Search - Enuff Z'Nuff :: 1985

Power pop by accident?

V. Berrini | NJ, United States | 04/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You get the feeling listening to Enuff Z'nuff's music that those moments when they're so totally completely ON, when the wonderful harmonies and pop chord changes kick in, are just a side effect of listening to so many Beatles and Cheap Trick records. Regardless, those pop moments, when they do occur, can be sublime. It's no lie.Look, despite what Chip and Donnie now proclaim, the perception of Enuzz Z'nuff as a hair-metal act was and continues to be their own fault. The Evil Record Company may have thrown them in the glam clothes and teased their hair for the videos, but to my knowledge they didn't force them to hire Derek "Whammy-Bar" Frigo as their lead guitarist, they didn't force them to act like silly rock stars, they didn't force them to write songs with titles like "Hot Little Summer Girl" and "Finger On The Trigger". And I'm sure that no one is forcing them to play with bands like Bang Tango and Bullet Boys, which they still do. But I digress...If you're interested in Enuff Z'nuff from a power pop angle (i.e. Cheap Trick, Redd Kross, Posies) and not from an 80's hard rock angle, the place to start is on this album and Peach Fuzz. Then move on to their new album, Ten, one of their best and their most blatantly pop album yet.1985 is a collection of demos that predate their signing to Atco in the late 80's. Many of these songs are brilliant examples of EZN's brand of Cheap Trick-inspired pop. In particular, the insanely catchy "Day By Day" and "Fingers On It" (which was featured on a Yellow Pills compilation) are terrific, and "Catholic Girls" ain't far behind. There are a few embarrassing moments, but they are few and far between.Most of their major label output is not as strong in the pop department as 1985, Peach Fuzz (a collection of outtakes spanning the band's career), or 10, although their second, Strength, certainly has its moments, as does their totally-glammed-out debut. These are dangerous waters you're treading in, pop kids, but it can be fun. And rewards do exist for those strong enough. Enjoy."

Not Ready For The Big Time Yet

Pauloha | 10/16/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Big Enuff Z'nuff fan, but this was stuff that was recorded before the release of their self titled first album. It shows that this fine wine of a band still had not aged enough. Skip this one and move on to anything after this."

1985 - Enuff Z'Nuff

Daniel W. Pezzulich | Tampa, FL | 10/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Yet another fine release from a criminally underrated band. Think Cheap Trick, The Beatles, Van Halen, and Queen in a car crash, and everybody comes out okay!"