A Look at Extreme's 'SIX'
One of the best rock albums of the year
For a band around as long as Extreme, it’s hard to believe that the Boston natives only have six albums. Its self-titled debut released in 1989. Its latest and sixth album – the creatively named “SIX” – released 34 years later.
Extreme’s success came with 1990’s “Pornograffti” album, which went double platinum in the United States on the strength of the ballad “More Than Words.” The follow-up concept album, “III Sides to Every Story,” sold significantly less but still went gold. Grunge then hit, and the more stripped-down, distortion filled “Waiting for the Punchline” barely made a blip on the radar.
Extreme is one of those bands that didn’t weather the 90s well. After “Waiting for the Punchline,” the band disbanded. Lead singer Gary Cherone joined Van Halen. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt recorded a solo album. Drummer Paul Greary went into music management.
The band wouldn’t reunite and record a fifth album until 2008’s “Saudades de Rock.”
The one thing about Extreme is it has no problem taking chances and trying new things. While the first record was a typical late 80’s rock album – look no further than “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure”-featured “Play With Me” – the band pushed the envelope on its subsequent albums. From the funk-infused “Get the Funk Out” to the harmony-laden “Rest in Peace” to the stripped-down and raw “Naked,” Extreme was always trying something new.
Tying it all together has always been the unmistakable tone and style of Nuno’s guitar. Nuno is one of the greatest guitar players of all time – period. His playing coaxes a personality out of the guitar that brings it to life in a way rarely matched.
And really, it’s Nuno’s guitar playing that put “SIX” on the map. I realized the album was getting some buzz when several YouTube channels I follow started talking about the album’s first single, “RISE.” Specifically, they dissected Nuno’s solo and raved about it. It didn’t hurt that the song put the pedal to the floor and never let off. It’s a solid rock song reminiscent of Extreme’s beginnings.
The album features several of these style tracks.” #REBEL” screams out against social media keyboard warriors on some self-appointed righteous mission to police others’ thoughts. I love these lyrics:
Rebel you rage
without a cause
Fools on parade
bearing your cross
Bury the truth
repeat the lie
Mob is the rule
fueling the fire
Hey, you got something to say
You talking to me as you’re walking away
Hey, you got something to say
You talking to me as you’re walking away
“SAVE ME” reminds me of a mix between “Waiting for the Punchline” and Nuno’s solo album “Schizophonic.”
Cherone sings:
Save me from myself
Save me from this hell
Help me, heaven I’m forsaken
Lay me down to die
Cleanse me of these lies
I’ve become what I despise
Take me undertaker take me
Lay me down to die
But then there are those Extreme experimental tracks.
“X OUT” may not sound like Extreme, but the song demands your attention and never lets go. Remember those 1980’s movie soundtracks that heavily used synth? Think “Risky Business” or “Escape from New York.” That’s what “X-OUT” keeps triggering for me. It has this wonderfully electronic synth line throughout, with soaring, trippy vocals that feel theatric. Nuno’s guitar solo – with some Eastern themes – takes the song into a crescendo.
I talked to a guy at a recent Nita Strauss show, and we discussed this album. “X-OUT” is one of the tracks he raved about.
“It doesn’t really sound like Extreme, but I love it,” he said.
I agree.
“THICKER THAN BLOOD” also uses some synth with distorted guitars and vocals. The synths have a Family Force 5 sound, which I realize many people won’t know. Go listen to FF5’s “Dang Girl” and see what I mean. But it’s a different sound for Extreme, and you have to hand it to them for not being afraid to take risks.
Then there’s “BEAUTIFUL GIRLS.” Extreme hasn’t shied away from different genres. “More Than Words” was very different with its acoustic focus from what the band was known for at the time. “When I First Kissed You” on the same album explored Sinatra-style crooning. So why not try their hand at something Caribbean-inspired? “BEAUTIFUL GIRLS” takes you to the islands with a danceable rhythm and beautiful harmonies. It won’t be for everyone – but I think it’s fun.
My biggest complaint is that, sonically, the album can sound muddy and flat. I, admittedly, don’t know anything about music production. But I do know I’ve purchased music from independent artists who clearly don’t have extensive recording budgets but produce high-production sounding music. There’s a Christian artist named Manafest. He does some rock. He does some rap. He was on a major label and then went independent. The guy constantly releases music, and the songs sound crisp and booming. He recently did a cover of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” that just kicks through my AirPods. I’m pretty sure he’s recording at his house.
If he can do it, why can’t some of these rock bands? It confuses me how a band like Extreme – or L.A. Guns on its new album “Black Diamonds – produce albums that sound almost like demos. I get that a quality song is a quality song. And I also get the argument that there’s something to be said for a more honest and “raw” production.
But when you have a band like Extreme – whose biggest album was a beautifully layered harmonic big sound from start to finish – it’s noticeable when there’s just no depth in the mix.
Still, “SIX” is a very good album - one of the best rock albums of the year - and rock fans should give it a listen. Extreme fans should especially be pleased with this one. I’m always happy when an 80’s rock band delivers a quality album these days. “SIX” has been a consistent listen.