Enuff Z'Nuff - S/T

Released in 1989

Donnie Vie and Chip Znuff met in 1984 and formed the band Enuff Z'nuff, but although the two struck it off well from the start and immediately started writing songs and shopping around for a record contract, it wasn't until the additions of guitarist Derek Frigo and drummer Vikki Foxx that the band was finally able to gel together perfectly and convince Atco, a division of Atlantic Records, to pick them up.

The result was 1989's self-titled album, a delicious slice of pop-metal that easily matched the quality of genre heavyweights such as Poison and Bon Jovi. Unsurprisingly, Enuff Z'Nuff easily scored a couple successful sequels, the most memorable of which was the anthemic Fly High Michelle. Unfortunately the band's quick rise would result in an equally fast plummet for two reasons:

• The 1990's grunge invasion brought about the death of hair metal.
• Not wishing to be pigeonholed as hair metal rockers, Enuff Z'Nuff tampered with their formula on their resulting albums, lowering the intensity in favor of a more power-pop sound.

Despite the fact that Enuff Z'Nuff suffered from unimpressive commercial results in their follow-up releases, their new pop sound was well-crafted and did enable the band to retain a core following that allowed them to continue releasing albums throughout the 90's into 2004.

Fans of hair metal will greedily feast upon what this album has to offer, because raspy-voiced vocalist Donnie Vie, Chip Znuff, the late Derek Frigo and Vikki Foxx were all talented musicians that offered up ripping guitars and distinctive vocals amidst a sea of effective harmonies and melody.

Some of the album highlights are:

• Fly High Michelle – This was the band's most successful and recognizable single, and a perfect hair metal rocker infused with flawless synths and layered vocals.
• Hot Little Summer Girl – A simple yet addictive party rocker.
• I Could Never Be Without You – Enuff Z'Nuff follows the fine tradition of pop-metal bands by crafting a pleasing power ballad.

Some critics dismissed Enuff Z'Nuff as "just another hair metal band" upon their 1989 release, but the reality is that although their debut album was indeed glam metal, it brought some interesting and worthy twists to the formula. Those who are in the mood for fun and lighthearted hair metal with a good dose of pop sensibility should check this band's debut album out.

Rating: 7 stars

Track List New Thing She Wants More Fly High Michelle Hot Little Summer Girl In the Groove Little Indian Angel For Now Kiss the Clown I Could Never Be Without You Finger on the Trigger

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