Review Summary: A debut that is not without it's flaws but it gives a great first impression, has a huge impact, and leaves you yearning for more.
Formed in '83 and spotted by Bon Jovi and got a contract in '85, Cinderella are a rock band from Philadelphia who released their Debut 'Night Songs' in 1986 - their most glam metal record as they (in amazing fashion) went for a more bluesy hard rock sound on their later albums.
Cinderella are out of the blocks in slow, kick ass and menacing style with 'Night Songs' - as statements of intent go, it's a good one. The first single, and an instant classic, 'Shake Me' is up next which is full of innuendo, anthemic to the hilt, and would not be out of place on a AC/DC album - a song to remember. Their second single, and their first big hit, 'Nobody's Fool' succeeds this. Whilst not being bad, with a memorable chorus and a forlorn atmosphere, it wanes on you after the first few listens. 'Nothing For Nothing' is a gloriously upbeat little number which demonstrates Keifer's masterful lyrical ability - 'When you see your face in the mirror, does it seem the end is getting nearer?'
The first thing that hits you about Cinderella is Tom Keifer's singing style, sounding Whisky drenched, hard as rock and Brian Johnson-esque it certainly meets the mark and it complements the crunching guitars perfectly. Then there's the solid musicianship on show and the chemistry of the band, which oozes from every song. They sound like a well gelled four piece, not just four individual pieces.
So far, so superb but here is where the mediocrity creeps in, with the average 'Once Around The Ride' and the fast 'Hell on Wheels' which just whizzes past without much of an impact leading on to the epic 'Somebody Save Me'. Being spine tingly atmospheric and again demonstrating Keifer's lyrical mastery - composing poignant lyrics, with meaning - an ability which is masked behind the crushing riffs and the shout out, anthemic choruses. But alas things tail off again with the unremarkable 'In From The Outside' and the sex laden and slightly boring 'Push Push'. Things end on a good note with 'Back Home Again' - a song which would be excellent to hear live in Philly.
With a sound similar to Skid Row and Ratt, Nights Songs is a debut that leaves a great impression, with Keifers growling vocals and Jeff LeBar's crunching guitar certainly meeting the mark. Containing must have instant classics such as 'Shake Me', 'Somebody Save Me' and the glorious 'Nothing For Nothing', Night Songs is a great record. But sadly it is flawed, with the album tailing off towards the end with some unwanted mediocrity brought to the fore with songs like 'Hell on Wheels' and 'Push Push'.
The moral of the story is; 'Listen to Cinderella, you will not be dissapointed.'
It's nice that someone actually listens and doesn't get butthurt/try to act like they are right when they get criticized.
