.
He picked the songs himself to make sure all the fans got the very
best. Now isn't that what makes a group successful to start with?
Thinking about what the people want to hear? I think he did a great
job with this collection and the sound is fantastic. You get nothing
but the best from the vaults of Rhino Records; you can always count
on that. Don't miss out on this great collection. Give it a spin and
get your blood circulating to feel the exuberance and fire of youth again.
1. On The Inside
2. Blind Revolution Mad
3. Down Incognito
4. Spell I'm Under
5. Who's The One
6. Junkyard Dog (Tears On Stone)
7. Hell To Pay
8. Can't Get Enuff 9. Under One Condition
10. Easy Come Easy Go
11. Rainbow In The Rose
12. Miles Away
13. Seventeen
14. Madalaine
15. Hungry
16. Headed For A Heartbreak
