Veteran Chicago rockers Enuff Z'nuff return with their 9th album Paraphernalia and it's a great one. Throughout the years, Enuff Z'nuff have served up some of the greatest Pop/Metal albums while also achieving critical acclaim. Paraphernalia is perhaps their "heaviest" album ever, but don't worry, it's still hook-filled and very much song-oriented. The fact is that Chip Z'nuff and Donnie Vie are excellent songwriters, and it shows throughout Paraphernalia.

The album opens in fiery fashion with "Freak," featuring Rick (Cheap Trick) Nielsen on lead guitar, in which Donnie Vie's emotive, raspy, Lennonesque vocals cry out "The Freak! I'm the Freak Nobody Wants to Know Me I'm the Freak!!" Personally, it took me back to the way I felt in high school where I was one of few long-haired Metal Fans in an urban setting. In a world where breakdancing was the law, I was very much an outlaw, and a freak. It's been said that the greatest songs are the ones that people can identify with and make their own, and Enuff Z'nuff are masters at that. Album standouts are the catchy "Top of The Hill," featuring James "J.Y." Young from Styx on lead-guitar, a cover of Cheap Trick's "Everything Works If You Let It," featuring Billy (Smashing Pumpkins) Corgan making some noise on the six string, the catchy "Believe In Love" and the rockin' "Ain't It Funny."

"Someday" (MetalGod's Pick) is probably the best song on the album. A Beatlesque song that makes you wonder what John Lennon is doing right now, "Someday" features Donnie Vie singing his heart out. Speaking of Donnie Vie, his vocals, as well as his guitar playing sound great, better than ever. Chip Z'nuff's handles backing vocals (lead vocals on "Top of The Hill"), and bass in his usual laid-back and cool manner, and Ricky Parent's drums are very solid, if not spectacular. The production in this record, which is handled by "Stemz & Seedz" (wink, wink) is excellent. It really brings out the true essence and musicianship of this band. All in all, Paraphernalia is brilliant collection of 14 great songs, most of which you'll be singing along to in no time. Oh, and I highly recommend sitting down, lighting up (the lava lamp, that is) and reading the lyrics, it'll only enhance the experience. Peace!

Reviewed by MetalGod

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