Enuff Z’nuff
Xtra Cherries
Cleopatra Records
It’s been said that life is “like a box of chocolates” — you never know what you’re gonna get. However, when it comes to certain beloved, reliable brands, it can be said that they’re “like a bowl of cherries” — you always know exactly what you’re gonna get. Hence, the results are usually consistently sweet and satisfying. Such is the case with celebrated Illinois-birthed power pop purveyors, Enuff Z’nuff.
After 20+ LP’s, patriarch bassist / frontman Chip Z’nuff continues to produce one sonic bowl of cherries after another. And with his band’s latest record, that bowl is brimming with extra cherries. In fact, it can be argued that Xtra Cherries is the sweetest and most satisfying Enuff Z’nuff set since 10, released a whopping 25 years ago.
Although Z’nuff stays in his acknowledged stylistic lane throughout most of the intoxicating 11-track collection, he reveals (in short order) a few surprises for his longtime legions. Jabbin’ ya with an unexpected left, straight out the gate, the high-energy record actually opens with a ballad, the heartfelt piano / vocal fused “Heartbeat,” a song so delicate, yet so moving, it could have easily made for a cozy fit on Strength, back in ‘91.
Another welcomed surprise is the array of special guest rock royalty appearances from the likes of original Journey members Robert Fleischman and Neal Schon, former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler, co-founding Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander, legendary guitar god Steve Stevens, and many more.
But what’s made Enuff Z’nuff such a beloved and reliable brand for nearly 40 years is the band’s rock-solid rep for producing consistently impeccable songs. In fact, aside from the appealing optics of the ever-faithful and fearless, velvet-clad, psychedelic imagery, Enuff Z’nuff has always been about one thing; songs. The newly-released video single “No Cold Feeling” packs plenty of signature style power pop punch, while the recently repurposed “Sanibel Island (It’s Outta Control)” is another super-tall standout. Combining alluring verses with a sparkling, infectious, piano-driven bridge and chorus, “Sanibel,” along with the familiar-feeling, turbo-charged “Magnificent,” are both easily in the running for taking home the record’s MVP honors.
Despite its often less-than-relevant lyrics, the seemingly Foghat-fueled riffage of the lead-off video single “Heavy Metal” and the Queen-inspired “Back To The Wall” make for additional mighty highlights. While “Take It Or Leave It” and “Zillion Miles Away” zing with sunny-sounding keyboards, “You Make Me Wanna Lie” possesses a beautifully dirty blues-based chug reminiscent of the band’s 1989 debut.
Enuff Z’nuff has owned a decades-long distinction for creating exciting re-imagined classics from such iconic artists as Bowie, Lennon, and Smokey. However, the remake of the Stones’ “Star Star,” while certainly acceptable, just kinda feels like grasping for low-hanging fruit.
An uplifting, six-minute opus, “Shine” features original Enuff Z’nuff lead vocalist Donnie Vie, as well as Robert Fleischman and Neal Schon from Journey, resulting in a truly Strength-worthy record-closing highlight.
In sum, Xtra Cherries is a spectacular piece of work. In fact, for those who crave that punch and crunch, it’s THE must-hear power pop jam of the steamy 2025 summer season.
Xtra Cherries Track List
01. Heartbeat – 2:49
02. No Cold Feeling – 3:09
03. Sanibel Island (It’s Outta Control) – 4:10
04. Heavy Metal – 5:22
05. Magnificent – 5:34
06. Back To The Wall – 5:15
07. Take It Or Leave It – 3:43
08. You Make Me Wanna Lie – 5:41
09. Star Star – 4:59
10. Zillion Miles Away – 4:50
11. Shine – 5:5:40
