Wanted – Cutting Edge
Wanted – Cutting Edge
Eonian Records
Release Date: 27/06/2025
Review by Beth Morait
7/10
Sometimes you need high-brow, thought-provoking music that takes some getting your jaws around. And other times you just need some classic 80s Hair FUCKING METAL, right?! Well today is one of those days. My work-fatigued brain wanted to write a review of something that didn’t need much explaining of the musical intricacies. And along came American Hard Rock/ Hair Metallers, Wanted, with their new album, Cutting Edge.
Now, if taking a trip back to those hallowed days before social media and billionaire space flights isn’t your thing, then you should probably not bother with this album, as it’s very much rooted in Classic Rock. But if, like me, you yearn for the simplicity of the good old days, then this is the album for you.
So, a quick rundown. Face-melting solos: check. Thumping, chugging riffs: check! Borderline cheesy song composition: absolutely check! Quintessential look of 80s bands: check. HAIR: most definitely a check! That is the ingredients for something from back in the day, recreated with modern studio technology, and that is exactly what Wanted have done. I’m a massive Bon Jovi fan, and I’m not scared to admit it. And so much here reminds me of the “Slippery When Wet” / “New Jersey” days. And indeed, track 3, ‘Power’ starts with a solo that instantly made me think of Bon Jovi’s ‘Lay Your Hands’.
But the difference here, and across the album, is vocalist Sterling Primeau sounds more like Richie Sambora on his ‘Stranger In This Town’ solo album. Which gives us the anthemic feel of the Jovi, with slightly raspier vocals and a little more grit. They’ve also chosen to stick to the 80s in the sense of opting for bangers over ballads, which, in my opinion, became the downfall of Bon Jovi and others in the end, when they sold out to keep selling out. There’s only one notable ballad on the album, ‘Chained To Your Love’. And to be honest, it’s the weakest track on her in my opinion.
I can’t really fault the album. It’s mixed and mastered perfectly, and it does what it says on the tin. My only qualm is there’s nothing new and inspiring. But then, if you’re reworking old ideas, you’re not really going to reinvent the wheel. This album won’t change your life. But it will give you listening pleasure and a hell of a lot of nostalgia. (Note to self – your PVC pants and stone-wash denim waistcoat haven’t fitted you for 30 years, so you should absolutely not try to squeeze into them again to re-listen to this album, as it will only end in tears!).
TRACKLISTING:
01. Cutting Edge
02. Override
03. Power
04. Wasted Heart
05. Chained To Your Love
06. Armed for Action
07. Take Me Away
08. Feel Your Rhythm
09. Knock It Down
10. Prowl Alive
LINKS:
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