Enuff Z'nuff

Remember the old Timex watch slogan, "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking"? Well, the same could be said about Enuff Z'nuff. The group has been through a lot during its lengthy career -- unwise fashion choices, changing musical tastes, record label snafus, seeing lesser-talented bands of its genre skyrocket -- but the band is still rockin' and rollin', as evidenced by its 12th studio album, ?. While most veteran bands from the "glam rock '80s" decided that a stylistic makeover was in order come the 21st century (cough...Mötley Crüe), Enuff Z'nuff have stuck to their guns through it all. And ? is no different -- power pop that is steeped deeply in Cheap Trick-esque twists and turns, and is also the group's first record in years to include contributions from all four of its original members. If you make it past the purposely (one assumes) hard to take interlude of "Gorgeous," you'll find a fine pop gem -- which sees Chip Znuff assume vocal duties, as well as such other similarly styled highlights as "Home Tonight" and "Harleya," plus a fun album-closing cover of the Queen classic "Stone Cold Crazy." The only downer regarding this solid set is that it will mark the last time guitarist Derek Frigo will appear on a new Enuff Z'nuff recording, as he passed away shortly before its release. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide