Winger

Winger is the debut album by the New York-formed Winger, balancing radio-friendly appeal with a progressive sense of playing. Released on Atlantic in 1988 and produced by Beau Hill, it came from a band originally named Sahara, renamed at Alice Cooper’s suggestion. Kip Winger (vocals/bass, formerly of Alice Cooper’s band), Reb Beach (guitar), Paul Taylor (keyboards) and ex-Dixie Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein made up a technically gifted four-piece. The hooks of “Madalaine” and “Seventeen” hit fast, and the band playing beneath them is surprisingly intricate. Dweezil Zappa guests on the Jimi Hendrix cover “Purple Haze.” “Seventeen” reached number 26 and “Headed for a Heartbreak” number 19, and with MTV exposure the album went platinum. The band then toured for over a year with Bon Jovi, Scorpions and others, and the following year was nominated for an American Music Award for Best New Heavy Metal Band. It offers glamour and real playing at once.