Call me cheesy, but....
....I really liked a lot of the songs on here in their acoustic form. This album definitely brought back memories of my childhood. I would never listen to the original version of these songs now as they are probably too loud for an old guy like me. I will say, however, that in their acoustic form, I liked a lot of these songs and, as I said they brough back a lot of memories. It was also fun to share some of these old songs with friends I grew up with.

Matt Zarnstorff

Great CD!!
First, the positive review of what I have heard from my new CD. They picked a great list of songs. "Silent Lucidity" is my favorite because Geoff Tate can sing absolutely ANYTHING, no matter what! And it's about time that "Ballad of Jayne" by L.A. Guns was properly put where it belongs, and not ignored. From the many awesome Great White ballads, they picked the best.

Ok, now for the criticism. Night Ranger and Alias should not have even been selected for this CD. And "The Way It Is" by Tesla was the absolute wrong song to add. "Love Song" was the most popular ballad by them, and it should have been on this CD. I was highly disappointed with that choice. "When the Children Cry" was not even sung in tune with the original at all. I didnt even know what song it was until the chorus.

But overall, I was happy with this CD and would suggest it to all the power ballad lovers out there.

give me a break.....Metal???
This is not metal, it's old school rock and roll. Yes, it's all good music by very talented artists, but it is NOT Metal. It's not even heavy ROCK for pity's sake, yes, it's sappy ballads...

Great Alubm, but "Metal" and "Mania"?!?
I really like this album...but another reviewer has it right, it's simply another metal ballads compiliation...albeit a VERY good one. Each song is a really inspired take on the original, some in intimate performance settings, others apparently in studio. The only song that didn't impress me much was Extreme's "More Than Words", but being an accoustic song to begin with, all they could really do is an a cappella version...which didn't impress me much.
If you are a child of the 80's hair-band, metal, and stoner music era, this is an album you will likely enjoy. It's ill-thought out sequel is *NOT* on my suggested disc list, so be thorough in your pre-purchase consideration.
As a hobbyist guitar player, I really enjoy hearing the different takes on these songs. Definitely on my favorites list!

Acoustic power ballads
Some don't like metal associated with 80's hair rock power ballads, hey whatever. Very good acoustic performances give a new life to classics from the past. VH1 might have considered a more definitive title for this collection though.