Review Summary: Accept's 1985 dalliance with Pop-Metal has enjoyed more than it's fair share of hype.
All that glitters isn't gold. That's pretty much my feeling about METAL HEART. The production, performances and overall sound of this record is top notch. This was definitely Accept's best sounding record to date, but the songs are another matter. They've infused these songs with the slick, pop-metal sensibility that was very much in vogue for 1985.
For all the love this album appears to be getting, I realize I'm out on a limb with my contrarian perspective of this album. Since the day METAL HEART was released, I always felt the songs weren't up to the same standard as BALLS TO THE WALL or RESTLESS AND WILD. It was almost as bad as hearing Motley Crue's THEATRE OF PAIN that same year. All of my favorite metal bands were losing their edge and trying too hard to appeal to a wider audience, namely women and hair metal fans. Still, the critics all seemed to trumpet about how this was Accept's best work yet and it seemed a futile battle to try and convince my friends otherwise.
Fast forward 31 years later to 2016 and a critic who no longer allows his friends opinions override his own senses and judgment. This album impresses me even less now than it did back in 1985. I'm not arguing the fact that it is a decent likable album record. I just don't agree that it's an excellent one (or better) by my standards or when compared to the band's best music.
I do love the title track and always have. This song is definitely a standout, due in large part to Wolf Hoffman's very well arranged nods to Beethoven. On the other hand, I always felt fairly indifferent towards the main single, "Midnight Mover". It just seemed like an overt attempt to write a song that would get radio airplay. Even worse was the unwatchable promotional video they shot for that song with rotating camera angles. It makes me nauseous just thinking about it.
I'll concede that "Up To The Limit" was a decent song by Accept's standards. "Wrong Is Right" has some rather fine guitar work too. I suppose the song that got my stomach turning was "Screaming For A Love Bite". Sure, it's a catchy enough pop-metal song, but the lyrics? Just plain silly.
"Too High To Get It Right" and "Living For Tonight" are also decent enough songs, if not spectacular ones. It just seems to me that a lot of these tracks could have easily been BALLS TO THE WALL outtakes. Lots of hooks and not enough substance.
METAL HEART was slick and well executed enough that Accept could fool enough fans into believing it was as good as their prior albums. It IS a great sounding and enjoyable album, but more of an overly polished guilty pleasure for me.
I think many would disagree with me about "Midnight Mover" too, so I must be wired just a little differently. 
