Customer Reviews

Legacy

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4 star:		(1)
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The new Cd from Girlschool ranks right up there with the classic Demolition & Hit & Run albums (which every fan of NWOBHM should own) - Favorite tracks are From the other side, Legend (A tribute to their late guitarist Kelly Johnson), I Spy (both versions), Metropolis (Fast Eddie - keep playing miss that guitar sound big time) and Don't mess around - This is a classic CD & Congrats to the band on their 30th anniversary

How many "all-girl" rock bands can really rock as hard as their male counterparts, especially when those counterparts include bands like Motorhead and Saxon? Only one - Girlschool. Forget about lace, this band is all leather and steel. Girlschool's 2008 release Legacy marks 30 years of delivering hard-hitting, kick in the teeth, rock & roll.

As reliable as Girlschool has been over the past three decades, some of their later releases have seemed less than essential. Fortunately that is not the case with Legacy. This is a high octane rock & roll record. Girlschool seems completely energized and vital here, and the sheer energy on display on this album rivals anything a younger band could deliver. This is a completely heavy, completely rocking album with plenty of standout tracks. Rockers like "Everything's the Same", "Spend, Spend, Spend", "Metropolis", and "Don't Mess Around" are all but guaranteed to get your blood pumping, and there isn't a single ballad or sappy love song to offend the ear.

Legacy is equal parts studio album and anniversary party, and features some special guest appearances throughout the album, including Twisted Sister's J.J. French and Eddie Ojeda, Whitesnake bassist Neil Murray, Motorhead alum Phil Campbell, Fast Eddie Clarke, and Lemmy himself (who provides vocals for "Don't Talk To Me". Metal gods Tony Iommi and Ronnie James Dio even turn up on the bonus version of "I Spy", which sounds like it could have come from Black Sabbath's Dehumanizer. The most interesting guest appearance is the "ghost appearance" of original Girlschool guitarist Kelly Johnson, who died in 2007 (and who is so effectively eulogized in the song "Legend"). Her ashes were used on percussion for album opener "Everything's the Same". It's somewhat morbid, but totally metal.

Legacy is a must buy album for Girlschool fans. It's also the perfect album to introduce/reintroduce people to this long running band. The band is in top form, it's got Lemmy, and it's got Dio. The bottom line is that if you like rock & roll, you should love Legacy.

Wow! Am I glad I bought this cd. Girlschool's back and rockin' as good as ever! Enid's voice and songwriting really shine on this one. The song list shown here is the correct progression. On the cd cover it has Emergency listed before London. They start off with three songs with the usual Girlschool reputation of rockin' hard. Legend and London are a couple of songs with introspection and insight flavors. Emergency is a new version but as good as the original recording, just different. Zeitgiest and Whole New World are heavy and tricky. If I had to choose a favorite song on this album, it would be Whole New World. With Enid's voice, stop and start guitar riffs, and effects, this song has it all. This cd has something for the old Girlschool fans as well as those who enjoy how they have also grown and progressed. I can't wait for the next album. Way to go, girls!!!

...one of their best albums ever. I listened to this CD & I found it to be addictive! Its a great drug to be on.

....and a great album to workout to in the gym. Well worth the admission price. These old ladies still bring it.

This CD has a major list of awesome guests. Hopefully they tour on this CD. The classic Girlschool/Motorhead tour would do great in that blank space to fill during Motorheads 2010 tour. Production quality is top notch.

I agree completely with the other reviewers who raved about Legacy. This is a must-have album for everyone who was ever a fan of Girlschool. For new listeners, I suggest pairing Legacy with one of the earlier compilation albums such as The Collection. Or just buy all the earlier albums.

Not a criticism but simply a caution to long time fans: This album is more solemn in tone than other Girlschool albums. The songs are as clever as ever, but that wink, that sly little smile, that laugh we are used to, isn't here. Highly understandable with Kelly's passing which clearly influenced the songs and contributors. I learned something with Legacy: the band that could always make me laugh can also make me cry. That's not a bad thing. I just hope the girls rediscover that humorous tone for their next project. (Kick the boys out of the studio and have some fun!)

Something that remains constant with Legacy is the mix of material. Some songs are very personal while others are great social commentary. Girlschool remains among the smartest of this genre.

Finally, while I could say great things about all the member of Girlschool, both present and former, I need to single out one member, not just for Legacy but looking back over her entire history: Denise Dufort is, and always has been, one of rock's greatest drummers. No gender qualification, simply one of rock's greatest drummers, period. Think about that as you listen to this incredible album. Cheers ya lot!