Tuesday Two-Fer, III: Winger

By our friend HIM.

Back in the day, you couldn’t get me to listen to Winger. I found them too poppy, too image-focused, too damn cheesy. You know what? I was wrong. I was wrong to mistake the image for the sound, or the craftsmanship, or the hooks. When I finally took a look at what they were actually offering, I realized I was just blinded by my existing prejudices. Thank goodness we can grow as listeners.

 

First Pick: “Can’t Get Enough,” In The Heart Of The Young (1990)

What’s a man with perfect teeth, a suitably hairy chest, and a flowing mane of hair to do? Simple. Craft an ear nugget of a song with co-writer Reb Beach. Though this song likely earned them no more street cred (and the continued scorn of Beavis and Butthead), it was yet again proof that the former Alice Cooper sideman knew how to write catchy songs.

 

Second Pick: “Down Incognito,” Pull (1993)

Google lists Winger as a “progressive metal” band. That I disagree with. What is beyond dispute is that, while metal was on the wane, Winger was still capable of making interesting music. It’s a shame that a song this good never got the attention that it deserved.

 

Dishonorable Mention: “Purple Haze,” Winger (1988). With all due respect to Allyson and Dweezil, no. Just no.