Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
80s metal that was actually inspired? Actually...yeah!, February 9, 2006
The 80s metal scene will always be remembered for its style-over-substance approach to music, among other unique traits. White Lion, however, brought more than a little musical talent to the table than most, and for that, they deserve a better fate.
`The Best of White Lion' is a fantastic collection from a band that, while they teased their hair as high as anyone, actually carried musical chops that were rare within the genre. In other words, they could PLAY.
Vito Bratta was, at one point, considered the heir apparent to Eddie Van Halen as THE metal guitarist. He displayed a technical proficiency that garnered enormous respect for him. That respect hasn't faded away, even though Vito himself seems to have. Greg D'Angelo could pound the skins with the best of anyone at that time, and James Lomenzo's bass playing rounded out the rhythm section. Mike Tramp added a very distinct vocal style, helping to complete the band's unique sound.
While most bands of the time wrote songs almost strictly of partying, White Lion dug a little deeper, utilizing their chance to communicate a more personal or even a political message. And yes, they also wrote their share of party tunes. Were they philosophers? No. Were they cut from the same cloth as artists such as U2? No. But they did seem to be aware of the world around them, and it inspired their music.
Mike Tramp recently stated on Eddie Trunk's show that there would never be a White Lion reunion. Whether it happens or not is unknown, but it's nice to know that the band, during their brief few years together, created some really great music.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't complain, but with there were other songs on it. , January 29, 2006
I can't really complain because this was the CD that got me into White Lion in the first place. But after getting all of their other studio albums, I feel as though a White Lion greatest hits album should include songs such as, Goin Home Tonight, Broken Home, Lonely Nights, El Salvador and Living on the Edge. But, nonetheless, this is a great album.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
White Lion: Not Your Typical Hair Metal Band, June 6, 2000
The more I listen to and research "typical" hair metal bands, the only conclusion I can come to is that none were "typical". Most hair metal bands were filled with excellent musicians and, more importantly, good songwriters. White Lion was no exception.White Lion had a sound all their own, a sound that, it seems, was built on Van Halen and Dokken. In fact, guitarist Vito Bratta's playing style is somewhat of an amalgam of Eddie Van Halen and Dokken's George Lynch. Bratta is really a top-notch guitarist, easily holding his own with guitar virtuosos such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and the aforementioned Eddie Van Halen. Vocalist Mike Tramp has a unique voice (that, for some, may take some getting used to) that compliments Bratta's guitar perfectly. As for this album, The Best of White Lion, it is an accurate representation of White Lion's best work. White Lion, unlike many hair metal bands, avoids most of the sleaze and hair metal cliches. Instead, Mike Tramp (White Lion's lyricist) focuses on politically charged lyrics and love songs. And while I do not necessarily agree with Mike Tramp's politics, I am at least thankful to Mr. Tramp for giving us something different. If you like strong songwriting and catchy guitar work, pick up this album.
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