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Customer Reviews of Nuclear Cowboy

Something different? This is it! Rock-guitar fan? GO FOR IT!
You might say that this album is overproduced, that it smells too much to hip-hop, nu-metal, industrial and techno; that Sykes' voice sounds a tad dulled here and there... whatever! While it's true that the use of synthesized loops and computer overdubs are extensive in this release, they just serve to give some fresher colors to a picture that still remains as solid as a hard rock. Beyond genres and clichés, I think that this one is a brilliant effort by John Sykes. He managed to give a modern mood to the music here without compromising his explosive style, and the final result is no less than amazing.

For those wondering who John Sykes is, it should be enough saying that he was the guitarist and co-songwriter of the Whitesnake's 1987 mega-successful album. For those knowing who Sykes actually is, well... don't expect another Blue Murder album in "Nuclear Cowboy". You will in fact hear very few from the previous Sykes albums you might know. There is almost nothing from Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake or Blue Murder, apart the flashy soloing, the great vocals and the heavy riffing. Yes, the guy still showcases his wide-open, deep vibratos and his squealing harmonics; but excluding "We Will" (which does sound pretty old-school in spite of the modern production) and the ballad "I wish it would rain", this is a new John Sykes that you are still to discover. However, if you are a guitar lover don't be worried at all: her majesty the Les Paul proudly screams loud all along this release!

So... how the heck does this "Nuclear Cowboy" sound alike after all? Well... I would just say "heavy as hell!", but it wouldn't be enough, as I should also say that it sounds at the same time familiar and different, mainstream and revolutionary, contemporary and bold... Some people will need some time to digest this, as the modern atmosphere can be scary for purists; while some other people will immediately applaud the experiment. For me, this album is more heterogeneous and interesting than the mellow "Loveland", the heavy (but slightly monotonous) "20th Century" and the somewhat forgettable "Out of my tree".

"Nuclear Cowboy" shows a Sykes at the peak of his songwriting and playing skills, and it's a shame that many people will misunderstand the purpose of this masterpiece. Few times stylistic moves are done without loosing the authenticity and the charm of the original style; but Sykes succeeds in "Nuclear Cowboy" where others fail. This stylistic change is for the good, and he made absolutely no compromise: the essence of the artist is still there! Thus (to conclude, that this is becoming too long ;-)), open your ears to overcome your prejudices and take a listen to this criminally overlooked (and underpromoted!) work of art. Five freaking stars!

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Different
Not quite sure what to think about this album.I recently saw Sykes with Thin Lizzy on stage and it remimded me that I loved Blue Murder(and Whitesnake and tygers of pan tang,...).It is the first time I listened to a Sykes SOLO album and to be honest I expected something more "classic", heavy songs and great long guitar solos...Nuclear Cowboy sounds more "modern", lots of drum loops with real drums by Carmine Appice, not that many guitar solos and good hard rock songs drowned in technology.The sound is great but modern, the songs are good but the treatment is not what I expected...I don't quite understand the point of releasing a more"commercial" album when you built your reputation on your guitar skills...still a change is never a completely bad thing.
With this album, Sykes follows the path Gary Moore chose for some of his albums (Different beat, dark days in paradise,...)and while I like them I also got sick of them pretty fast.This might happen with Nuclear Cowboy.
If you're a Classic Hard rock kinda guy, pick Blue Murder instead or maybe one of his other solo albums...

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Not your '80s Sykes...
When I first heard "Nuclear Cowboy" I wasn't sure what to think. I was expecting something more along the lines of Blue Murder. However, after spinning this disc a few times I've come to love it. It's edgey, bold and Sykes really goes out on a limb here. Sure, it may be a little overproduced and I'm still not totally hip on the drum loops and other effects, but it really has a great feel and who else plays like John Sykes? Talk about vibrato!