Vinnie Vincent Invasion (1986) Album Review

I review the 1986 album, Vinnie Vincent Invasion.
If you'd like to support, consider my Patreon page. You can get early access to videos, a monthly exclusive and the option to request the topic of the monthly exclusive.
/ seanblumenshine
You can also follow me on Instagram where I post pics of vinyl and other merch.
/ sean_blumenshine
#vinnievincent #vinnievincentinvasion

[@israelfarias3111]

For me the album its perfect start to finish, really cool to hear a completely different opinion about the album.

[@vanderhoff66fu]

I can't believe the hate... i love this album. I bought it the day it was released. I love the guitar work.

[@whataboutrob442]

Garage

[@martymcpeak4748]

@@whataboutrob442 garage? 😆

[@eclecticgentleman]

Solid AAA+ album!!! If you like hair metal get this album ASAP!!! You'll love it start to finish, no filler! It's so good people are still reviewing it 40 years later

[@arthurhall8238]

bwaaa ha ha

[@rockandmetalinvasion]

From looking at the thumbnail I had a feeling you weren't going to like it. I love it. Awesome riffs and I actually really like his guitar tone. The Invasion from Rock and Metal Invasion comes from this band. I like the follow up as well.

[@breezeiguess]

Bruh your face in the thumbnail 😭 😭

[@rixmean9448]

😂

[@freshsouphotgoopbandoffici9380]

I love this album. I still listen to it. I love the lyrics, and music, except for the solos. Vinnie is a great song writer and because he couldn’t shred in KISS, he chooses to flex his guitar muscle here. No Substitute is my fav song. Can’t wait for your review of All Systems Go.

[@markc1273]

One of the best hair metal albums of all time. The entire point of the album is ott, obnoxious, aggressive, in your face shredding, and it does it perfectly. Amazing riffs, amazing solos and one of the best guitar tones ever recorded. That’s what you meant to say!

[@mausperson5854]

His solos are off the map. If you think the shred-fest is the worst part of it, I don't know why you're listening to this album in the first place. The leads are unlike anything else happening in the hairspray hierarchy of the time.

[@hendrixon]

Early Vinnie-demos are fenomenal! "Streets" and "Gypsy". He had a great voice and didn't overplay...

[@SeanBlumenshine]

I’ll have to check those out

[@jamestaylor7106]

This album is an all time classic. Still play it regularly. At a time when shredding was the order of the day and Vinnie had been shackled by what Kiss told him he was allowed to play this full on magical representation of the time. Why play 10 notes when you can fit 100 in the same time frame. Over the top full blown crazy album. Great to drive to Good for annoying the neighbours Never fails to put a smile on my face Just accept it for what it was meant to be and you can't help but love it.

[@leinad3955]

No Substitute is the only song I come back to. Probably because it sounds like something Def Leppard would write, minus the solo shredding

[@frankbaz6449]

I miss this album. Played my cassette to death, I need to get the CD one of these days. Back on the streets is amazing, Invasion is actually a great tune, except the part at the end. The goofiness just honestly made me love it more.

[@Kissfan96dr]

bought that album when it came out. It was everything 1986 was all about. Over the top vocals, over the top solos, over the top sexual innuendos. Which I believe is what Vinnie was going for. A total 1986 album to the max. My favorite things were the solos. Hahaha. I loved how uninhibited Vinnie was here, showing us everything he's capable of. The vocals were too high for me and the constant yelling just assaults the listener. Wish they had a lower registry. also the bass and drums were mixed too low. Favorite songs were Boyz Gonna Rock, Animal, and Invasion. On the record I had, the last siren bit was non-stop and took me about 10 minutes to realize it first time. Almost similar to KISS's Firehouse ending. Overall, this album is a real brain melter. I'd still listen to it if the mix was balanced and the vocals weren't so ear bleeding.

[@person042]

There's a demo of back on the streets with Vinnie singing lead and it's so much better

[@brianpawlowski6498]

Looking back on it now, I can agree with you. There's a difference between raw and good and raw and raw. The guitar volume, along with the distortion was too in your face. It forced the producer to bring the vocals up another level, just so it could be heard more clearly over all the noise. Dana is a great bassist and arranger. But the bottom is lacking.

[@johnbrooks2646]

Agreed with your review. VV needed Gene and Paul to reign him in. It's too bad he let his ego get in the way or he'd probably stays in Kiss until the reunion tour.

[@jamesmoss3424]

I got VINNIE Vincent Invasion 1986 self titled debut album on CD 💿. 😀👍🤘🎸

[@MsKalachakra]

Well, this is not a cheap or easy album to find. If you don't like it why you have it on vinyl? The too high vocals and the excesive soloing made this the most over the top and out there hair metal album of the 80's, that's kind of the point and the charm of it.

[@gr8handsftl]

Love this album, a couple of songs that aren't my faves, but Boyz Are Gonna Rock, Animal, Back On The Streets, I Wanna Be Your Victim, Shoot You Full Of Love, I really like

[@auduneggen4847]

John Norum did a version of Back on the Streets on his 1987 release Total Control with Goran Edman on vocals. Quite superiour to Vinnies’ own version. Especially the guitar solo.

[@trainkid1217]

7/10 for me. good review...i kinda dig the album but i do understand your point of the way he plays like a bunch of bumblebees.

[@leestaples8269]

I've always loved everything about this album but the solos. I wish someone else was playing them.

[@leswadley6792]

Great review of this album! I totally was into it when it first came out! I remember getting the 45 of animal in the mail it was pink lol! This album hasn’t aged well at all! The solos are way over the top!

[@Autopsy6]

Vinnie Vincent is our leader! I say all hail the Invasion!

[@user-xv8jv7on2h]

One of the all time go to albums. Vinnie is a maestro. Really underrated guitar player. One of the best. Unfortunately this personality is another story...

[@seangerant653]

i like the 2nd lp better !!

[@CrazyLG72]

All Systems Go is miles better. Your'e 100% correct with everything you mentioned. Iove Back on the Streets but the John Norum version

[@iancocks9408]

I liked it when I first heard it about 12 years ago. Now I listen back and it’s got a few good songs that’s all. Way better than the next album though. 6/10

[@timjonesvideos]

Completely over the top record, it must be listened to with tongue firmly in cheek, good for an occasional giggle & that's about it. Fleischman was briefly the singer in Journey before they went with Steve Perry instead, he has a late 70's solo album called 'Perfect Stranger' that is a lot better than this, much more AOR/Journey-ish type stuff.

[@johnbrooks2646]

Yeah there's even some live vids of Fleischman with Journey out there singing songs that would be on Infinity.

[@timjonesvideos]

@@johnbrooks2646 Fun fact: VV plastered Fleischman's vocal booth with pornography posters, to 'inspire' him while he recorded his vocals for the album.

[@garrypeak4277]

Vinnie suffers from the same affliction as Yngwie does. A million notes that mostly mean nothing. Every solo sounds the same. We get it, you can play scales really fast…

[@LucasVieira-qe4yb]

This is a good album. I kinda hate the super high voice and vinnie's ego trying to be faster and not focusing on quality. Riffs are the highlights. I love shoot u full Of love, animal and back on the streets

[@careful__Icarus]

I bought the cassette when it came out in 1986. Always dug it. I will admit tho the guitar is a bit ( lol ) high pitched. Vinnie most definitely needed an editor.Heard some demos with Goran Edman singing that were really good tho.

[@ronhaller2143]

I also adore this album…it‘s over the top, but different and brilliant. Hated the second one as much as I loved this one.

[@tonyeckman4822]

This album decimates! Heavy, deliriously over the top and a wildly colorful glam image. In actuality, the guitar work by Vinnie is the highlight. Stellar material indeed. Tony F. Corpse (Post Mortem Superstar) *Furthermore, I took so many shots I blacked out.

[@chrisoakley5830]

I bought this album when it was first released and for the most part I've always liked it. I've listened to it over the years from time to time and still enjoy it. The biggest criticism I have for it was that the bass in the record was so low you could barely hear it.

[@janiterinadrum1627]

If the solo sucks, I'm sure they're quite easy to play, you should post a video of you doing his solos forward and backwards I'm sure they're that easy because you know.... they suck right? Maybe your ponytail is yanked back a little too tight

[@YouWantedTheBestYouGotTheBest]

Never have listened to this album and highly doubt that I ever will. I agree with you on the album cover though that looks great

[@XtheLostGen]

And they left the stage. I wouldn't be surprised if Cooper dropped the off the tour after that.

[@ryant3600]

I bought it when it was released cause I saw "boyz are gonna rock" video on MTV and you're right the album cover did standout.. and when I put this tape in my walkman I did as it suggested inside the cover sleeve.. I cranked it to 10.. It was a decent album, it got a lot of crap cause the bands image was kinda like Poison over the top glam, with fast shreddy wammy bar guitar stuff throughout.. The only thing looking back that I think could have made this so much better was if Vinnie had better guitar tone on it and understanding that he doesn't have to play a thousand notes per measure.. ha. but it was 86' which was kind of the whole 80's glam peak, let's be honest by 86' the glam thing had gotten pretty out there and out of control. and that became more of the focus than songs themselves.

[@p40tomahawk41]

I didn't realize there was 2 Vinnie Vincent Invasion albums I certainly haven't heard any of the songs that are being played

[@indiglo1971]

0:40 What stands out is that glare! 🌞 ☀️ 🌤 🌅 ♌️

[@berniecasey7592]

I believe I bought the cassette to this when it came out in '86-I had high hopes for him but they soon flopped.

[@janiterinadrum1627]

Vinny may be a freak or a woman or whatever in the hell he is but that dude can play the guitar and the stuff that he does is next level and that was back in the '80s next level. Go ahead and try to repeat what he does note for note and then post it. I dare you

[@ricardolobatos]

Is totally a master piece !!!

[@MetalMan73100]

Europe guitarist John Norum did a terrific version of Back On The Streets on his first solo album, 1987´s Total Control. It was even released as a single with an accompanying video.

[@johnbrooks2646]

Yep. Norum's solo on it is far superior. It's too bad because Vinnie has the ability to be melodic.

[@KISSFAN1970]

Great album!

[@JasonDavisVoice]

So when this album first came out I liked it. I thought there were some cool riffs and hooks. It hasn't aged well for me. Unfortunately, Vinnie's overplaying just sounds ridiculous to me now and the lyrics are pretty cringeworthy at times. I think Paul Stanley has talked about how they really had to work hard to keep Vinnie's playing appropriate for KISS when they were working with him on Creatures and Lick It Up. The VVI albums are what happens when Vinnie's ego is let loose. I agree with you...not a lot of tasteful playing in those licks. Some of these songs might have worked as KISS songs with the right touch and guidance.

[@julian2818]

I think both Invasion albums are solid. But I don’t think any of the members of KISS had good solo albums in the 80s. Peter Criss’ stuff just bores me, the Frehley’s Comet albums aren’t very good (Trouble Walkin’ is ok) and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion albums are your typical glam metal albums

[@peterbackes5381]

The best songs Shoot You Full Of Love, Back On The Streets, No Substitute, and Boyz Are Gonna Rock. Too much guitar shredding.

[@XtheLostGen]

I bought the album and loved it too. Then I saw them live... Sh** show. Worcester Centrum, 86 or 87, opening for Alice Cooper. There were rumors Vinnie slowed the rest of the mix down when he layed them down to make his leads sound faster. At the show, the crowd hated them and booed them off the stage. After the 3rd song, Slaughter came up to the mic, gave the crowd the middle finger and said "F U Worcester

[@SeanBlumenshine]

That sounds rough

[@superdragUSA1]

You need to getcha some of EZO produced by Gene Simmons in late 80s. That shit is fire fire!

[@SeanBlumenshine]

I’ll check it out!

[@RikJSmith]

I agree with everything you said , Sean . I couldn't listen to that album a second time. I met him once , so let's not forget about his arrogant , " no , I can't give you an Autograph " attitude. He was just shitty to everyone.

[@SeanBlumenshine]

I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a pleasant story about the guy

[@RikJSmith]

@@SeanBlumenshine Well , I'm glad that it's not just me with this opinion. For a while after my very short interaction with him I kept thinking to myself " was I somehow talking or acting like an asshole to him when I smiled and said Hi Vinny could I please get your autograph ? ". But I realized there was no way I could have been nicer. But anyway , I love your Channel , Sean. I hope you're doing well and staying safe. 🎸🎸🎸

[@MrAmi69]

Awesome album! Both (or all 3) of Vinnie's albums are imo much better than what Ace have released after KISS.

[@janiterinadrum1627]

Almost every song and every artist that you can possibly think of has a good car cover or tutorial on KZbin. Except Yngwie Malmsteen and Vinnie Vincent try finding one where you can see a dude play any of his stuff note for note

[@billycain9890]

Damn good hard rock album

[@oswaldfife5183]

Boyz are Gonna Rock and Shoot U Full of Love are great and the rest is ok.

[@whatizreality0124]

I'm no fan of any pop/ hair metal . But there's no context to anything your hating on . Maybe let the viewer be the judge and show a portion of the solos ? This video could've been done in 1min by just stating the album sucked and I hate it.

[@matthewg666]

For the most part, I love the album. "Animal" is my least favorite". "Baby-O" and "Invasion" are my top 2 favorites. I don't mind Vinnie's tone...but, particularly on the ballady tracks, he could've shown a little restraint. Ah, the runout ending of "Invasion". Just think, if that was vinyl it'd keep going until you lifted the needle. I get why it's there - mimicing an air raid siren, but for cd versions it probably should've been cut a little shorter. I always thought it'd make for a great alarm sound.

[@shanehen]

I had this record. At the time, compared to his 80s guitar contemporaries, it was pretty bad. The worst part, unfortunately, was VV’s weedily-wee guitar histrionics.

[@JesusManera]

I actually LOVE the rhythm guitar tone of this album, it's huge. But totally agree that the lead tone - and playing - is just way too ear piercing.

[@Prof_Tickles92]

Bruh…you actually bought the album?

[@SeanBlumenshine]

My mom bought both VVI albums in the 80s and gave them to me

[@Prof_Tickles92]

@@SeanBlumenshine Ahhh okay. 😌

[@tbd407]

i had this album, it's not that good. its like the shrillest hair metal i think i've ever heard. The chorus to Boyz are gonna rock is cool and the way the guitar goes insane at the end is kinda fun if you want to piss off everyone around you, but the song writing throughout the album is not very good and the screechy production of both the vocals and the guitar becomes overkill. If you want to see what a better version of the same kind of music is, Lynch Mob Wicked Sensation, exact same type of music with better guitar, better songwriting, better vocals.

[@wendelllatimer4146]

Some decent tracks but I agree Vinnie's lead playing. It's like he doesn't get it. If you listen to Randy Rhoades or Slash their solos are melodic and memorable chalk full of tasty licks. But Vinny doesn't understand just gibberish noodling without saying anything substantial.

[@kc0lif]

vinnie Vincent did good for awhile few years later dissappeared. vinnie Vincent's playing is in your face and over the top me i love his playing i know vinnie's soloing kinda ticked off paul stanley vinnie wants people to know he's there.

[@jorgepaul5049]

The label dropped Vinnie to overbudget on solos on all systems go, so with the reminding budget, the producers want dana and mark to form a new band.

[@p40tomahawk41]

Yes Vinnie Vincent was very well known for his guitar diarrhea that never ended as Paul Stanley said it would be the high point of the concert because everybody would leave to smoke The Joint when Vinnie Vincent was doing his solos but the album is very good other than his guitar diarrhea on every song other than time of year

[@Starman2112ofKings]

Love the album……. well I love the music all around but don’t like the vocals or any of the overblown exaggerated solos. Yikes!!

[@connorshaw2618]

I agree. The best part of this album is the Cover.🤣

[@antonydick6057]

I have to agree with you on this review... I can't stand the stand the solo's and their sound... They suck...

[@kerrydavidsadler980]

Dude you really need to get a hearing aid, this album ROCKS. His guitar playing is excellent, he is the best lead guitar player KISS EVER had.

[@midnightrocker7]

All systems go was a better album, didn't care for the 1986 album that much, it was too over the top, Mark Slaughter was a better fit for the band, Vinnie Vincent was better when he was with Kiss, Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum were better when they formed Slaughter

[@CLOWNBOY68]

I'm 54 years old. Bought this album when it came (being a KISS fan of coarse) and EVERYTHING you say in this review was what I said years ago. I like some of the tracks a bit more than you but the solos.........MY GOD THOSES SOLOS!! Terrible. The tone sucks and all those notes don't make a good lead player. Being a musician, I would never want a V.V. in my band. His song ideas are good and his rhythm parts are catchy but those solos.......good God stop those solos!!

[@janiterinadrum1627]

Just so I can gauge where you're coming from what are some of your favorite bands and guitar solos maybe Depeche Mode Duran Duran? Morrissey...lol

[@krasspenn]

Again I bought everything KISS from the mid 70s to the late 90s then sold my collection eventually in 2000. It was a huge collection of very rare items. So obviously I bought this album and also saw this tour. I forget who else was on the bill..(It was Alice Cooper) Anyhow Vinnie just pukes through his solos. He tries too hard to shove it in your face. He's a decent song writer and I'm sure he would be a decent guitarist if he scaled it way back. But no his solo projects are a 2 on a scale of 10 and his guitar solos are impossible for me to listen to.

[@jojo-anthony5265]

This album represents everything WRONG with 80's Hair Metal...😂😂😂

[@martymcpeak4748]

I fart in your general direction! Seriously man you shouldn't trash someone's playing until you've critiqued your own. Just saying.

[@robg5640]

some of the songs are pretty good as far as the riffs and stuff but, yep, The solos all suck and don't fit the songs. It's just Vinny shredding without any real structure to the solos and how they fit into the songs themselves.

[@markdavis9176]

Slaughter sucks

[@whataboutrob442]

I agree... Total shit.

[@arthurhall8238]

I agree....this whole album SUCKS...if another band recorded it, it might be pretty good!

[@freedo333]

I know Vinnie has a lotta fans, but i dont get it. I dont like any of his songs & his guitar solos are just noise to me

[@Bruineboon03]

Why even bother reviewing an album you don’t like at all? Mimimi I don’t like the lead guitar mimimi I hate Vinnie’s soloing… bruh go listen to rock n roll all nite

[@Bruineboon03]

Star wars tshirt 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kennyowens2189]

This album sucks