Danger Danger - 'Four The Hard Way'

Released 1998 on Low Dice Records

THE BAND:
Paul Laine - vocals                               
Bruno Ravel - bass
Steve West - drums
Special appearances: Andy Timmons, Tony Bruno, and Kasey Smith


  TRACK FRAGMENTS:
1) "Still Kickin'" - This track starts off with a mean bass line from Bruno while Steve plays a twelve note rhythm pattern on the Hi-Hat. This song really reminded me of some of their earlier material. When the vocals kick in you realize why Danger Danger is still kickin'.
2.) "Sick Little Twisted Mind" - The track leads off with an awesome Andy Timmons guitar pattern, who also co-wrote the song. In between the vocal lines of the choruses you hear this cool little sound effect (which adds a nice touch). This song also reminded me a lot of their stuff off the first two releases, only a different singer. It also shows Paul's singing talent. There is a great Andy solo right before the break down with violin strings that completely throws the listener off guard. (I love it!!)
3) "Jaded" - Here is what the Gin Blossoms would have sounded like as a hard rock act. There is great harmonizing in the choruses.
4.) "Captain Bring Me Down" - This is the first ballad on the CD. Paul Laine's vocals are superb. After hearing this song I really don't miss Ted Poley at all. This Acoustic ballad also has a nice electric guitar solo.
5.) "Goin' All the Way" - Another song co-wrote by Andy Timmons that reminds me a lot of Bon Jovi's material only better constructed.
6.) "The Girl Ain't Built to Sleep Alone" - I love the little drum pattern Steve used in the intro. This one has that guitar sound most people fell in love with in the 80's. It also has that signature Danger, Danger harmonizing backing vocals.
7.) "Goin' Goin' Gone'" - This is one also is co-wrote by Andy who again added his guitar expertise. It also shows Paul's vocal talents.
8.) "Afraid Of Love"- A very well done ballad in an almost Whitesnake style. I've heard a lot of ballads in my time and it completely amazes me this song was never released, to my knowledge, in the United States.
9.) "Heartbreak Suicide" - This one is more modern nineties sounding. There are some great backing vocal overdubs on this one.
10) "Coming Home '98" (bonus track) - This track was probably the least sounding Danger Danger song off of the CD.

         Because of groups such as Bon Jovi, Warrant, Slaughter, etc. Danger, Danger was kind of overlooked and not taken as serious musicians. If you are one of those critics I suggest you get a copy of this CD. It has been in my possession for about two months now and the only time it has been out of the CD player has been now. It is by far some of their best material to date.