Complete studio albums (and more!), part 6
KING’S X – King’s X (1992 Atlantic)
The end of an era: the self-titled album. When you self-title a record, it’s usually meant to be a statement. Who knows if King’s X knew that theirs would be the end of the classic era of the band? Tensions with producer/manager Sam Taylor were increasing and this would be their last collaboration.
King’s X, the album, seems to hone in on songwriting. There are no long bombers, just short and taut King’s X songs. “The World Around Me” exemplifies this. The main ingredients are intact: Doug’s soulful but pained lead vocals mixed with the lush backing of the other two, the heavy but uniquely constructed riffs, and the diverse assortment of influences. This song, and the next (“Prisoner”) get in and get out quick, delivering the necessary hooks with integrity. They don’t spend time noodling or meandering. The songs are more direct this time, without selling out. You still can’t mistake what band this is. There is only one band that sounds like King’s X, and that’s due to a unique vocal blend, and playing that sounds like no one else.
“The Big Picture”, the first ballad, doesn’t sound all too different from the Faith Hope Love material. Good song, but a retread. Then we’re “Lost In Germany”, with Doug and Ty Tabor sharing vocals, but this is one song that annoys more than it entertains. Something about that chorus. “Germany, lost in Germany!” Maybe it’s the fact that my old boss at the Record Store used to make fun of this song, or maybe it’s just corny. It has a tricky little Steve Vai-esque guitar lick, but I don’t want to be “Lost in Germany” any more. Having found the autobahn, we get off next at the “Chariot Song”. Accelerating breakneck, this song kicks ass. Time signatures and keys change left right and center, but it’s a cohesively awesome song. All I dislike are the self referencing lyrics: “Out of the planet comes Gretchen with faith, hope and love.” You’ll love the psychedelic Beatles section in the middle. Fave tune “Ooh Song” blows out the speakers. The stuttery riff and dark melodies hint at where King’s X were headed. “Ooh Song” and “Chariot Song” are a whopper of a one-two punch, 100% King’s X, no selling out.
“Not Just for the Dead” is uplifting, with hints of piano and sitar. It has a proud, anthemic quality before it too ventures into psychedelia. An album highlight for sure. Then, “What I Know About Love” (the closest thing to a long bomber on this album) has a long Ty Tabor solo section; very cool. “Black Flag” was the lead single but never a favourite of mine. Like “Lost in Germany”, something about the chorus just isn’t happening. Seeing Doug flying around in his underoos, in the music video, is entertaining however. There are also some King’s X puppets — somebody made actual puppets of the guys for props in this video. I sure hope somebody hung onto those!
Winding down the album, Ty’s mellow “Dream in my Life” just kind of sits there. It doesn’t have the drama I crave in King’s X. Fortunately, the closer “Silent Wind” kicks ass completely. The verses and chorus are equally excellent. This is a powerhouse of a song, and though a closer, could have made a much better single than the two they picked!
King’s X created another solid album, but for the first time it felt like they had not progressed. King’s X feels like an amalgam of previous King’s X albums, and maybe that was the point. Still one of the greatest rock bands of all time, they spun their tires a little here. But change was afoot.
4/5 stars
The only King’s X album I reviewed prior to this series was Dogman (1994), and that review is the next chapter in this series. You can read it by clicking here now!
As stated above, Kings’s X, the album, was the end of an era. Dogman would be dramatically different. There were no lead vocals by Ty Tabor, and they had gotten much, much heavier. Putting the emphasis more on the groove, and installing Brendan O’Brien at the console, King’s X delivered a punishing sledge of an album. Dogman rates 4.9999~/5 stars, just shy of a full 5/5. Check out the full review for that. Also previously published is a mini-review for a promotional CD single for the track “Pillow” from Dogman, complete with two then-unreleased live bonus tracks. Click ’em both.
KING’S X review series:
Part 1 – Out of the Silent Planet (1988)
Part 2 – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989)
Part 3 – Kings of the Absurd (split bootleg with Faith No More)
Part 4 – Faith Hope Love by King’s X (1990)
Part 5 – “Junior’s Gone Wild” (from 1991’s Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey soundtrack)
Part 6 – King’s X (1992)
Part 7 – Dogman (1994)
Oh man, I love this album. Definitely disagree with you on Germany and Black Flag. This album is loaded with great songs., not one disappoints.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I’m glad others like those two songs! I wondered if I was nuts! (don’t answer that.)
LikeLike
Nice review Mike, I heard Black Flag and Germany and just cut my losses. I still don’t really have the urge to get this though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In hindsight you’d probably enjoy having it. But you’d probably have to buy it on silver disc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting point about the sound of a band still on its game but not progressing – I had that feeling about a record I’ve been listening to recently as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting! I’m sure we will be reading of this album soon?
King’s obviously must have realized there was little progression here, because Dogman was nothing like any of their prior albums.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make these albums sound totally sensational but the tracks posted, while they’re aren’t bad, don’t make me want to delve into their catalog. Which album would you recommend I start with?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try Dogman! The link is above. Then the next review I’m posting is the Ear Candy album which is just delicious and different from all the previous.
LikeLike
I’ll start with Dogman then. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome. I hope you like it like I do.
LikeLike
Gretchen, then the debut, then this one and FHL.
LikeLike
Nice review Mikey…gonna ask my bro if he has this one…pretty good that they still secured a 4 rating out of you……good stuff…
LikeLike
Yuuup and essentially a 5/5 for Dogman too.
I’m doing a revision of the next review Ear Candy and I just can’t settle on a rating!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
4.9999999999
LikeLike
r.e. self-titled albums: I know it’s not the case here, but sometimes it’s the first record! Van Halen. Led Zeppelin. Clash. Stooges. Ramones. Now THAT’S a statement! :)
LikeLike
Still sounds like a kicks-ass record to me. I really need to get to this band. Cheers!
LikeLike