Enuff Z'Nuff was formed in
Chicago suburb, Blue Island, by bass player Chip Z'Nuff and singer
Donnie Vie. When listening to the self-titled debut album it's obvious that main songwriters Chip and Donnie had been writing tons of songs together since 1985 and picked some of the best material to feature on the debut album. The songwriting is consistent and all ten songs on the debut sound like potential hits.
Enuff Z'Nuff is often labeled as an 80's Glam band even though their debut album came out late 1989. However, Enuff Z'Nuff is not a typical 80's Hard Rock band. Singer
Donnie Vie has a voice with a rasp of Elvis Costello, which was in contrast to other singers on the 80's Glam Rock scene. Furthermore Enuff Z'Nuff wear their influences on their sleeves, quote Chip Z'Nuff, and The Beatles plus British Rock bands of the 60's and 70s were the inspirations of Enuff Z'Nuff.
The album is a perfect example of pop sensibility combined with great guitar playing. The chemistry between the four members is so unique that it permeates the music. Chip Z'Nuff and drummer Vikki Foxx are the solid ingredients, while
Donnie Vie and Derek Frigo are the spices, that makes this album so fantastic.
Donnie Vie's voice makes the songs smooth and floating while guitarist Derek Frigo plays really outrageous and he ranks among the best players I ever heard.
New Thing opens the album very symbolic, since it also kickstarted Enuff Z'Nuff's career. MTV played the colorful video and immediately the masses labeled Enuff Z'Nuff as Glam, because in video the band wore spandex and lipstick. The music really speaks for itself and if you listen to this album without bias it's simply a fantastic album. The irresistible and cheery up-tempo beat and catchy chorus to
New Thing sticks to your brain like super glue.
Bassist Chip Z'Nuff and Drummer Vikki Foxx lay a solid foundation to the groovy
She Wants More. The track assesses a chemistry that is unique mainly because of the hard pumping beat and Derek Frigo's amazing lead guitar. The lyrics are typical for an album debuting band with clear sexual references to the title.
Fly High Michelle is a classic ballad, which proves Enuff Z'Nuff sense of melody.
Donnie Vie belts out emotional lyrics dealing with the loss of a person. To this day
Fly High Michelle is still one of the best power ballads ever written.
Hot Little Summer Girl is catchy summer Rock song with a fresh approach to it.
The blues pumping
In the Groove has
Derek Frigo's guitar howling and screaming all over the songs playing time of almost 7 minutes. Guitarist Derek Frigo had recorded and released two albums with Le Mans prior to joining Enuff Z'Nuff. Derek's flashy, entertaining and inventive playing is outstanding. The dark vibe and mood of
In the Groove gets the listener spellbound.
Little Indian Angel is a great melodic mid tempo rocker. Again Derek Frigo shines with some cool guitar playing and the song has a frisky approach with the soon to be classic Indian howl.
For Now has been an instant Live favorite at Enuff Z'Nuff shows. It simply has a fantastic melody line and brilliant chorus.
The party tune
Kiss the Clown, synonymous for kiss my ass, has a cocky attitude from a debuting band about to conquer the world.
To this day
I Could Never Be Without You ranks among my favorite Enuff Z'Nuff tunes. Donnie's voice captures a certain emotion and the lyrics are very touching. The song has an emotional vibe and goes straight to my sensitive heart with passionate vocals, melody and addition of Frigo's guitar fills.
I Could Never Be Without You is among the ultimate love songs and a song that forever will have a special place in my heart.
Finger on the Trigger is only song written by the dynamic duo Derek Frigo and
Donnie Vie. Of course this western inspired song has some fantastic riffs in it. The verse bumps and grinds with Frigo enliven the song with his skillful and eminent playing.
Overall a very consistent debut album, which today still sounds fantastic. The album contains the biggest Enuff Z'Nuff hits, but if you look beyond
New Thing and
Fly High Michelle, songs like
For Now, In The Groove, I Could Never Be Without You and
Finger on the Trigger really shines as rock masterpieces as well.
On the surface Enuff Z'Nuff's debut album is just another melodic Hard Rock album like so many other records from that era. However, Enuff Z'Nuff does sound like any other. The band has a unique chemistry in their fantastic songs, inventive guitar playing and
Donnie Vie's unique voice, which is the exclusive icing on the already tasteful cake.
A thing that characterizes the quality of the album is that I had every song as favorite song from one time to another. Enuff Z'Nuff's debut album is ten fantastic songs with no fillers.
This review is dedicated to guitarist Derek Frigo. All honor to the memory of Derek Frigo - a great guitarist, whose memory and playing will stay with us forever through the records he participated on. Rest in Peace buddy.
Written by
Michael Thursday, June 3, 2004
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