Hold on to your hats rock and roll fans! Winger is back with their first new album in 6 years, “Better Days Comin’.” Yes, that’s right. I said Winger. Now put your preconceived notions aside for just a moment because this band is capable of a hell of a lot more musically than they were ever given credit for and this new record proves it.
The album is a lot heavier than I thought it would be with a great mix of their earlier melodic metal and the heavier progressive feel of their “IV” release. Kicking things off in true rock and roll fashion is the sexy “Midnight Driver of a Love Machine” which starts out with the sounds of a car starting up and taking off before unleashing into a pure arena rock anthem. The pace keeps on going strong with “Queen Babylon” and the pedal to the metal adrenaline rush of “Rat Race.” The title track takes things down a notch with a real laidback groove. It’s a great sing a long type song that will have you feeling good in no time and it’s one of the best tracks on the record. Then when you think you have Winger all figured out you are treated to the opening prog-rock runs of “Tin Soldiers” before things slow down again for the ballad, “Ever Wonder,” which allows Kip Winger’s vocals to take center stage. In fact, Kip sounds great throughout. But the real moment of excellence comes at the very end with the epic, “Out of This World,” an emotional track which highlights the guitar work of Reb Beach and John Roth and is a perfect close to this record.
“Better Days Comin’” really showcases what Winger is all about musically and the result is their best record to date. If the only Winger music you’re familiar with is “Seventeen,” you are missing out on some truly great rock and roll. Do yourself a favor and check this new album out today.
