You know, ever since Beavis and Butthead’s uncool stalwart Stuart donned his Winger T-shirt, Kip Winger’s career has lacked respect. Winger, the man and the band, were/are one of the best of their generation and if winger’s reunion album, IV, didn’t prove it, From the Moon to the Sun will. Featuring guest appearances from Rod Morgenstein, Andy Timmons, Alan Pasqua, and more, Kip turns in both his most experimental and best effort to bear his namesake to date.
The album opens with the spectacular vocal driven “Every Story Told.” Although the gentle acoustic nature of the song gives it a relaxed feeling it is Winger’s powerhouse voice that makes it soar. The alt-rock tinged, “Nothing” kicks it up a notch on the verses before bursting into a massive hook of a chorus that nears perfection before returning to the darker side and sounds of the In The Heart of the Young album. Aside from “Nothing” though, there are relatively few comparisons to Winger the band to be had and that is an undeniable testament to Winger the man’s songwriting prowess. The Beatles-esque “Where Will You Go,” the flowing “Runaway,” and the soulful “What We Are” (you can almost picture him bouncing up and down on the piano bench as he plays), are all highlights among highlights as well.
When talking about great songwriters in the new millennium, no one ever mentions Kip Winger and I seek to rectify that in my own small way here. With a handful of powerful, intimate, and intelligent solo albums to his credit now, it’s time both radio and retail recognize his work because it’s a lot better than almost anything out there. If you have written him off, forgotten about him, or have never heard his work than From the Moon to the Sun is a must-have if you enjoy strong songwriting, melodies, and experimentation.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
