"If you ever have a chance to see this band live, make sure you do it. They are tremendously talented and still sound like they did 20 years ago. It's always a thrill when I catch them on the radio or hear their music being played at ballgames or someplace like that. Get this CD if you don't have it already."
EVEN BETTER!!
Ryan Cornell | 02/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When a band has a huge hit with their first album, often the next release just doesn't measure up, but Donnie Iris didn't have that problem with "King Cool". Once again, the power vocals are unbelievable and every song is worth listening to over and over. You feel like you know the characters in the songs."
Timeless, Catchy Music
James Choma | 12/14/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those of you that think Donnie Iris was only good for "Ah Leah" and "Love is like a Rock," you've missed out on some incredibly catchy music.
With "King Cool," Donnie Iris continued with the same variety of pop/rock/r&b that came on "Back on the Streets." "King Cool" just edges that album out of the top spot in that it has even more layered vocal harmonies. This is especially evident on songs like "Broken Promises" and "Color Me Blue," a personal favorite.
There were a few hits on the album -- "Love is Like a Rock," "That's the Way Love Ought to Be," and the criminally ignored "Merilee." Each of these songs is pop rock perfection. As a matter of fact, the album as a whole is enjoyable all the way through; there really isn't a bad song on the disc!
If You're new to Donnie Iris's music, your best bet would be to start with one of the greatest hits compilations. But even if you do buy the individual albums, you really can't go wrong. Both "Back in the Streets" and "King Cool" are great power pop classics.
"
Iris is "King"
Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 10/05/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After breaking out with the perfect single, "Ah Leah!," Donnie Iris and his new Cruisers launched forth with a semi-concept album. "King Cool" was a street bard with love for "Sweet Merilee" and a knack for Buddy Holly pop. In the span of ten songs, King Cool sees his love rise ("Love Is Like a Rock") and ultimately crash ("The Last To Know"). In between, Iris and his band tackle a variety of styles. From Elvis Costello new wave ("Pretender") to Huey Lewis Top 40 hits ("My Girl"), "King Cool" expertly wove an album as solid as the eighties could provide. This was Donnie Iris' best full length album, even though he still turned out some top flight singles on all his albums. The proof of the kind of ecstasy that Iris was able to pry out of his work is best witnessed in "That's The Way Love Ought To Be." As the song nears its climax, Iris/Cool asks Merilee to "come a little closer, a little bit closer, and kiss me" just before leaning in with a perfect rock and roll yelp of "oh oh oh yeaaaaaahhhhhhhh" delight. As poppy as Huey Lewis, but not as threatening as Joe Jackson or Elvis Costello, Iris walked a fine line all the way through "King Cool.""
Just like a remembered
Steven Eric Coon | tulsa, ok United States | 07/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this way back in the early 80's and wore the cassette out. I have not heard these songs since then. Donnie has had very little radio play over the years. What a shame that is. This Cd is one of my favorites, great lead and background vocals. Favorites include My Girl, Love Is Like A Rock and Sweet Merilee. Many thanks go out to Amazon for carrying this cd. This is a gem. If you like solid Rock and Roll with great vocals give this a try. Donnie is very good."