Customer Reviews

VH1 Classic Metal Mania: Stripped

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not too bad of a set list, but some of the songs lack the original feel. The main ones are: Don't Know What You Got (Until it's Gone) by Cinderella and When the Children Cry (White Lion). Children Cry was a dissapointment. The original had feeling in the tone, structure, and melody. In this version, M. Tramp sounds bored.
When I Look Into Your Eyes is still lame, and I mean lyric wise. I swear if I knew better, thos words were written by a 4th or 5th grader. However, the vocals on it are powerful.
They could have chosen a better song than I Saw Red for Warrant. That version is available on their greatest hits cd. The one they should have added was the acoustic version of Blind Faith. Wow, that was so much better than the original. You have to buy the single of We Will Rock You in order to hear it, and it is worth trying to find a copy.
Silent Lucidity sounds really good, as to my surprise, Sister Christian by Night Ranger. I was never a fan, but eh...the song is decent. His voice sounds a little raspy, but doesn't hinder the tune.
More than Words by Extreme is without the guitar...and...it works, mainly because it is a dominant vocal song.
Tesla's tune doesn't belong on there. It's a filler. I know they had better ballads than that one. That also knocked a whole star for me. Fillers are common, but when it's picking greatest hits type cd's, there is no reason for filler.
Overall sound quality is good...some songs are low such as Poison's Every Rose, but that's because it was recorded back in 1991 on MTV Unplugged. Oh well, I heard there is a DVD coming out...should be interesting.

I love it! A quiet metal step back in time to 80's land. Who knew I even knew these songs? But I do and you will too. Then, you will remember where you were, what you were doing , and who you were doing it with, when you last heard it. Great acoustic versions that let the talent shine through. Metal is not just for metal lovers anymore.

I really like this album...but another reviewer has it right, it's simply another metal ballads compiliation...albeit a VERY good one. Each song is a really inspired take on the original, some in intimate performance settings, others apparently in studio. The only song that didn't impress me much was Extreme's "More Than Words", but being an accoustic song to begin with, all they could really do is an a cappella version...which didn't impress me much.
If you are a child of the 80's hair-band, metal, and stoner music era, this is an album you will likely enjoy. It's ill-thought out sequel is *NOT* on my suggested disc list, so be thorough in your pre-purchase consideration.
As a hobbyist guitar player, I really enjoy hearing the different takes on these songs. Definitely on my favorites list!

If you review the track titles, that's all you need to know. The songs are all performed well. If the sound quality had been a little crisper, I'd have given it a 5th star.

....I really liked a lot of the songs on here in their acoustic form. This album definitely brought back memories of my childhood. I would never listen to the original version of these songs now as they are probably too loud for an old guy like me. I will say, however, that in their acoustic form, I liked a lot of these songs and, as I said they brough back a lot of memories. It was also fun to share some of these old songs with friends I grew up with.

Matt Zarnstorff

I got this record last week from local cd shop, and i'm curious with the "new recording" words on the track list. first track was ok, as we already heard it from another Poison album, but Night Ranger acoustic version for Sister Christian are just nice. My 2 best track from this compilation is the acoustic version from Cinderella - Don't Know... & Extreme "acappella" More Than Words...as i spin this 2 track more than 50times since i own this cd. If you love power ballad , this cd is the one must at your CD shelfes.....Rock On...

ps: it will be better if VH1 adding Harem Scarem - Honestly (acoustic version) into this cd as well...

Some don't like metal associated with 80's hair rock power ballads, hey whatever. Very good acoustic performances give a new life to classics from the past. VH1 might have considered a more definitive title for this collection though.

While I enjoyed the CD I take exception to the title "Metal Mania." I find it difficult to catagorize these bands as "metal," they're more 80s hair bands. As for the music... I really enjoyed all the tracks especially "Silent Lucidity" by Queensryche! Regardless of the nitpicking about the album title (which is just a matter of perception after all) I would not hesitate to reccommend this CD to anyone!

First, the positive review of what I have heard from my new CD. They picked a great list of songs. "Silent Lucidity" is my favorite because Geoff Tate can sing absolutely ANYTHING, no matter what! And it's about time that "Ballad of Jayne" by L.A. Guns was properly put where it belongs, and not ignored. From the many awesome Great White ballads, they picked the best.

Ok, now for the criticism. Night Ranger and Alias should not have even been selected for this CD. And "The Way It Is" by Tesla was the absolute wrong song to add. "Love Song" was the most popular ballad by them, and it should have been on this CD. I was highly disappointed with that choice. "When the Children Cry" was not even sung in tune with the original at all. I didnt even know what song it was until the chorus.

But overall, I was happy with this CD and would suggest it to all the power ballad lovers out there.

This is not metal, it's old school rock and roll. Yes, it's all good music by very talented artists, but it is NOT Metal. It's not even heavy ROCK for pity's sake, yes, it's sappy ballads...