GREAT WHITE – Hooked [Japan SHM-CD Remastered + bonus]

Another very good GREAT WHITE album reissued on SHM-CD / remastered by Universal Japan is the polished “Hooked“, including 4 bonus tracks.
Brilliantly produced by Alan Niven and Michael Lardie, “Hooked” is the best sounding Great White album in my humble opinion. Musically it’s also the most varied in the band’s history.
To their characteristic bluesy hard rock Great White added this time some kind of a stadium vibe, trying to capitalize Damn Yankees’ success, I guess. Just listen ‘The Original Queen Of Sheba’ (a highlight).
This is true rockin’ album, but, also shows how much Great White had grown.

When it was released (1991) right in the middle of the alternative phase-in / Hairbands phase-out period, I was surprised how diverse “Hooked” was. There were the typical straight-forward rockers like ‘Call It Rock N’ Roll’, ‘Desert Moon’ or the catchy ‘Can’t Shake It’, but there was more.

‘Lovin Kind’ has a piano line which move towards more acoustic guitars and solid songwriting essence, proving that Great White did not wanted to a be a one trick pony. Then ‘South Bay Cities’ is unbelievably bright and refreshing.

‘Heartbreaker’ is a hard rocker, yes, but with a different approach. It’s a long, elaborated grower of a song with terrific harmonies and some kind of special atmosphere. Then ‘Afterglow’ is another fine ballad from Great White, crafted in the way they only can.

This Japanese edition of “Hooked” on SHM-CD not only sounds superb (great remaster) but also includes 4 bonus tracks, all covers from the likes of Savoy Brown, Dr. Feelgood, etc, providing even more variation.
These low-priced reissue series are great to get High Quality discs at regular price tag.
Highly Recommended

Universal Japan ~ UICY-25528
【SHM-CD  仕様／ジュエルケース】

01 – Call It Rock N’ Roll
02 – The Original Queen Of Sheba
03 – Cold Hearted Lovin’
04 – Can’t Shake It
05 – Lovin’ Kind
06 – Heartbreaker
07 – Congo Square
08 – South Bay Cities
09 – Desert Moon
10 – Afterglow
BONUS TRACKS:
11 – Train To Nowhere
12 – Weak Brain And Narrow Mind
13 – Down At The Doctor
14 – The Hunter

Jack Russell – lead and backing vocals
Mark Kendall – guitars, backing vocals
Michael Lardie – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Tony Montana – bass
Audie Desbrow – drums
additional musicians:
Alan Niven – backing vocals, producer, arrangements
Michael Thompson – guitar solo on track 3
Simone Shook, Terry Sasser – backing vocals

BUY
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-25528