Being my favorite band of all time, I am quite relieved to see new product from the guys for the first time in a while. Dave's back in, Wolfgang's in for Mike and the brothers both have thicker wrinkles. But hopefully you'll dive in with me and have it cranked while we go. Needless to say, this was a (5 of 5 stars) review.The opening track is, like several of these songs, a re-working of old unreleased demos from the '70s. This one was "Down In Flames" back then, but the lyric is totally rewritten. If this is what we're into for the rest of the album; I'm pumped. Dave's lyrics are great here, coining the new term "momshell". Also, "Uncle Danny had a coal tattoo / He fought for the Union. Some of us still do."
"She's The Woman"
Another old demo, the first thing that get your balls rolling is the bass lick in the intro. The "Mean Street"-like guitar riff is heavy and Alex is also pounding the shit of his drums. But knowing that old version and that huge VH chorus, you do start to miss Michael a little bit.
"You And Your Blues"
I can see this being another single. It's got a heavy verse and more sing-along chorus. Dave shouts out several old blues songs to describe the situation of leaving this bad news woman. That's common in Sammy Hagar lyrics, but this is Dave's first experience with that kind of wordplay. Totally works though.
"China Town"
This is going to be the heaviest song on the record. A fantastic Edward finger display at the onset of this before Alex kicks the double bass into overdrive. Dave tells us the story of the rough side of town where "heroes aren't born, they're cornered". It kind of reminds me of a Dave solo tune, "Slam Dunk". See what you think.
"Blood And Fire"
This is no accident that it sounds like the 80s. Ed recorded this as an instrumental called "Ripley" while working on the score for "The Wild Life". This time, Dave is also in full 80s mode. But less a heavy rocker as almost something new wavy. The chorus is not, as it would seem, lifted from Iron Maiden, but maybe your more excitable Cars or even Cheap Trick.
"Bullethead"
This is another old demo. Albeit one that was mostly unintelligible until now. And did I say that "China Town" would be the heaviest. This is the most old-school Iron Maiden track VH has ever done. This side of "Light Up the Sky". Essentially a road rage tune, it'll work in any situation where your manic needs depressed.
"As Is"
Another of the heaviest, fastest songs VH has done. Of course, once you get past the sick grind of the intro. Alex is all over the double bass. Dave is way out front selling the same attitude that Sammy did with "Right Now"; except with awesomely disrespectful teeth. "I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better, totally better." No saving the world here.
"Honeybabysweetiedoll"
This one is not an old demo, but to me feels like a reversing of the "Outta Love Again" riff. That tone gives the music some dark latin seriousness, but this is where Dave is more playful than anywhere else. Totally getting cocksmanic on a flavor of the day, stating "I’m a face grenade with the sex-pin pulled."
"The Trouble With Never"
This may end up being my favorite track on the album... for now. It's got the oldest-school flare of the funnest side of Van Halen. Big chorus. A sexy "Panama" like breakdown. An age-old philosophical question, "When was the last time you did something for the first time?"
"Outta Space"
Originally "Let's Get Rockin'" back in the day. Dave has changed the vibe from 70's backyard party to an environmental... not even a warning. More of a "fuck it. we're outta here." message. Another great line, "Trouble-free Earth despocrats made Mother Nature piss her pants"
"Stay Frosty"
This is clearly the most unique song on the album, and maybe even the oddest song VH has done next to "Big Bad Bill". A religious mantra where Dave is clearly just inviting us to "be cool" as a way of life. It starts out with a complex and sloppy acoustic intro with Dave rapping as fast as ever with stories of his various spiritual journeys (and jokes). "God is love, but get it in writing" and "Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel"
"Big River"
An old demo called, "Big Trouble". This is one where I don't know why Dave would rework so much. The old song had an element of danger with it. Now, Dave has given it a placid Huck Finn non-commitment description of just being free. Plus, the "Big river rollin'" line sounds too much like Montrose's "Make It Last", and Dave certainly doesn't want to to be harking back to Sammy Hagar songs.
"Beats Workin'"
"Put Out the Lights" back in the day, Dave has reworked this into another success-hasn't-spoiled-me-yet themes. I almost dismissed this, as I wasn't impressed with what Dave brought to the table. But don't, becuase otherwise you'd miss one of the best Ed/Wolfie grooves on the record. Just as funky and twice as crunchy as "Jaime's Cryin'"
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