Lita Ford Wicked Wonderland
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Metal’s original “bad girl” is back! Lita Ford returns with her first studio album since ‘95’s Black. With her husband and writing partner, Jim Gillette (Nitro fame), at her side Ford has left her Caribbean paradise to rock the world again. The combined efforts of Ford and Gillette have produced Wicked Wonderland. By title alone, this release should spark the interest of longtime Ford fans. Hell, it just might grab the attention of new generation of die-hard rock and metal fans.
Seething with Ford’s heavy guitar riffs, her voice has lost none of its sexual potency. Her return doesn’t herald her ‘80s metal roots though. Instead the music is has an industrial-modern-metal vibe. Her partnership with Gillette also changes the dynamics of Ford’s music. Gillette adds his voice on too many of the backing vocal tracks which forces flashbacks to his time in the band Nitro. At times, Gillette’s vocals take over and drive some of the songs, leaving the listener scratching his head and wondering, “Whose CD release is this really?”
Although this isn’t the music Lita Ford made in the ‘70s or ‘80s that you have grown to love, admire and lust after, it’s still her playing the guitar. Amidst a produced CD that leans heavily on a modern metal approach are the heavy riffs and solos that put her on the map. She lays down trippy, Hendrix-y grooves as well (Rob) Zombie-like crushing rhythms.
Wicked Wonderland contains 15 songs, which may push the limits of the attention span of the listener. Considering the similarity of the songs and arrangements, no particular chorus or melody sticks with you. No gems like “Kiss Me Deadly” or “Close Your Eyes Forever” make the cut. But this music is truly a step in another direction for Ford. Songs like “Push” have a Zep meets Sabbath groove. It’s obvious that modern metal hasn’t invaded her soul, and her roots are still entrenched in the ‘70s.
Ultimately, Wicked Wonderland suffers from production that doesn’t provide a balanced sonic experience. At times, the mixes clash with guitar, and lead and backing vocals fighting for the spotlight. This mayhem is distracting and agitating. The music doesn’t grab you outright, and that can be either good or bad. You may give it a few chances to win you over. Or you may just stack it amid the growing hoard of discs that don’t or never have touched your soul.
The digipak CD package is brilliant! Full of color, the case opens out into a tri-fold six panel package and features a full color booklet with lyrics and spectacular graphics for each song.
Label: JLRG Entertainment
Band:
Lita Ford (v)(g)
Jim Gillette (v)
Greg Hampton (b)(synth)(g)
Track Listing:
1. Crave
2. Piece (Hell Yeah)
3. Patriotic SOB
4. Scream for Me
5. Inside
6. Wicked Wonderland
7. Indulge
8. Love
9. Betrayel
10. Sacred
11. Truth
12. Everything
13. Bed
14. Garden
15. Push
Hardrock Haven rating: 5/10