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| | Letter To God | | | Music Style : | | Glam | | Record Label : | | XYZ Music | | Release Date : | | 2003-04-22 | | Store Price : | | $13.99 | | Artistopia's Price: $13.99 | | Usually ships in 7 to 13 days | | |
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CD Tracks/Songs
Disc 11. What's On Your Mind
2. Letter To God
3. Asking
4. Tango
5. Rainy Day
6. United
7. Deny
8. Touch the sky
9. Tell me
10. Well
11. Inside out 2003
12. What keeps me loving you 2003
13. Never too late
14. Tango (Spanish version)
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Customer Reviews of This Album/CD |
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 Older and wiser, but still XYZ
Submitted on: 2008-05-10 |
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Melodic hard rockers XYZ returned to the scene in 2003 with Letter to God, their first studio album since 1991's Hungry. This time around, original members Terry Ilous, Marc Diglio and Paul Monroe are joined by former Rough Cutt bassist Sean McNabb and former King Kobra guitarist J.K. Northrup.
It's apparent from the start that this isn't going to be the kind of XYZ album people were expecting. The band - particularly singer Terry Ilous - had gone through a lot in the preceding 12 years, and that shows in these songs. Going back to simple party metal anthems just wouldn't make sense for this older, more mature group. That said; Letter to God is still a very enjoyable melodic rock album, and bears some familiar XYZ trademarks, including memorable guitar hooks, fantastic melodies, and of course Ilous's dynamic vocals. It's also a much more personal and introspective album. The recurring themes of life, death, and faith - especially in the wake of the untimely death of Ilous's son - make for a more moving listening experience than you normally get from a melodic rock album.
If you're expecting old school XYZ or a hair metal revival album, you're likely to be disappointed with Letter to God. If you have an open mind, and are looking for a good melodic rock album from a veteran act, you should find Letter to God quite enjoyable. Fans of Harem Scarem, Von Groove, Vaughn, and most of the current Frontiers Records catalog should definitely check this one out.
NOTE: There are a couple of different versions of Letter to God available. The best I've seen has 15 tracks, including the bonus tracks Never Too Late, a Spanish version of the song Tango, and rerecordings of XYZ hits Inside Out and What Keeps Me Loving You.
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GREAT COMEBACK WITH A MATURE SOUND...
Submitted on: 2004-10-26 |
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| Whoever that Bruce Forrest guy is who reviewed this needs to open his ears - he obviously is clueless about music (he must work for Rolling Stone or Allmusic). Since i did a few gigs as keyboardist for XYZ i was excited to be a part of this very mature album from my buddy Terry and friends. I really didn't know what to expect when i first got the cd , but i have to admit i was pleasantly surprised. Great hooks , top-notch musicianship and just a nice evolving mature sound. No grunge crap (butt-rock) or alternative elements here , but not full-on 80s glory either. It's a bit more Zeppelin-esque i'd say. Terry sounds great as always and the band is just smokin. A fine addition to your Melodic Hard Rock collection. |
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great cd
Submitted on: 2003-08-09 |
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this is a great come back cd
i m glad i bought it
it still is 80 s rock but with a more mature sound
love that voice
please keep up the good work
jarka |
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 GIVE XYZ A CHANCE!
Submitted on: 2003-07-11 |
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| This is the third release of XYZ. A very underrated band on the now defunct Enigma label, now featuring veteran JK Northrup (Paul Shortino, King Kobra, Cage) on guitars. If you were into this guys before, do not expect the same sounds! These guys really play their hearts out in this one, giving the songs a melodic 80's sound but at the same time a modern dark feeling to the songs. Think Dokken's (underrated) Dysfunctional, but with gutsier vocals and harder drumming. They even include great new versions of the singles of their self titled debut: "Inside Out" and "What Keeps Me loving You". If you are willing to give a couple of spins to the cd before critizicing, then give it a try. I did and I do not repent! If you expect to digest it immediately or if you are expecting a copy of the albums on Enigma, then forget it!!! |
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 XYZ-"Letter to God" Review
Submitted on: 2003-07-08 |
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| XYZ/ "Letter to God" XYZ was one of a multitude of 80's bands that were basically handed a recording contract, in a mad signing frenzy by record execs attempting to find "The Next Big Thing." Some of these bands survived for a reasonable duration, while others, such as XYZ, fizzled faster than a firework dud. Fast forward to 2003. Now two of the former members, obviously tired of working fast food joints, decide to regroup, as if anyone even cares, and release, "Letter to God." With easily, one of the most irritating voices in rock, "singer" Terry Ilhous whails off some of the worst written lyrics, this side of Mr. Rogers. Warning: The cliches don't stop here. Backed by former Quiet Riot-bassist Sean McNabb's mundane bass lines, new guitarist JK Northrup demonstrates a barely-passable display of "Guitar Playing For Dummies," with riffs that were already played to death 20 years ago. Drummer Paul Monroe does little to appease the pain, whatsoever. There's not a single song on here I could recommend, without repeating myself: this collection of unlistenable songs would not have worked in the 80's, never mind today. Nice try guys, but there's a car awaiting you in the drive-thru. |
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