Review Summary: Thunder And Lightning is an example of how heavy metal and hard rock music should be done.
This extraordinary heavy metal showdown is a 1983 release, entitled
Thunder And Lightning, and constitutes, until now, the last album released by
Thin Lizzy. It is also their last album with Phil Lynott before he died in 1986. Musically and emotionally it has a big impact in any
Thin Lizzy fan, musically because it’s a high quality heavy metal album and emotionally because it’s the last album to feature Phil Lynott’s legendary voice.
Thunder And Lightning is the band’s heaviest album ever, it contains strong heavy metal elements, that makes this album a very strong and intense output in their discography. Lyrically, the band was able to write their best compositions in years. It opens with the powerful and enraged “Thunder And Lightning” that makes the general image of the record; although it's their heaviest release, Lynott and company were able to maintain their typical style of playing, combining melody and dark lyrics like “Heart Attack “ or “The Sun Goes Down”; but also, some strong love songs like “Baby Please Don't Go”. Although
Thin Lizzy weren’t and aren’t a commercial rock band, in every single album they released, the band always had some big hits, in
Thunder And Lightning that wasn’t exception with hits such as “Thunder And Lightning”, “Cold Sweat” or “The Sun Goes Down”. This epic contains two different sounds: the classic sound of
Thin Lizzy, combines melody and fast instrumental parts, but also, shows a darker and enraged side of the band with heavier instrumental parts and darker lyrics making it an instant classic. Technically it is perfect and the band’s performance is extraordinary making it one of the best of the group. Phil Lynott’s voice and bass strings are perfect, with some excellent bass composition that allows this album to be as heavy as it is, and his voice is as always was…just perfect, enraged when necessary, but also, melodic or romantic in love songs or when catchy songs come in to play; Gorham and Sykes guitars are aggressive and heavy with some excellent riffs and solos in songs like “Cold Sweat”, “Thunder And Lightning” or “Baby Please Don’t Go”; Downey’s performance is divided into two parts, the fast/melodic compositions and the more aggressive and heavy drum compositions making one of his best performances in his career.
Thunder And Lightning was a change in direction for the band for a more aggressive and heavy sound. It was risky but the band “placed their bet and won”, for a big margin. It’s so complete!! The band innovated but didn’t forget their past. The band delivers, indeed, thunder and lightning! It’s one of 1983 finest in every way possible. For me it’s their second best album only surpassed by the awesome
Black Rose.
Thunder And Lightning is a hymn for heavy metal and hard rock music.
