So Far, So Good ... So What ... Happened?

On Warrant's third outing "Dog Eat Dog" the band made special efforts to make it clear that the band listed in the liner notes are those responsible for the performances on the album.

I find it amusing that such a note had to be included and baffled that some band members wouldn't have recorded parts for the albums especially since Erik Turner is the originating member. I just thought that playing on the albums was all part of the band deal, but what do I know. Anywho, enough of the controversy and on to the album.

"Dog Eat Dog" is a rawer, edgier and slightly more melancholic album with that stadium sized Warrant sound. The band continues to play around with some different musical stylings, but never enough to feel like a new band. However, I think this attempt to keep up with the upcoming Alternative/grunge sound was a little too late and the band suffered for it.

The album doesn't suffer and this independent maturer Warrant is a move in the right direction (Though "Cherry Pie" seems to appeal to me more, personally speaking) I think the band could have had more staying power.

Warrant kicks of this record with "Machine Gun" which is a bullet spewing riff chugger the doesn't lose the melodic edge or hooky chorus. Note the enhanced electronic vocal flourishes here and sporadically throughout the album, something a little different then they've done before. "Hole In My Wall" continues the sex themed lyrics and the chugging guitar work with a touch darker lean and a talkin' guitar solo. A catchy song. "Bonfire" completes the sexy trilogy a few songs later with a groovier rawer rock sound.

"April 2031" and "Andy Warhol Was Right" sees Warrant take on political and social commentaries. "April 2031" is a killer dark, bleak tune with ever so slightly corny lyrics. A great tune all the same. "Andy Warhol Was Right" bookends with a child singing and plunking on a toy xylophone which is quite effective given the songs subject matter. The tune is beautifully melodic at first and downright heavy and emotionally punching later on. I'd go so far as to say this is my favourite song. A little unique, but familiar sounding and genuine.

"All My Bridges Are Burning" and "Quicksand" are fairly standard songs with "...Bridges ..." being the better one with a cool bridge lead in to the solo and "Quicksand" being a little darker and ballad-like. "Inside Out" is the fastest song Warrant has ever done (up to this point at least) and is almost punk in intensity. Great song.

The ballads here are faithful and memorable. "The Bitter Pill" is piano driven (ala "I Saw Red") and very catchy and melodic. The operatic breakdown in the middle seems a little unnecessary, but not arresting. "Let It Rain" is melancholic and features gospel-like female backing vocals.

"Hollywood (So Far, So Good)" is a great upbeat peppy song. Inspiring and damned catchy. While "Sad Teresa" is more uplifting and hopeful and slightly White Lion-esque. Both songs are rocking acoustic tunes.

Of all the Warrant albums I have (the first 3 only) this one sounds most original and not too poppy. I enjoy the first 2 with "Cherry Pie" being MY favourite, but I really like what they did on "Dog Eat Dog".

I did own "Ultraphobic" for a bit, but never cared for it and was quite disappointed with it. I have no more interest in anything else from Warrant, but these 3 albums, though I wonder where the band could have gone if they didn't try to go grungy/alternative. Ah well. Up next I'll be reviewing the Eurovision champs of a few years ago, Lordi. I struggled with this band for a bit, but wore down and bought an album.

Stay Tuned!