A word to the wise, ladies and gentlemen: if you want an easy life on your social media, don’t post a Beatles covers album review that says you don’t like The Beatles.
I say that from experience—given that I wrote exactly that when I reviewed the last Enuff Z’Nuff record (and, judging by the fact I’ve happily doubled down on it in the intro here, clearly I stand by it).
This, though, is a more conventional Enuff Z’Nuff record. That is to say, “Extra Cherries” is full of the best power pop and some of the most biting lyrics you’ll find anywhere.
In short, Chip Z’Nuff (I’m not convinced that’s his real name, y’know) is firing on his usual cylinders.
And he’s brought a load of his mates to help him out. Here are just a few: Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, original Journey vocalist Robert Fleischman, current Journey guitarist Neal Schon, Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler, Steve Stevens, and Gunnar Nelson.
Which would matter not a jot if the songs were crap—but they never are with EZN.
The piano-based “Heartbeat” acts as a kind of overture to open the record, but things really get going with “No Cold Feeling”—a hook-filled beauty that sees Trixter’s Steve Brown give it us good (children of the early ’90s will see what I did there). There’s also a gem of a pop tune in “Sanibel Island (It’s Outta Control)”, built around some superb piano work.
“Heavy Metal”—as you’d expect—has a driving riff, but it’s sweeter than ELO. That’s what Chip does.
And speaking of riffs, Steve Stevens’ contribution to “Magnificent” is, well, just that. Even a confirmed Queen-hater like me can spot a similarity in “Back to the Wall”.
They always seem to find a different angle. “Take It or Leave It” features some fantastic synth work, while “You Make Me Wanna Lie” has a strutting glam-rock confidence and an organ part Deep Purple would be proud of.
Gunnar Nelson (and I can’t live without his love and affection, frankly) appears on the sensational boogie of “Star Star”—a potty-mouthed highlight if ever there was one. And it’s brilliant to hear Steven Adler anchoring down rock ‘n’ roll songs again—especially ones as good as “Zillion Miles Away”. Try getting the chorus out of your head. Go on.
The closer, “Shine”, is more than just “the Journey one”—Schon and Fleischman notwithstanding. It also features original Enuff Z’Nuff man Donnie Vie. It’s glorious, of course, but it also shows something more.
What it shows is how Chip has kept the spirit of the band intact through decades and countless line-up changes, without ever sounding rehashed or dated.
It’s a staggering feat to be this good 21 albums in, but nonetheless, these Extra Cherries are as fresh as they are tasty.
Rating: 8.5/10
