Saudades de Rock

Extreme

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 12, 2008)
• Original Release Date: August 4, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Open E Records
• ASIN: B001BP4U2W
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,704 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Extreme is a US Rock band that achieved popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of Extreme's influences, Queen and Van Halen (the latter of which Gary Cherone would eventually join and later leave), are readily apparent from their music's multi-part vocal harmonies and electric guitar tone and instrumental techniques. The band lends the listener a sound that blends the genre of glam metal with the shredding guitar work of thrash metal. Being asked about their style, Extreme categorized their music as 'Funky Metal'. Extreme has released four studio albums, two EPs (in Japan) and two compilations since its formation. The band was one of the most successful of those from the early 1990s, selling over 10 million albums worldwide. Extreme rose to fame with its 1990 release Pornograffitti, which peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid release that should make fans happy., August 13, 2008

By	Kevin H. Dudley (Roanoke, VA (USA)) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Extreme first came onto the hard rock scene in 1989 with their self titled debut. It was a decent album that was really set apart by Nuno Bettencourt's amazing guitar work on the album along with Gary Cherone's gutsy vocals.

However, on their 1990 release Pornograffiti, they really pulled out the stops and quickly made me a fan. While many people remember this album mainly for the ballad More Than Words when minus that song, the album rocked like almost no album that I've heard then or since. Nuno quickly was rightfully elevated to guitar god status and the band became huge selling around 3 million copies.

But in 1991 Nirvana and grunge hit big and Extreme got caught in the hair band backlash that IMO they really didn't deserve. So it was with no fanfare and only Gold album sales with 1992's III Sides To Every Story which was my favorite album that came out that particular year.
The band then was really jaded with how quickly a band can get popular and then have those same fans turn on them when their material itself actually got stronger.
So that jaded mentality caused their (up till recently) final album Waiting For The Punchline (released in 1995) to reak of mediocrity with only a few good songs on it. They just sounded unhappy on it and not really wanting to record an album at that point after the sales debacle of their fantastic 3rd album.

3/4's of the original lineup (minus the original drummer who is a successful manager of bands such as Godsmack) has returned though in 2008 with an album called Saudades De Rock which is for the most part a proper return to form for this underrated band. It definitely makes the bad taste of Waiting for the Punchline an complete afterthought as this new album contains some of their better songs since their 3rd album.

The album retains for the most part the raw production style of their 4th album but the songwriting is much improved. The album just rocks from start to finish with great variety throughout. The only thing keeping me from giving this a full 5 star rating however is that there really aren't that many songs on here that jump out at you like a lot of their classic material did, but for people who have been waiting for Extreme to get back to making music, it will make them very happy indeed. The band sounds energized, relaxed and having fun again which is what fans want to hear.

This has been quite a comeback year for veteran acts from the 80's with fantastic new albums by Whitesnake, Dokken, Testament and now a splendidly solid release from Extreme.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time., August 12, 2008

By	Eric Larson (Waverly, New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of the most underrated bands of all time is back with a new album. Extreme's Saudades De Rock is the type of album I have been waiting for. Straight up rock! It does not try to reinvent the wheel, yet manages to sound fresh and fun. Gary's vocals are a bit raspy this time around but I like it as it fits the style of music they are now playing. Nuno is great on lead guitar as usual. Pat Badger tears it up on bass. Pat has always been a great bass player but has been overshadowed by Nuno through the years. New Drummer Kevin is the perfect fit and gives Extreme a new dimension that they have never had before. Admittedly this album takes a few listens to really catch on but once it does there is no stopping it. Fans of the band or just plain ol' great rock and roll should pick this up.



1) Star - 6/10 - I can't get past the chorus. I love the rest of the song. Not the best way to start off the album but many other fans I know love it.

2) Comfortably Dumb - 10/10 - Love this song. I read that it has grown on some. This was great to me on listen #1.

3) Learn to Love - 10/10 - WOW! Just WOW! First time I listened I thought it was good but now every time I hear it I just get pumped. My fav. Chorus on the album.

4) Take Us Alive- 8/10 - First off this is a GREAT Live song! Loved it in concert. Rockabilly is alive and well.

5) Run - 8/10 - A lot of people like this song and think it' the best on the album. Not my fav. but a good tune.

6) Last Hour - 8/10 - A great rock/blues song that takes some time to catch.

7) Flower Man - 7/10 - This sounds like Nuno's Solo work.

8 ) King of the Ladies - 8/10 - A fun rock, almost hip/hop song that shoul never be taken too seriously.

9) Ghost - 8.5/10 - An Almost perfect ballad
.
10) Slide - 10/10 - took a bit but I LOVE this song.

11) Interface - 6/10 - I never cared for this song when it was done by Dramagods. But it is growing on me. First listen of this song by Dramagods or Extreme I would have given it a 3/10. So it has grown on me but I don't think it will much more.

12) Sunrise - 8/10 - It's a really good rock song that sounds nothing like the rest of the album. I may end up loving this one.

13) Peace - 8.5/10 - I nice way to end a great album.

14) Bonus track (americocaine demo) No rating because it's not really part of the album.


As a whole I would give this album 9/10. Not perfect but close.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extreme rock out again in 2008!, August 23, 2008

By	Michael (Australia) - See all my reviews

What a great year for fans of rock music! Just when you thought it couldn't get better here comes Extreme with a rocking new album. Nuno Bettencourt is a guitar wizard and this album showcases his awesome skills in riffing, soloing and songwriting. The whole band sounds really good and the album has a positive vibe throughout. The production is similar to "Waiting For The Punchline" with it's raw but clear and live feel rather than the polished sound of "Pornograffiti". As you would expect on an Extreme album there's a great mix of tunes and even a couple of unexpected styles (hillbilly?!) but you always get your money's worth with this band. This is not their best album but it is a great Extreme album for 2008 and highly recommended to fans of this awesome band.