Enuff Z'nuff - Strength (CD) - CD

Details: Digitally remastered and expanded edition including two bonus tracks. Critically acclaimed and held in the highest of esteem by both fellow musicians and critics alike, Chicago hopefuls Enuff Z Nuff confounded expectations by falling short of commercial success. Their debut album had set tongues wagging with huge benefits predicted but, through no fault of their own, fast-track acceleration was curtailed by a number of set-backs. For many, it could have been a devastating blow but for EZN it just meant they would have to work harder next time around. Strength, the band's eagerly expected sophomore album, was yet another astounding piece of work. Recorded in 1991, the band threw everything and the kitchen sink into their songs, producing a record that, for many, actually eclipsed their fêted debut. It was an album that showed maturity and depth, without losing the essence of their sound; a compelling mash-up of the Bon Jovi and Cheap Trick. All 15 songs show a band in songwriting heaven, driven to extraordinary highs by Donnie Vie's sensational and plaintiff voice. Captured in the prime of creativity, their energy and inventiveness knowing no bounds - songs such as 'Heaven Or Hell', 'Holly Wood Ya' and 'Baby Loves You' continues the pop-rock theme from their debut album, but it's deeper, perhaps darker, tracks like 'Mother's Eyes' and the title track that indicate their real genius. Hamstrung by grunge and torpedoed by corporate machinations, Strength failed to connect commercially but it's one of the most compelling albums you ll ever hear.