SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SWEET – REINCARNATION

SWEET
REINCARNATION
METALVILLE

By the 1980s, Sweet had gone from a glam band known as The Sweet in 1971, to a pop band. Then in 1974, they changed their name to just Sweet, when they became a straight up rock band. By the 1980s, with member changes, the band had tried for AOR rock but their heart was rock, and this album, recorded around 1985, demonstrates how the band could cross from rock right into metal.

Thankfully, this collection, with some never before released material, is an all too short snippet of Sweet’s incredible career. Although this is a mixed bag of material, it is entertaining and fascinating to hear Sweet take on the classic Four Tops’ “Reach Out (I’ll Be There).” A 12-inch mix is included as well. This is a straight cover with a slight edge to it, leaving room for some fine playing from the band. But it is when they move onto songs like “Shot Down In Flames” or “Gunner Of Love” when the band shifts into full gear and really shows that they could take on metal. Day’s vocals are particularly strong, and the band provides the perfect backing for him.

Although this line-up was short lived, this mini album not only shows how good they were, but what could have been. Sweet are an underrated band, and it is releases like Reincarnation that show how great this band was. Reincarnation is a great piece of rock history and a great album just to groove to. It is wonderful to have the songs collected in one place and ready for listening.

Artist Links