Known as the decade of decadence, the 80's definitely delivered some of the most straight forward rock money could buy and while it also had it's share of trendsetter posers and undesirable fluff, its leading attributes will forever recognize it as thee era of the party monger. Helping to keep that mindset alive and well all the way into 2011, nearly 25 years later, are L.A.'s quintessential rock outfit Warrant.
The "down boys" are back with their latest effort Rockaholic, a fitting title for sure and an absolute ode to all things 80's. Exactly what you'd expect from one of the most successful acts to emerge from the aftermath of the Hair Metal wars. You gotta love their attitude too, holding fast to what they know and not fearing acceptance by today's mainstream mongrels in the slightest. Rockaholic is a fresh start in more ways than one for the guys. Having experienced their share of trouble in holding down a frontman over the course of years, this new offering features the debut of vocalist Robert Mason (Lynch Mob) to the fold. Following the departure of Jamie St. James (Black 'N Blue) who sang on the band's last studio album 2006's Born Again and short lived reunion with original vocalist Jani Lane whose on again off again status finally took it's toll on the band for what we may presume as the last time, Mason steps in to usher in a new era for the band.
One of the things that truly makes this CD great, is the fact that Mason seems to fit the bands style almost as if he were specifically created for the position and his unique voice gives Warrant exactly the right fuel they need to make this album work in their favor. In addition to the stellar achievements of the bands new vocalist, their penchant to deliver that all impressive rock hook is in tact and widely recognizable on such cuts as "Life's A Song", "Sex Ain't Love", and "Sanke", not to mention the tad bit more laid back feel of such tracks as "Home", and "Found Forever". Not exactly the power ballads that they are known for, but definitely some heart felt contributions that will make you feel good and contemplate life. Call it nostalgia if you like, but truth be told Warrant, along with many of their contemporaries are as potent today as they were 20 years ago and there are those of us who continue to appreciate their contribution to the sound track of life.
-Priest
