Helix: ‘Wild In The Streets’
HELIX
WILD IN THE STREETS
Released on June 21, 1987 (Capitol); reissued in 2011 (Rock Candy Records)
Review:
Helix’s last Capitol Records release Wild In The Streets is celebrating its 30th year anniversary. Let that sink in — 30th year anniversary. Long out of print, the album was reissued in deluxe form by Rock Candy Records in 2011 complete with expanded liners and cooperation from the band.
Wild In The Streets was a ‘make or break’ record for Helix after the band released back to back critically acclaimed worldwide efforts like No Rest For The Wicked, Walkin’ The Razor’s Edge and Long Way To Heaven. The pressure was on to break in The United States. Helix previously had moderate rock radio hits with “Rock You,” “Heavy Metal Love” and “Deep Cut The Knife” each from Wild In The Streets’ predecessors.
In an effort to break the elusive U.S. market, Helix hired Mike Stone for the production of the album. Stone [who was going through the motions] was dismissed prior to the completion of the album and Neil Kernon stepped in to salvage the project. Wild In The Streets is no question Helix’s most commercial, polished sounding record of their Capitol Record tenure but the Helix scrappy grit remained intact (in spite in Stone’s effort) and shines throughout the album.
The highlights being the title track “Wild In The Streets” — a catchy AC/DC esque rocker with a driving riff and infectious chorus, “Dream On” — a cover of the Nazareth ballad, “She’s Too Tough” — a Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) penned track that didn’t make the Hysteria album (which was initially demoed for the blockbuster record, later properly recorded as a Leppard B-side) and the best track on the record “High Voltage Kicks” which reeks of rock radio domination. In the end, ‘breaking America’ remained elusive for Helix. It’s hard to say what was the biggest factor — the label or the band being the epitome of working class band both in sound and appearance. All I know is that Wild In The Streets is an overlooked and underappreciated effort that in 2017 is still very much worthy of your attention.
Track List:
01. Wild In The Streets
02. Never Gonna Stop The Rock
03. Dream On
04. What Ya Bringin’ To The Party
05. High Voltage Kicks
06. Give ‘Em Hell
07. Shot Full Of Love
08. Love Hungry Eyes
09. She’s Too Tough
10. Kiss It Goodbye
Band Members:
Brian Vollmer – vocals
Brent “Doctor” Doerner – guitars
Paul Hackman – guitars
Daryl Gray – bass, keyboards, piano
Greg “Fritz” Hinz – drums
Additional Musicians:
Don Airey – keyboards
Brian Doerner – drums
Mickey Curry – drums
Production:
Produced by Mike Stone and Neil Kernon
Band Websites:
Official Website
Facebook
Reviewed by Ruben Mosqueda for Sleaze Roxx, June 2017
Helix‘s “Dream On” video:
Helix – Dream On
For the Circle Jerks album, see Wild in the Streets (Circle Jerks album).Wild in the StreetsStudio album by HelixReleased June 21, 1987Recorded The Manor, Ox…
Helix‘s “Wild In The Streets” video:
Helix – Wild In The Streets Hard Rock
For the Circle Jerks album, see Wild in the Streets (Circle Jerks album).Wild in the StreetsStudio album by HelixReleased June 21, 1987Recorded The Manor, Ox…