Reviews
Randy Fricke's self-produced, self-titled CD is a welcome return to ‘70s and ‘80s era hard rock in the vein of Van Halen, KISS, Alice Cooper etc.... If you're into albums like Van Halen's “Diver Down,” KISS's solo albums (particularly Paul Stanley's), Alice Cooper's "Goes to Hell," and Boston's self-titled debut just to name a few, there are a number of tracks on this CD that will grab your attention immediately.
As far as vocals are concerned, Fricke sounds like a unique crossing of the campy bluesman of David Lee Roth and the romantic star child Paul Stanley.
Musically, the CD never goes into what's called "heavy metal" territory but sticks closer to the hard rock sounds of the previously mentioned bands. Not only are there very entertaining, kick-ass rockers herein, there are also a couple of the stronger ballads a la KISS's "Hard Luck Woman.”
Throughout, the CD never goes too far beyond, say, "Rock and Roll All Nite" or too close to "Enter Sandman."
It's not all about retro though. Fricke's CD may bring to mind the days when KISS and Boston were at the top of the Billboard Top 40 singles charts. But it's also got a freshness that brings the music into the present and doesn't leave it languishing in the past.
It's a pure and honest rock and roll sound that is almost instantly addictive. The first time I sat through this CD I immediately felt like hearing it again. It sounded great.
R. Scott Bolton - Rough Edge Magazine
As far as vocals are concerned, Fricke sounds like a unique crossing of the campy bluesman of David Lee Roth and the romantic star child Paul Stanley.
Musically, the CD never goes into what's called "heavy metal" territory but sticks closer to the hard rock sounds of the previously mentioned bands. Not only are there very entertaining, kick-ass rockers herein, there are also a couple of the stronger ballads a la KISS's "Hard Luck Woman.”
Throughout, the CD never goes too far beyond, say, "Rock and Roll All Nite" or too close to "Enter Sandman."
It's not all about retro though. Fricke's CD may bring to mind the days when KISS and Boston were at the top of the Billboard Top 40 singles charts. But it's also got a freshness that brings the music into the present and doesn't leave it languishing in the past.
It's a pure and honest rock and roll sound that is almost instantly addictive. The first time I sat through this CD I immediately felt like hearing it again. It sounded great.
R. Scott Bolton - Rough Edge Magazine
When I got this CD, all I knew about it was that the cover had "Randy Fricke" printed on it. I thought, what the hell is this?
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this self-titled CD is well done, straight-forward rock and roll.
Heavy chords, first class guitar leads and a very interesting use of a brass section makes "Randy Fricke" an easy CD to listen to and just as easy to enjoy.
This isn't metal, but it is good solid rock and roll in the classic rock arena sense. It's the kind of stuff that would sound great live.
Snidermann
RANDY FRICKE is a multi-talented musician from Wisconsin/USA who released his first solo album last year.
The ex-SILENT SCREAM member has done everything on this CD! All songs are written, performed and produced by the man... and what do we get? A really nice hardrock album with influences from bands such as KISS, DAVID LEE ROTH mixed with a bunch of sleaze rock.
His guitar play is really great and it sounds like he's been inspired by heroes like RANDY RHOADS & ACE FREHLEY. But unfortunately I think that there´s a bunch of fillers on this CD, but also a couple of really good rockers.
Opener "We´re All In The Game" may be the best of them all! It´s over 6 minutes long and full with great guitar work, riffs and a cool solo. The chorus is really catchy and reminds me of early Lynch Mob.
"I See You You, See Me" is a song that could have been on any of the early albums with DAVID LEE ROTH. In fact FRICKE has a voice that sounds a little bit like 'Diamond Dave'. Next track "Payin For Paradise" starts with a cool 'Sleaze' guitar intro! It's an uptempo KISS/POISON rocker with a nice chorus.
"Can´t Stop Thinking Of You" is a good ballad that kinda sounds like Fricke's answer to the Alice Cooper classic "Only Women Bleed."
Really nice!
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