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Enuff Z'nuff

Covered in Gold

Review by Gary Hill

I’ve always liked Enuff Z’Nuff. So, I was looking forward to this new album of covers. It was worth the expectation. There is plenty of great stuff here. In some cases I like these versions better than the originals. Sometimes I prefer the version from the original artist. In all instances, though, these are entertaining. This is good stuff start to finish.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Everything Works If You Let It

Certainly coming from the same area of the world, Enuff Z’Nuff and Cheap Trick sound more than a little similar. So, it’s either odd or appropriate that this set begins with a cover of Trick tune. These guys put in a little crunchier take, feeling a bit more metallic. It’s a great tune that starts things in style.

Stone Cold Crazy
This is one of the more ferocious Queen songs. Enuff Z’Nuff plays it even more metallic, though. I have to say that some of the missing Queen magic is felt and lamented. That said, this rendition really rocks out very well. I like it a lot.
She Sells Sanctuary
This really doesn’t sound like The Cult at all. Sure, the familiar melody and riffs are still here, but this feels like Enuff Z’Nuff and not The Cult. I’ve always said that if you are going to cover a song you should make it your own – mission accomplished.
All Apologies
I’m not a big fan of Nirvana, so I’m not overly crazy about the original of this tune. This version is not bad, though. It’s definitely a step up from the original.
Believe It or Not
Here they cover the theme song to “Greatest American Hero.” They turn it into a killer rocker. It still maintains that classic rock chorus and is a great tune overall. This one is magic.
The Jean Genie
David Bowie is on the menu here. While this is missing some of the glam coolness, it makes up for it with a raw energy. It’s another solid rendition of a classic tune.
Run for Your Life
It always seemed obvious that Enuff Z’Nuff was heavily influenced by The Beatles. So, it seems a no-brainer for them to cover that band. This early Beatles song rocks out with a raw and catchy pop sound here. It’s a real winner. I’d have to say that I like this better than the original.
When Doves Cry
I’m a big Prince fan, so I was looking forward to this one. It gets an almost metal vibe to it. I like the keyboards on this and the vocal arrangement. Sure, I prefer the Prince version, but this is great, too. It’s one of the highlights of the set.
Tears of a Clown
This time around they turn their attention to Smokey Robinson. If the Prince cover seemed metallic, this one goes way beyond. It’s very much like 1980s hair metal to me. It’s a cool and catchy number.
The Stroke
I’m a little tired of this Billy Squier rocker. The thing is, these guys play it pretty faithfully, but bring enough of a change and freshness to make it work. I think I like this better than the original.
Yankee Rose
Although this is a David Lee Roth tune, it feels like Twisted Sister here. It’s another killer rocker.
Jealous Guy
A John Lennon solo song, this rendition plays it somewhat faithfully. It’s a great tune, though, either way. I don’t think that I prefer one version over the other. That really says a lot.
Bonus Tracks
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away (Live on Howard Stern)  - This is an acoustic rocking version of the classic Beatles song. I like this, but it’s a bit loose and Stern’s interjection is a little annoying and his harmonies are worse.
New Thing (Live Unplugged in London)
This one isn’t a cover, but actually an Enuff Z’Nuff song. This unplugged version is pretty cool.
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