Customer Reviews

Vicious Cycle

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I've been a Lynyrd Skynyrd fan for 30 years, and had the opportunity to see the "original" lineup twice. The current version of the band is, quite simply, a different band. This list of people gone (Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Allen Collins, Artimus Pyle, Rob Burns, Ed King, Leon Wilkerson are gone, only Gary Rossington and Billy Powell remain). But this is A GOOD band. A band that can rock with anybody. A band that deserves to be heard. The people who want to get all angst ridden about the use of the Skynyrd name are welcome to gripe, but I'd rather turn up the music and enjoy. The realities of the music industry dictate that the use of the name gets these guys a record deal, and an opportunity to keep maikng music. So Be It. Call them whatever you want, this is a Southern Rock group featuring the guitar talents that drove Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws and Blackfoot. Pretty strong credentials. Johnny Van Zant is a very capable singer, and Billy Powel defines southern rock boogie piano. The drummer de-jour and new bass player do fine.

Vicious Circle is a very strong record, and has a real energy about it. The "harder" influence of Ricky Medlocke (think Blackfoot) is a bit more evident here, he even sings a bit. I'd rate this record among the best of the post-crash albums, which is not faint praise. Way better than most of "Rossington Collins Band", and no dogs like "Money Man" from "1991".

The pre-crash Lynyrd Skynyrd belongs in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. But this record still rocks.

Johnny Van Zant and the rest of the Crew in Lynyrd Skynyrd are back with their first studio album in 4 years entitled "Vicious Cycle." (Last one being "Edge of Forever" in 1999), and by far one of Skynyrd's best as a whole. Skynyrd shows their full talent on songs such as "Crawl," "Heaven or Hell," "Life's Lessons," and "Lucky Man." The tribute to the late bassist of the group, Leon Wilkeson - "Mad Hatter" is brilliant. This album spans the generations. Hard Rock songs such as "That's How I Like It," "All Funked Up," "Jake," and the "Gimme Back My Bullets" version are sweet. This album is better than all but "The Last Rebel" from the new Skynyrd (1987-Current).

VERY WORTH GETTING!

There are all sorts of preconceived notions attatched to anything carrying the Lynyrd Skynyrd name. Why? Ronnie Van Zant was (still "is" in my book) one of the greatest rock 'n' roll frontmen the good ole U.S. of A. every spit forth. There is no way any work done by any incarnation of "Lynyrd Skynyrd" can ever live up to the bands initial albums with Ronnie. Having said that, this one comes darn close! Anyone listening to this album with an open mind, unaware of what band they were listening to, without any "preconceived notions" as I stated before, would have to agree this is one of the best "Southern Rock" records of the past 10-15 years. Great vocals, lyrics, songwriting and the key to any great rock record, flat out balls to the wall, Marshalls set on 10 guitar! The listener would be more than pleasantly suprised when finding out it this is a Lynyrd Skynyrd album. Of course the guitar licks are "so" classic triple guitar Skynyrd it would be hard not to peg this as Skynyrd album from the outset. Ronnie, Allen, Steve & Leon musta sent down some heavy rockin', @ss kickin', postive vibrations for this one (I love the little "Free Bird" whistle thrown in at the end of "Red, White, & Blue").
People out there say "Skynyrd" fizzled & faded away long ago on that fateful day back in 1977. To those doubters all I have to say is "you don't know what you're missing!". Lynyrd Skynyrd is alive and well....they always will be in the heart of any dedicated fan! Rock On!!

EXPLOSIVE! POWERFUL! EARTH SHAKING! MAGICAL! OUTSTANDING!

This legendary band from Jacksonville has released an epitome of music that clearly brings their status firmly planted in the 21st century as one of the greatest bands of all time.
Although an American band we are very proud of and is a national treasure to say the least, these great songs never let you forget they were born and raised in the south and have never allowed themselves to get above their raising.

Gary Rossington will be written in the history books of rock -n- roll as a guitarist whose unmistakable guitar riffs cut to the very core of the soul of anyone who listens to him.
His solos on Mad Hatter is a testimony to his grief of losing a brother and a true tribute to everyone's friend, Leon.

When the heavy artillery of Rickey and Huey are brought out, there is an explosive guitar attack that is, without question, like an undefeated champion.
Ean Evans never lets us forget our Leon with his thunder bass parts that recall the magic, allows us to keep his memory alive, and I'm sure Leon is smiling as he looks down from heaven. I tip my hat to this multi- talented artist.

There is no doubt that Billy Powell is the best piano player on the planet, he sets the standard, nobody will ever measure up. Nobody.
Michael shines on this album as the drummer of choice,
we were listening to this album and out of nowhere I hear Mitzi say,"This drummer is .... excellent!", my jaw dropped because in 24 years of marriage, I had never heard her use that word before.
Just shows the emotion this album can pull out of it's listener.
Add a couple of angels as backup vocals and you have a band that easily carries the musical legend that is Lynyrd Skynyrd to the edge of forever and beyond.

You've made us proud with Vicious Circle, you've made us very proud!
Thank you for continuing, we love you!!

From the opening fabricated scratches on "That's The Way I like It", to the knock you on your ... guitar punch reminds me of Johnny's smile on the back cover of "No More Dirty Deals", as he smiles and waits for you to come to.

Without Johnny Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been that great band in the '70's who had a plane crash.
Is that what Ronnie and his bad ... rock band work so hard for at Hell House for?
To be a footnote in the pages of Rock-n-Roll!!?
I think not.
This was a "Live" band, one that created music that deserved to be played live until the last rebel was gone.
The way I see it, four are still standing.

If it was'nt for Johnny this would not have happen.
Thousands of fans would have never heard the magic of this band, the spirit of the fallen freebirds rise like a phoenix at every show, all over the world, the dream of Ronnie and the lyrics he wrote would have died in a Mississppi swamp.
Another Buddy Holly, is that what Ronnie deserved?
Thank God for the living legends, and Johnny,who had enough guts to pick up the flag and carry it proud through adversity and triumph!!

I love the new album Vicious Cycle,
but I never heard this band record anything I did'nt like.
Hardcore? You bet your ...mister,
and I'll bet my pay check against yours that this band Lynyrd Skynyrd is better than anything else playing anywhere!
They are more than relevent, and as long as they take the stage, I will thank my lucky stars and give thanks to God, who understands how much we love this band that he will continue to bless them with good health.
Lynyrd Skynyrd will take care of the rest.

I am one, but speak for many.
As I lift my glass to Lynyrd Skynyrd 2003....SALUTE!!!!

Lucky

Well,

Let's see, all positive reviews so far on this CD except for one.

The single negative review is typical of what bitter, pre-crash Skynyrd fans think of the current band. Nothing other than the Original band will do. They certainly have a right to their own opinion, but it is unfortunate that they are shutting themselves out of a really decent effort... Certainly the best since Street Suvivors.
Let me tell you something, if the crash never happened, RVZ's Skynyrd would have either been:

1. Long broken up
or
2. Together and sounding alot different than 1973-77!

Now as far as the complaint about same old stuff (riffs), etc,
as long as Gary Rossington is part of the group, this band will always have a link and sound to the past.. partially, which I think is a good thing!

I'll give you examples of songs on the CD that sound nothing like the original Skynyrd, How about... That's how I like it, All funked up, Life's lessons, Lucky Man.

I'm a long time Outlaws fan and really never paid much attention to Skynyrd before Street Survivors, so maybe my perspective is different since I don't have pre-crash memories to overcome.

Now, on to Vicious Cycle

This is solid CD, with no bad tracks.... and yes I do like the Kid Rock remake of Gimme back my Bullets! The writing core of Johnny VanZandt, Gary Rossington, Ricky Medlocke and Hughie Thomasson took 3 studio records to hit their stride and they've done it, and done it well!

There is enough garbage posing as rock music today, this CD is breath of old.. and new air! See these guys live if you get the chance, they're having alot of fun now..and isn't that what it's all about?

Hey guys.. Have the Nashville wizards remix "Lucky Man" and you guys have a bonafide Country hit on your hands!

Lift up a glass to the new Skynyrd, this CD is awesome!

Over the years the lines between southern rock and country have become blurred. At one time there was a definite separation between the two, but today's modern country seems to owe more to 70's southern rock than it does to classic Nashville. Considering the fact that Lynyrd Skynyrd is probably one of the biggest influences on today's country rock artists, and the fact that the music is all over the radio these days, it is not much of a surprise to hear Skynyrd trying to cash in on some of this popularity. Personally I am not a fan of modern country and for that reason I find some of this album almost unlistenable. Songs like "Red White And Blue" are just a bit too redneck for me. There are several songs like this on the disc. That being said there is some really good material to be found here too, when the band cranks up the guitars and and leaves the cornpone country lyrics behind. One of the best tracks on the album is the band's tribute to the late Leon Wilkinson called "Mad Hatter" It is a great tune and a fine epitaph for the band's former bassist. The album also contains a bonus track featuring Kid Rock screaming on a live version of "Gimme Back My Bullets". Overall this is a pretty good Skynyrd album although fans of modern country rock will probably get more mileage out of it than pure southern rock n rollers.

If you do not own this CD then, 1) your computer crashed or 2) your pickup truck just died! Run out and get this CD. This is their best effort since "Twenty" or even the classic "Street Survivors". The song writing is so strong and emotional, and there is not one bad song on the CD. The band really hit a home run with this one. Great job LS

After years of deaths and departures of members, it's amazing that LS is still alive and kicking. After bassist Leon Wilkeson died I was'nt sure LS would finish ever this record. Leon played on 2 tracks, The Way and Lucky Man. Ean Evans plays bass on the balance of the CD. To release an album this good was almost too much to hope for. Highlights include:
That's How I Like It-A good old fashioned up-tempo Southern Rock song to open the CD with.
The Way-The first verse is a slow tempo prelude to a good rocking tune with some of the best guitar licks on the album.
Red White & Blue-The first single from the album gave me chills the first time I heard it. A great Skynyrd ballad.
Hell or Heaven-Billy Powell's piano opens this beautiful song about they choices we all make in the course of life. It may end up being my favorite song on the album.
Mad Hatter-Ean Evans' bass work is featured on this bluesy ode to Leon. There will never be another Leon, but Ean is a worthy replacement.
Crawl-A hard rocking ballad of the highest degree about the problems of love.
Lucky Man-LS does the country-rock thing as well as anyone around, and this is a good country tune that reminds me of Love Don't Always Come Easy from The Last Rebel album a decade ago. This could be a hit if it gets released to the country stations.

The rest of the album is packed full of vintage Skynyrd music. This CD will stand up to anything LS has put out since getting back together in 1987. All in all an oustanding album.

This is not only the best Skynyrd Album since the classic lineup but it may just be the best Skynyrd ever. Superb song writing and gritty performances by all and new sounds never before heard on a Skynyrd album make this a must have for any Rock 'N' Roll fan. Driving guitars, beautiful melodies and great lyrics about life's lessons, the simple things in life and stories the way only Skynyrd can tell them make this CD simply the best CD I have heard in years!! Many of us thought we would never hear a Skynyrd this good again after the crash. Wrong!! Simply an amazing effort by a bunch of very gifted musicians. 70+ minutes of great song after great song. The songs on this CD were picked from a crop of 60 and narrowed down to 15. It shows. I'd give it six stars if I could. Ronnie would be very proud of his little brother!!

The above was written May 22, 2003

UPDATE!!! Over a year and a half later I still absolutely LOVE this album. The true test of a great album is the test of time. I own thousands of CD's and this one is still at the very top of my favorites. I never get tired of hearing it. Gems never lose their shine. This is a true Modern day gem!! A true classic and my favorite Skynyrd album ever. That's saying alot!!

Lynyrd Skynyrd's NEW and first studio album in 4 years, "Vicious Cycle" is AWESOME and shows that Skynyrd, in this their 30th year, has aged like the finest of wines. This incredible album, possibly their very best ever; has heart touching ballads, Good old-fashioned kick-butt, bar brawling, southern guitar rock; blues; and country, laced with inspiring lyrics and rich sound that sent chills up and down my spine.

A bonus track also graces this album--the remake of "Gimme Back My Bullets" with Kid Rock is better than the original classic song, taking it up yet another notch! 15 tracks and over 70 minutes of heart pounding music, featuring hits like "Red, White, and Blue".

On August 26th, their 30th Anniversary, 2-CD Greatest Hits Collection hits the store shelves to be followed by a LIVE concert DVD! They are currently on the European leg of their 2003 World Tour with dates in 6 German cities; London; Dublin, Ireland; Holland; and Paris, before returning stateside.

Even their page has been souped up....LS is pulling out all the stops!