Winger was reactivated in 2002 touring, releasing new music by 2006 (the “IV” album). Yes, the gang is back from the 80s, Kip on vocals/bass, shredder Reb Beach joined by John Roth on rhythm (Paul Taylor – Rhythm guitar/ Keyboards is in pics but not sure of his contributions in studio or live), and Rod Morgenstein on drums, and the formula hasn’t changed. Hard rockers, couple ballads, a little prog here and there, its all good. And for those still close minded, and ignorant journalists, no, these guys are more than just the catchy single ‘Seventeen’, or ballads ‘Headed For A Heartbreak’ and ‘Miles Away’. Obviously if you didn’t do your homework back in 1993 for the “Pull” album you have no clue and shouldn’t have an opinion.

“Better Days Comin” is all the best moments from the debut, “In The Heart Of The Young”, and “Pull” wrapped up with a nice bow. The album’s first two singles/videos, the heavy hittin ‘Rat Race’, and upbeat summer song ‘Midnight Driver of a Love Machine’ are everything you’d expect from the guitar riffs, leads, melodies, and musicianship. Sandwiched in between the two is another hard rocker, ‘Queen Babylon’, great backing keyboards that don’t take away from the metal riffs and would fit nicely on ‘Heart of the Young”. Title track brings me back to “Pull”, has an energy and hook reminiscent of Whitesnake’s ‘One Of These Days’. A feel good foot tapper. The piano begun ‘Tin Soldier’ is the prog side of Winger (‘You Are the Saint, I Am the Sinner’), mature, musical. That 80s keyboard tone makes a return after many many years for ballad ‘Ever Wonder’ and closer ‘Out Of This World’. But no worries, there was room for two more rockers in between, ‘So Long China’, and headbanger ‘Storm In Me’ I could see fitting on the last album “Karma”.

One or two less ballady songs and this would be a 10.