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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Enuff Z'nuff

Xtra Cherries

Review by Gary Hill

Enuff Z’nuff is one of the best power pop acts out there. This album really shows off their talent for song-writing and performance. It’s a nearly perfect collection of music, and it varies enough from track to track to keep it very interesting.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2026  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2026.

Track by Track Review
Heartbeat

Vocals start this. Piano joins immediately, and we’re in a tasty ballad approach. This has some great power pop angles and grows into more of a power ballad. The keyboards are the musical backdrop here, and it’s mostly piano.

No Cold Feeling

This has a great pop rock vibe. It can make out Beatles things, but also hints of glam rock like Sweet. This is a killer power pop romp that is a lot of fun.

Sanibel Island (It's Outta Control)

There are some really magical moments in the arrangement of this. It has a lot of that pop rocking sound, but it also has more dynamic range and a more complicated arrangement. This has some great hooks, too.

Heavy Metal

There is a lot of psychedelia built into this one. Beyond that it’s more power-pop music. This thing is so classy. In fact, I think it’s one of my favorites of the disc. The hooks are so catchy, and there is some smoking hot riffing. I really love the heavier jam that takes over later. That part eventually ends and a vocal and keyboard reprise ends the song.

Magnificent

This rocker has some hints of heavy metal in the mix. Beatles references are still in place, and so are other power pop angles. This has great energy, smoking hooks and some killer riffing. There are lyrical references The Beatles at times. In fact, lyrically this makes me think a little of “Glass Onion” largely due to some direct quotes, but it doesn’t musically sound like it. The guitar solo (by guest Steve Stevens) is so tasty. This thing gets really heavy later, turning toward metal.

Back To The Wall

Psychedelia and power pop emerge in this catchy tune. It’s another winner on a disc full of strong music. There is a smoking hot instrumental break that gets it into more intense hard rocking zones, too. The closing section has a really familiar vibe to it.

Take It Or Leave It

I love the keyboard sound over the top of this rocker as it gets underway. This merges glam rock and power pop with style. It feels almost equal parts Beatles and Angel. Of course, ti’s all Enuff Z’nuff.

You Make Me Wanna Lie

Heavy blues rock, power pop and metal seem to merge on this riff rocker. It’s one of the rawest and most rocking things here. It’s also very strong. Robin Zander provides backing vocals on this.

Star Star

Now, this is a big change. It’s more or a retro sounding rock and roller. The piano brings a lot of classic rock and roll sound. This brings some variety, but I tend to prefer the sound of the rest of the album. Of course, is a cover of the Rolling Stones song, and it definitely gets a parental advisory. The slide guitar on this is on fire. That part is performed by guest Gunnar Nelson.

Zillion Miles Away

A heavy and rather raw rocker, this brings back some of that power pop thing. It definitely has a more raw edge at play, though. Steven Adler handles the drums here.

Shine

There Is a cool dramatic guitar based introduction this. Then it drops to piano. The track seems to build on that before pounding out with driving guitar based rock. This is a rocking power pop tune with some hints of psychedelia. It’s another particularly effective tune. Neal Schon guests here, bringing his lead guitar talents to bear. Journey’s original lead singer Robert Fleischman handles the lead vocal duties on this number.

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