| | Racer X Second Heat CD Racer X Discography of CDs
 (6 Customer Reviews)
Racer X's debut album, Street Lethal, established the band as little more than a vehicle for guitarist Paul Gilbert's virtuosic neo-metal soloing style. For its sophomore release, Second Heat, Racer X ups the intensity of its already terrifying instrumental attack by adding second guitarist Bruce Bouillet to the fold, thereby enabling some of the most amazing dual-guitar work ever recorded. What's more, the band has become more cohesive and have even penned some catchy songs with worthwhile melodies. Second Heat's overall style follows the well-established Judas Priest/Van Halen template (they even cover a Priest tune, "Heart of a Lion"), but each song is punctuated with detailed pyrotechnical touches from the guitarists, and the rest of the band, for that matter. While Bouillet's skill nearly matches that of Gilbert, the rhythm section of John Alderete and Scott Travis (bass and drums, respectively) proves to be one of the most formidable around. Check out the instrumental "Scarified" for a true demolition set piece. What ultimately makes Second Heat superior to its predecessor is its better-developed sense of songwriting; tracks like "Hammer Away" and "Living the Hard Way" are as good as anything else in the pop-metal arena that was popular in the late '80s. One word of warning, however: Beware of the bombastic cover of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" which strips away all the charm and subtlety of the original and makes the song a backdrop for (you guessed it!) more shredding. While some may find this sort of thing harmless, others may find it sacrilegious. ~ Andy Hinds
Recording information: Prairie Sun Studios, Cotati, CA (11/1986-12/1986).
Personnel: Jeff Martin (vocals); Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet (guitar); Mike Mani (keyboards); John Alderete (bass); Scott Travis (drums).
Personnel: Jeff Martin (vocals); Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet (guitar); Scott Travis (drums).
Racer X Second Heat Songs | 1. | Sacrifice |
| 2. | Gone Too Far |
| 3. | Scarified |
| 4. | Sunlight Nights |
| 5. | Hammer Away |
| 6. | Heart of a Lion |
| 7. | Motor Man |
| 8. | Moonage Daydream |
| 9. | Living the Hard Way |
| 10. | Lady Killer |
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Second Heat Music Review Average Rating: (4.2 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews Racer X get melodic
Racer X incorporate pop melodies and better songwriting into their "really fast Judas Priest with shred guitar" sound on this album (better production too). While some might cry sellout at the mention of "pop melodies", this album is very strong throughout and contains ferocious shredding and a powerful rhythm section (listen to Scarified). Best tracks are Scarified, Hammer Away, Heart Of A Lion (don't know how they covered a Priest song the band had never released), and the very melodic Living The Hard Way. Only song that isn't great is Lady Killer, which is still decent enough to keep this album at 5 star rating. Necessary for any fan of shred metal.
Submitted by mcsavage (Pittsburgh, PA)
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 I Agree with the Guy from Toronto
This album is mediocre compared to "Street Lethal". But I have to give it 3 stars. The best songs on here are "Scarified", "Hammer Away", and "Heart of a Lion" (interestingly written by Halford, Tipton and Downing). The other songs are good but they don't really stand out. Excellent drumming by Scott Travis. Needs more bass solos from John! Bass solos are cool.
Submitted by a person (Michigan)
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AWESOME ALBUM
Whoa man.... what can i saw, if your a guitarist add this album to you collection. this album has some amazing leads and its just awesome.
Submitted by jared ventura (Huntington beach, CA, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No The guy from Toronto has it all wrong, this album ROCKS!!!
We are all entitled to our own opinions but..."Street Lethal"-(a phenomenal debut album!) suffers from poor engineering & mixing, and Jeff's vocal skills hadn't developed to their full potential yet. Neither had the bands songwriting skills.
They cover David Bowie's"Moonage Daydream" and Judas Priest's "Heart of a Lion" as well as perform "Sunlit Nights", one of only 3 Racer X ballads.
Scott Travis is also introduced on this album and proves he is capable of playing anything Harry Gschoesser ever was, if not better.
With songs like "Motor Man","Hammer Away","Scarafied" & "Sacrifice" I say "Second Heat" is "THE" quintessential Racer X album and a must have for every RX fan.
Submitted by Rockin' Rigger (Mountain View, Northern California)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  Don't waste your money
this album is a disappointing follow up to the band's great debut cd "Street Lethal". The guitar chops on this one are great (as expected from Paul Gilbert) but most of the melodies and riffs are mediocre. I give it two stars because only 2 songs are good -"Scarified" and "Hammer Away".
Get "Street Lethal" instead. For more of their recent work,get "Superheroes", it also has very strong melodies and cool riffs.
Submitted by a reviewer (Toronto, Canada)
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