Search - Mike Tramp's White Lion :: The Ultimate White Lion

A look back at White Lion, sort of....

William Matson | Maine | 10/12/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This collection, 'The Ultimate White Lion', is actually a recent reissue of a previous album, 'Remembering White Lion'. That album was recorded in 1999 by White Lion's former lead singer, Mike Tramp. It was a collection of White Lion tunes rerecorded for Deadline Records by Mike Tramp and his solo band. If you are familiar with that album, then this is precisely what you will find here. The track listing is pretty much the same, so it should be easy enough to figure that out.



There isn't a lot to say here, since if you're not familiar with the music then you would want to read separate reviews for 'Remembering White Lion' (Mike Tramp). However, the new versions here are a mixed bag. The bulk of them are no match for the originals. That doesn't mean that you won't find some worthy moments. It is interesting to hear Tramp reinterpret a lot of these tunes several years after the fact. You'll find that the new versions are generally longer, slower, and in some cases heavier, than the original album versions done by White Lion.



"Fight to survive" and "When the children cry" are the two favorites of this reviewer. This is the type of album that will merit plenty of discussions from loyal fans of White Lion and/or Mike Tramp. Tastes will certainly vary among the die-hards.



Chances are, someone may be fooled into thinking that these are the original recordings of these hit songs. It is unreasonable to expect original versions, since Deadline is a minor rock label from California. The main point of cutting new versions was so Deadline could add those "hit songs" to their catalog, not a bad move on their part. Mike Tramp probably made some good coin off the release and had a lot of fun in the process while knocking these out in the studio.



'The Ultimate White Lion' is an enjoyable listen, whether it is really White Lion or not. Seeing that Mike Tramp is the only original member involved in the recordings, it isn't a reunion of any sort. I will say that the cover art to this album looks awfully good. Should you buy this? Sure, if you don't already have 'Remembering White Lion' then it won't hurt to add this to your collection. These are not note-for-note remakes and you'll get the opportunity to hear something a little bit different. It is worth saying that you may be able to pick up 'Remembering White Lion' (a six-year old catalog release) for a cheaper price than this brand new release. If you already have 'Remembering White Lion' then forget about it, there is nothing new here."