WHITE LION is back......kinda...sort of....in a way, Mike Tramp, the voice behind one of the 80's more successful and rocking bands is out with his latest album "Songs of White Lion" released on Frontiers Records on April 14, 2023 reworking select songs from the bands catalog. Tramp explained the thought process behind this release "Now, here I am again, the year is 2023 and I have recorded an album of the 'big' White Lion songs as close to the originals as possible, but exploring small new parts that today I feel should be that way. This is the only way I can embrace them and feel at home and be honest to myself and the songs," he concludes. WHITE LION formed in New York City in 1983 and categorized as "glam metal" released their debut album "Fight to Survive" in 1985 to moderate success but reached double platinum status with the second album "Pride", and their chart-topping hits "When the Children Cry" and "Wait" putting them in the big leagues with the heavy hitters, two more albums followed before they disbanded in 1992. Tramp then immediately formed the hard rock band FREAK OF NATURE, who had a decidedly darker and harder vibe than WHITE LION but would only record three studio albums before disbanding in 1996. Not one to sit on his ass, Tramp started his solo career a year later and since that time has released nine albums and also as toured under the monikers MIKE TRAMPS WHITE LION and eventually under WHITE LION.

I assume most of you reading this review have some familiarity with the WHITE LION catalog, and yes, I know, never assume, but it seemed a fair assumption. I myself did have to get reacquainted with these songs. So, my game plan will be to hit on just a handful and see how they differ from the originals. "Lady of the Valley", which is a nice rocker with acoustic and electric guitar mix while rotating in a semi-ballad inflection, has a heavier feel than on the original song, giving it a raw edge. On to one of their classic hits "Little Fighter" taking it to a softer, warmer sound dominated by ambient guitar and hushed tones. I have to give a nod to the original song over this version. If you're keeping score, it's all tied up at 1 to 1. Tiebreaker up next, and I choose one I'm not familiar with "Hungry" is a classic 80's riffs with clean, anthemic harmonies and a smooth, velvety riff aided by a brief, but meaty guitar solo. I really didn't see any real difference musically between the two, but this version had deeper, more dominant vocal presence. The edge goes to this version over the original. "Wait" is definitely on the band's Mt. Rushmore of their hits, so the "wait" is over to hear the new version. Starting out with a tender, soft acoustic guitar, and like the original song takes off to a muscular riff driving it home, but on this version, it's more downplayed and less energetic, this is a song that deserves to have an acoustic version, and I think this album would have been the perfect time and place, it felt like that was his intent, but changed gears midway through. They definitely did justice to it, but almost came across as a cover bands rendition. We will end with the band's most notable and captivating song on "When The Children Cry", switching to piano over acoustic guitar like on the original, gives a more hypnotic and passionate feel. Tramp still sings with intense emotion delivering a powerful portrayal on this heartfelt and earnest song.

If you're a WHITE LION fan, you will certainly enjoy this album. Mike Tramp also reminds everybody just what a great vocalist he is. He delivers razor sharp on the rocking tunes while offering up delicate and rapturous styling on the ballads. This may be a greatest hits album, but with enough of a twist and distinctiveness to keep it fresh. Mike Tramp started to embark on an extensive tour in May 2023. Dates to come are in the UK, Germany and USA.