The Wolf is the second solo album from Andrew W.K., and the first where he began the tradition of playing all instruments heard on the LP. But this is no restrained singer-songwriter romp - from the first licks of opening track “Victory Strikes Again” you’ll be pumping your fist in the air. The record is a survey of arena-filling sounds past and present, with Meat Loaf-esque keyboards and shredding effected guitar solos that would suit the average Journey tune. It’s lusher and heavier than I Get Wet, but in a very suitable, ending-of-an-eighties-teen-movie way. Mr. W.K. shows his sensitive side on “Never Let Down” and the unironic power ballad “Really In Love”, but there’s plenty of fun to be had in tracks like “Long Live The Party” and “I Love Music”.  This is the first time this album has been available on vinyl, and is available here in the beige and brown “wolf swirl” color variant. Limited to only 500 copies, so don't be (fashionably) late. 

• beige and brown "wolf swirl" colored vinyl pressing
• first time on LP
• limited edition of 500
• original release year: 2003
• music label: Enjoy The Ride 2019

reviewed by ANDREW W YAY 12/2019

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