Cold (but I’m Still Here) is a rocker by any standard. It was the first single from this debut album to hit the top ten charts, and it still holds up today over six years later. It also had the honour of being the first and only single to ever win Best New Band at the American Music Awards. This was a great start for the young Chicago band, and they continued to produce quality material into the 2010s.
The song has the requisite chorus and a bit of guitar shredding to keep it interesting. The song has a lot to offer, including one of the most impressive guitar solos I’ve heard in a long time. This was also the first album I’ve ever listened to with the original vinyl on it, and the sound still makes for a very enjoyable listen. It is also the first album to feature guitarist Dan Chandler in the lead role.
The best way to sum up this album is that it was a good start for a new band, and if you can put aside their flaws, it is an excellent listen. The album has the best of both worlds, combining the youthful energy of their heyday with some serious talent. The resulting product is a triumvirate of quality rock, solid pop, and an eye-catching mix of styles that will delight fans of all tastes.
