Warrant — ‘Rockaholic’
?The eighth studio effort by Warrant features the original band with the exception of come-and-go vocalist, Jani Lane. For many bands, the loss of a signature voice like Lane is an obstacle that can’t be overcome. However, the vocals of former Lynch Mob frontman Robert Mason make Lane’s absence most unnoticeable.
I confess that Warrant’s boisterous 1989 debut, “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich,” garnered my attention with the infectious hit “Down Boys.”
Mason, along with guitarists Erik Turner and Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon and drummer Steven Sweet, deliver vintage hard rock anthems that capture Warrant’s ’80s classic rock sound.
“Rockaholic” contains a balance of raucous rockers and smooth power ballads that will leave Warrant fans hungry for more. “Home” is a throwback power ballad to the days of “Heaven” and “I Saw Red.” Mason’s voice sounds reinvigorated as heard on the Bon Jovi-sounding “What Love Can Do.” The blistering arena rockers “Show Must Go On” and “The Last Straw” demonstrate that the band hasn’t lost the knack for cranking out some memorable material. For Warrant, the show certainly must go on and it sounds as good as ever.
While “Rockaholic” isn’t as sweet as “Cherry Pie,” it’s still an addictive and entertaining treat.
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