Album Reviews - X

XYZ - XYZ (1989 Enigma Records)
XYZMusic.com

1. Maggy mp3 clip
2. Inside Out mp3 clip
3. What Keeps Me Loving You
4. Take What You Can mp3 clip
5. Follow The Night
6. Come On N' Love Me
7. Souvenirs mp3 clip
8. Tied Up
9. Nice Day To Die
10. After The Rain

11. You Got Me Wrong (bonus track on Japanese version)

11. On The Blue Side Of The Night (bonus track on 2001 Axe Killer reissue)

Mike's Review
Listening to this album leads me to believe that Don Dokken is actually an underrated production master. Why do I say this? Because it was Don Dokken who produced this album, and it has one of the richest, meatiest, most badass rock sounds I've ever heard. Of course, I don't know if it's actually Don who deserves credit, but whoever's responsible for the sound of this recording should be lauded. However, achieving a killer sound without the talent to back it up would be pointless, but these guys are masters at what they do (especially wailing rock 'n' roll singer Terry Ilous and showoff yet tasteful guitarist Marc Diglio). Although it was only their debut album, these boys had quite a chemistry. Here's a breakdown of the magic they created:

Maggy - Opens with a monster guitar riff, which unfortunately will never be remembered like its older brothers "Smoke On The Water" (Deep Purple) or "Rock You Like A Hurricane" (Scorpions). This song is one of my favorites from the album.

Inside Out - This fun, catchy rocker was released as a single. Aside from the ballads, it's probably the album's most commercial song.

What Keeps Me Loving You - The beginning of this song is reminiscent of Whitesnake's "Is This Love?", but the verses and chorus are different.

Take What You Can - This is the album's hardest rocker. The fiery riff will shred your speakers and the soaring vocals will pierce your ears, but you'll be begging for more when it's over.

Follow The Night - Slow but hard, this song could be compared to Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead Or Alive."

Come On N' Love Me - No, not a KISS cover, but still entertaining. The song closes with a really cool "talking guitar" effect.

Souvenirs - Although I have focused on this album's great rock sound, the ballads on this album also have a beautiful ambiance. "Souvenirs" in particular is very passionate, with a remarkable vocal performance.

Tied Up - I actually like this song a lot, yet I'm at a lose for words describing it. I can't compare it to any other song I know; it's just got a unique hard rock vibe. Don't let the title mislead you, it's not a sex song. It's about being "tied up" in love.

Nice Day To Die - Another one of the album's hardest rockers. But it's not a nice day to die until the album's over, so wait a little longer.

After The Rain - An acoustic ballad less dramatic than the previous ballad "Souvenirs," it had a perfect way of closing the original album in a calm fashion after some intense rocking.

On The Blue Side Of The Night - Included as a bonus track on the 2001 reissue by Axe Killer. It's a very bluesy, non-ballad acoustic number.

So, why did XYZ never make it big? I can only speculate that it's because they entered the scene too late and didn't have enough support. Although this album is destined to be forgotten, it's one of the genre's best.

Mike's Picks: Hell, it's a ten guitar album, all of 'em.

Mike's Rating

Note: I always write my reviews of the original album. Unless otherwise noted, my review and rating apply to any and all reissues as well.