Music
Store

Let me pull a few examples here. Songs like Mad at the World would sit well in a power rock/ballad category (recognize that melody from Mr. Big - My Kinda Woman?), but metal instrumentals such as Viking Kong and King of Monsters belong in a category of their own. Bluesy tunes, O.H.B. and That Hormone Thing, and pure out sheer hard rock tunes like Dead Man's Shoes would NEVER mix will in a record... right? Wrong! Paul Gilbert did it all - and even threw in a Racer X interpretation of the Blue Oyster Cult's "Godzilla," with the guitars tuned an octave down and the vocals pushed an octave UP from the original recording.

Big fan of metal? The title track is as heavy as it gets, with screaming Halford-like lyrics pushed out in front and flashy stampeding guitar-work that will FLATTEN YOU if you're not careful!

Even though the songs are quite seperate in category, Paul Gilbert manages to creatively bind them all together in a fashion where every song is equally enjoyable as the other. True Racer X fans and the lovers of hard rock and metal will not be disappointed with this release.


Racer X is great but Superheroes... not so much   October 11, 2004
 4 out of 7 found this review helpful

My first Racer X cd was Technical Difficulties, a record i feel defines what it means to rock. Being completely satisfied with my purchase I went to read some buyer's reviews of their other albums on amazon. I decided that Second Heat would be my next purchase, but i stumbled upon "Superheroes" in a record store and decided "hey why not just get this one since its here". My first listen was very disappointing, but i know one must offer recordings numerous listens before a review can be accurate. This record seriously did not live up to my expectations for Racer X. It seems like Paul tried to fit a guitar solo in anywhere he could, none of them offering the interest and excitement that I heard on "T.D." (ex. his entrance on "G-d of the Sun"). The songwriting seems to have been overlooked, instead to offer screeching castrati treble from Jeff Martin, compiled with 32nds notes from Paul. The lyrics on this are absolutely ridiculous."It ain't good for my heart to be Mad At The World... Mad at the worleerld... so mad, so mad, Mad at the World." and "Are ya evil? Evil JOE!" I mean... c'mon. I guess that works in Japan though because they dont speak english. I remain a huge Racer X fan, but to pay over $16 bucks for a cd I expect a little more for the money. But hey thats just my opinion, buy it if you want and hopefully it works out better for you.


Racer X Still Lead The Way   April 3, 2001
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is the second CD from the 'reformed' Racer X and in my opinion surpasses their last - 'Technical Difficulties'.

In comparison to their earlier efforts I would question whether the 'racer' part of their moniker is still appropriate because with the exception of a few songs I would not classify this is up-tempo metal. Although the speed may have dwindled a little, in its place is a more chunky guitar sound which brings the music right up to date (and I'll go on record as stating that Paul's guitar tone is actually his best yet). This decrease in tempo has also resulted in Jeff's vocals sounding a little less coarse - which further adds to the album's appeal.

Their is a range of song styles on here ranging from the furious riffing on the title track to the more melodic 'Mad At The World'. In between, the songs are as solid as they come with strong riffing and some memorable choruses - as well as two terrifying insrumentals.

Overall this is a great CD which should please their existing fans and hopefully win them a few more, and just in case anyone was wondering I can confirm that Paul's solo's are as dazzling as ever and that this is certainly one of his best studio releases.


Deserves 10 stars   June 20, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This CD is unbelievable ... the best CD Racer X has ever released. The title track absolutely cooks and they don't let up from there. I saw them at the Whisky last month - incredible show (can't wait to get the live CD/DVD). Paul's guitar work on this CD is, as always, truly terrifying.