Their musical partnership extends all the way back to 1984 and the release of the now classic sophomore album from DOKKEN, “Tooth And Nail”. No wonder then that when guitarist George Lynch and bassist Jeff Pilson get together, not only do the creative sparks fly but the memories come rushing back as well. Following up on the duo’s most recent trip down memory lane, a full-length a collection of fresh and invigorating versions of hits from yesteryear, 2020’s “Heavy Hitters”, Lynch and Pilson have released a brand new single, an original song co-written by both artists that reflects back on all the twists and turns that life can bring.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is simply a gorgeous power ballad that brings out the best in both Lynch and Pilson. Musically, the song has echoes of “Tooth And Nail”‘s smash hit single “Alone Again”, with a beautiful, chiming acoustic guitar intro that gives way to epic, fist-pumping riffs. But lyrically the song couldn’t be more different — instead of regret and sorrow, “It’s A Wonderful Life” boasts a surprisingly optimistic and hopeful outlook on a life’s journey despite the bouts of doubt and indecision. Since the song borrows its title and refrain from the popular 1946 Frank Capra Christmas classic, it seems only fitting that the single is being released just as this year’s holiday season is getting into full swing.
Lynch shares his excitement about the new song, saying: “Jeff and I have been wood-shedding and writing songs together for 40 years and we’ve never lost that enthusiasm and passion that we shared since day one.” Pilson likewise proclaims: “We just HAD to write our own Christmas track. No ‘Jingle Bells’ for us!”
Lynch recently re-teamed with Pilson for a set of new studio recordings that turn pop music classics into powerful metal anthems. The follow-up to 2020’s “Heavy Hitters”, tentatively titled “Heavy Hitters 2”, will be released in 2023 via Deadline Music, a subsidiary of Cleopatra Records, Inc.
“Heavy Hitters” featured guest appearances by BULLETBOYS‘ Marq Torien, FISHBONE‘s Angelo Moore, EARSHOT‘s Wil Martin and the aforementioned Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE). The effort contained Lynch and Pilson‘s renditions of Rufus and Chaka Khan‘s “You Got The Love”, Carole King‘s “I Feel The Earth”, DURAN DURAN‘s “Ordinary World”, Madonna‘s “Music”, ONEREPUBLIC and Timbaland‘s “Apologize”, Martha Reeves and THE VANDELLAS‘ “Nowhere To Run”, Prince‘s “Kiss”, R.E.M.‘s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” and OASIS‘s “Champagne Supernova”, among others.
