Winger was much maligned for the few years they were big, and undeservedly so. The members of this band are educated in music and are among the best in their crafts. The quality shows through on this fantastic compilation showcasing their brief run.I find interesting the order in which the songs are put on this CD. The first track, "On The Inside" is a new recording that seems to pick up right where the barely-noticed but awesome "Pull" album left off. Hints of a modern sound persist but the melody is still there. Next comes five straight tracks from "Pull"--their third and last album. Songs like "Blind Revolution Mad" and "Junkyard Dog" sound better than ever and remind me how much I liked the direction they were taking at that time while rock music was being overrun by grunge.
Then after an outtake track called "Hell To Pay", which was a solid track as well, the compilation picks up with five tracks from the second album "In The Heart Of The Young". Sure the big ballad hit "Miles Away" is included along with the rockers that were released, but I am especially happy that they included the wonderful song "Under One Condition" here, as to me this truly is a song that I would consider among "The Very Best of Winger".
Ironically, the material from the first album is stuck at the end with the last four tracks--all of which had videos and charted in the top 100. Songs like "Seventeen" and "Hungry" still are a lot of fun to listen to, but for sure the band refined their sound since then.
The CD booklet for this compilation includes a great write up about the band and a list of where the songs that were released as singles charted--a trend I have seen in several recent greatest hits albums that I like a lot. Who knew, for example, that the song "Hungry" peaked at number 85 and that the great track "Easy Come Easy Go" just missed the top 40 by peaking at number 41? Good and interesting info, for sure--at least I think so.
I don't know what others make of the track listing order, but to me the message is quite clear. Winger, while appreciating their roots, clearly plan to continue from right where they left off with any future releases. I, for one, would love to hear a further development of the sound they had on "Pull". I hope the rumors of new material by the original lineup in 2002 are true, as I would love to hear more from these guys. For sure, they should not be considered your typical "cheese metal" band, as their talent and musicianship shows that they go far beyond that. Anyone who listens to this great collection and pays attention will probably agree.
