Songs Of White Lion Volume II
Mike Tramp
After last years release of “The Songs Of White Lion Vol I” also with a European and US tour, a solo album released earlier this year sung in his native language Danish, Mike Tramp shows no signs of slowing down with the release of “Songs Of White Lion Vol II”.At the time of writing this review Mike is currently touring the US, with a just announced Australian tour for late January and early February 2025.White Lion released four studio albums “Fight To Survive”, ”Pride”, ”Big Game and “Mane Attraction” before separating where Tramp formed the band Freak Of Nature and also having a successful solo career releasing 14 solo albums to date.
“Songs Of White Lion Vol II” has is the same as “Songs Of White Lion Vol I”. The songs have been reworked, re-recorded with Tramp singing in a lower key to suit his voice, which he has made no secret of saying that he can't hit notes like nearly 40 years ago, which is fair enough and respect to him for that. I was, still am a huge White Lion and Mike Tramp fan, they were different to all other hair metal bands some of their songs were more about the world issues at the time and life's struggles for example “Little Fighter” and “When The Children Cry”. So this album is what I call the deeper cuts of White Lions catalogue. ”Lights And Thunder” the first track is from “Mane Attraction” a great track back in 1991,the new rework features some nice Hammond organ touches, rich guitar riffs with some nice vocals.
”Lonely Nights” from debut album “Pride” I actually prefer the rework it is more edgier, great guitar work & killer solo. from Marcus Nand. “ Til Death To Us Part” a great ballad from “Mane Attraction” is given those Hammond organ touches which sound really cool, Mike's vocals are really controlled he doesn't over sing the song which gives it depth & emotion a timeless ,well written White Lion classic. ”The Road To Valhalla” & “El Salvador” from the 1985 debut “Fight To Survive” sound really good the melodies ,harmonies ,the execution of the guitars is superb from Marcus Nand. The latter reworking is more soulful with the vocal complimented with some nice harmonies. ”Don't Give Up” ,”Out With The Boys” &”All You Need Is Rock N' Roll” all from the “Pride” album which gave them their big break sound just as good as they did back in 1987,the rework versions sound really good, work well musically still catchy, rocking tracks for 2024.”Farewell to You” closes the album from “Mane Attraction” sound more mellow, soulful sounding with the keys/organ.
Mike Tramp still sounds really good vocally at 63 years old, his voice has mellowed and matured like a fine red wine!. I went to see and met Mike last year on his UK tour last year. He did perform some of these tracks in his set along with the classics, with some amazing stories in-between songs. Marcus Nand does yet another fantastic job on guitar, he really capturing that unique sound Vito Bratto brought to White Lion. `I am a bit disappointed no more reworking of tracks from “Big Game” which I think is a good album, other people will beg to differ, but this Volume II is still a great collection of songs, which will be a welcomed by other die hard White Lion fans, but if you are a new fan then the classic hits on Volume I will be more your thing before you check this album out.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Songs Of White Lion Volume II" Track-listing:
1.Lights & Thunder
2.Lonely Nights
3.Till Death Do Us Part
4.El Salvador
5.The Road To Valhalla
6.Don't Give Up
7.You're All I Need
8.Out With The Boys
9.All You Need Is Rock N' Roll
10.Farewell To You
Mike Tramp Lineup:
Mike Tramp – Vocals
Marcus Nand – Guitar
Claus Langeskov – Bass
Kenni Andy – Drums
Claudio Pesavento – Hammond B3 & Piano
Johnny Goeli – Harmonies
Emily Garriock Langeskov – Harmonies
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