Review Summary: GODDAMN IT’S SO EXCITIN’
On one hand, Thunder and Lightning doesn’t necessarily feel like the Thin Lizzy we all know and love. The storytelling doesn’t seem to be as prominent as usual and the music lacks the Irish jovial spirit that defined their classic seventies albums. A heavier makeover feels more natural than the last couple albums, but there’s still a sense that the band doesn’t quite sound like themselves.
On the other hand, this album ***ing rules.
Much of its strength comes from the recruitment of guitarist John Sykes and the subsequently more metallic tone. The riffs haven’t been this muscular since Black Rose and the leads have never been full of such exuberant shredding. It pairs especially well with the drums, which maintain the driving pace seen on Chinatown and Renegade with a bit more with that echoing boom in the production.
Thankfully the songwriting comes out just as powerfully as the boosted musicianship, especially during the first half. The title track comes crashing in with the album’s hardest hitting riff set and a chorus that goes straight for the jugular. This Is The One follows it up with a more level hustle that packs its own memorable hooks while Cold Sweat serves up a classic metal anthem. It’s also nice to see the band dabble in their more atmospheric side with the subdued brooding of The Sun Goes Down and the more epic flair of Holy War.
While the back half isn’t quite as impactful, it still puts in its share of quality tracks. Someday She Is Going to Hit Back and Bad Habits are particularly tight tracks, channeling some AOR flair in their structures with that heavy makeover making them feel more substantial. Heart Attack is also a tight closer, ending the album with some of the chant-along boosts as it began.
Thunder and Lightning may not be the sort of album that comes to mind when one thinks of Thin Lizzy but ultimately amounts to being one of their best overall efforts. Despite it being the band’s final album, there’s a sense of rejuvenation as the playing injects some life into their dynamic and the songwriting is some of their most inspired and energetic. One can easily imagine them maintaining this power through the eighties had the fates not intervened.
