Warrant. The name alone might conjure images of hairspray, MTV, and perhaps… a certain cherry pie. For many, Warrant is synonymous with their 1990 hit, “Cherry Pie,” a song that catapulted them to mainstream success but also, arguably, overshadowed the depth of their album of the same name. If you’re cruising down memory lane on Hair Nation or just stumbled upon this track, you might be wondering: is “Cherry Pie” the song really that bad? Or is there more to Warrant and their infamous album than meets the eye (or ear)? Let’s dive into Warrant’s Cherry Pie and explore why this album, despite its sometimes cringe-worthy title track, deserves a second listen.
Jani Lane Warrant Cherry Pie era, capturing the look and feel of the hair metal scene
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the cherry pie on the table. Yes, the “Cherry Pie” song. It’s… well, it’s something. Released as the title track of their second album, it became an instant anthem of the hair metal era. Its catchy hooks and MTV-ready video (featuring Bobbie Brown, a quintessential video vixen of the time) were undeniable. But let’s be honest, lyrically, it’s vapid. Offensive to some? Maybe. Embarrassing? Perhaps a little. Even the late Jani Lane, Warrant’s charismatic frontman, had a complicated relationship with the song, as famously captured in interviews where his discomfort with the track is palpable.
The song, while undeniably catchy and a perfect encapsulation of the era’s excesses, can overshadow the rest of the Cherry Pie album. It’s the sonic equivalent of a dollar-store candy bar – fun in the moment, but lacking in substance. It’s understandable why many dismiss the entire album based on this one track. It’s a brash, attention-grabbing opener that might scare away listeners seeking something more substantial. But to judge the whole album solely on “Cherry Pie” would be a mistake.
Jani Lane Warrant Cherry Pie era, capturing the look and feel of the hair metal scene
According to Jani Lane himself, the album was initially intended to be named Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This title hints at a different direction, a more serious and perhaps darker tone. The song “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” itself is a prime example of this potential. It’s a far cry from the bubblegum pop-metal of “Cherry Pie.” The track opens with a moody slide guitar intro, building into a powerful hard rock anthem. The guitar work is strong, the chorus is undeniably catchy in a classic hard rock vein, and the lyrics delve into a narrative of murder and secrets, a far cry from the suggestive fluff of the title track. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” showcases a band capable of more than just catchy singles; it reveals a songwriting depth often missed due to the “Cherry Pie” song’s massive shadow.
Warrant’s ballads are another often-overlooked strength. Jani Lane’s voice was perfectly suited for power ballads, and Cherry Pie delivers some genuinely strong ones. “I Saw Red” is a standout track, a raw and emotional ballad fueled by Lane’s personal experience of heartbreak. The lyrics, initially misinterpreted by some as being about a crime scene, are actually about infidelity and betrayal. This real-life pain translates into a powerful and relatable song, showcasing a vulnerability rarely associated with the hair metal genre. The emotional depth of “I Saw Red” elevates Cherry Pie beyond typical party rock fare.
“Bed of Roses” is another solid ballad on the album, often forgotten due to its somewhat generic title. While not as immediately impactful as “I Saw Red,” it’s a well-crafted melodic rock song with uplifting melodies and a touch of sophistication. It demonstrates Warrant’s ability to create more than just arena anthems; they could also write nuanced and emotionally resonant songs.
Moving beyond the ballads, Cherry Pie also features some solid rock tracks that often get lost in the mix. “Sure Feels Good to Me” is a fast-paced rocker that injects energy into the album, showcasing a harder, faster edge than many might expect from Warrant. “Love in Stereo” is a bigger, riff-driven track, capturing the spirit of summer nights and youthful exuberance. While perhaps not lyrically profound, it’s a fun, energetic rock song that contributes to the album’s overall diversity.
“Blind Faith” revisits ballad territory, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of “I Saw Red.” However, it’s still a well-executed power ballad with strong vocal melodies and a soaring chorus. “Song and Dance Man” and “You’re the Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised” are more in line with Warrant’s earlier, more straightforward hard rock sound. While “You’re the Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised” might suffer from a somewhat cliché title and chorus, it does feature some of the album’s heavier riffs.
The album closes with “Mr. Rainmaker,” another strong rock anthem that highlights the band’s songwriting capabilities. It’s a big, catchy track with killer verses and a memorable chorus, demonstrating that Warrant was more than capable of crafting solid rock songs beyond the shadow of “Cherry Pie.”
Adding a surprising twist, Cherry Pie includes a cover of Blackfoot’s “Train, Train.” This unexpected choice reveals a deeper musical influence and a nod to Southern rock roots, suggesting a band with broader musical tastes than their image might imply. It’s a fun, energetic cover that adds another layer to the album. Finally, the album concludes with “Ode to Tipper Gore,” a short, humorous track of stage banter directed at the PMRC. This irreverent closer reveals a band with a rebellious streak and a willingness to poke fun at the establishment, further distancing them from the purely commercial image sometimes projected onto them.
In conclusion, while the “Cherry Pie” song might be the most commercially successful and instantly recognizable track from Warrant’s Cherry Pie album, it’s far from being the only story. The album reveals a band capable of writing strong hard rock anthems, heartfelt ballads, and even venturing into unexpected covers. If you can look past the admittedly silly title track, Cherry Pie offers a surprisingly diverse and enjoyable hard rock experience. Perhaps it’s time to revisit Cherry Pie and discover the depth beyond the dessert.
