Kip Winger is back again!

Just about two years ago, our staff writer David Felix shredded the last WINGER release “IV” on Shrapnel Records which we reviewed back in 2006 only giving it 1 ½ stars. (http://www.rockeyez.com/reviews/cd/winger/rev-iv.html) I contacted Dave again recently and asked if he wanted to give Kip another go with his new release “From The Moon To The Sun.” His reply was… and I quote, “I couldn’t care less after the last CD.” So as it goes, I will give it a shot.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean, I saw and photographed WINGER back in the day when I was a staff photographer for Metal Forces Magazine but that was ages ago and things change. Regardless, I have seen Kip plenty of times since then and I did listen to “IV” and I have to agree with David Felix that it certainly wasn’t Kip’s best effort.

But “IV” was two plus years ago and like I said, things change! So let’s take a listen…

Right off the bat, the CD has a smooth opening track called “Every Story Told” with classic keyboards and some high pitched fluked sounds. Kip’s vocals are outstanding on this track… almost having a calming feeling on the listener.

Track two, “Nothing,” has some magical turns that start off with some kind of Arabic sounds and vocals. Kip then turns it up a notch as his vocals start off raw then switches direction to pure gold. What makes this track phenomenal is all of the directional changes. For me this could be the song of the year. You’ll have to admit that this is a classic and Kip outdid himself with dimension (Outstanding)!

“Where Will You Go” has the flare of THE BEATLES as the sentimental ballad will draw comparisons to Paul McCartney vocally. After three killer tracks Kip takes a risk with “Pages and Pages” a type of musical opera style tune. The song is very slow with Winger belting out a lot of high pitched notes… a fairly good song but kind of lengthy at 6:44 and at times I got bored.

Now hold on, what’s going on here? “Ghosts” is a violin instrumental with piano accompaniment. How can you start off with three killer tracks and then self-destruct? I am sure that this track will leave most listeners exclaiming, “What the FUCK?!?” As did I… lets just skip over this one. Damn!

After that shock to the system, Kip bounces back with “In Your Eyes Another Life”… another good tune. It seems to me that Winger must have had a spiritual awakening if you listen to the lyrics. There is more harmony in his vocals and the song seems more uplifting then in the past. Most of these songs are more suited for light radio than rock radio, but there are some heavy hitters. This sure does seem like a concept release more than your typical rock record. It feels like I went through a time warp going from THE BEATLES to PINK FLOYD to QUEEN. Just check out “One Big Game” and tell me it’s your traditional Kip Winger tune! But to tell you the truth, I like it… it’s a kick ass tune and a lot of bands don’t go that extra mile to give the fans something a little different. He took a risk on something that could either have really worked or been a complete disaster… not unlike what METALLICA did with “ST. ANGER”. Kip definitely is a master of disguise because you will be delighted on some songs and disappointed on others, but all in all this is a big step up from “IV.”

“From The Moon To The Sun” ends with Kip paying homage to Dimebag with “Holy Man” which sounds like it was taken right out of a church hymnal as the words sound “God Set You Free.”

Kip, you did a great job... Congrats!