Ted Nugent - Free-for-All

Strong album!

Ted Nugent hits the mark on this one, the follow-up to his exceptional self-titled debut. While "Free-for-All" doesn't strike me as as big a hit as "Cat Scratch Fever," on the album of the same name which came just a year after this one, the album is altogether more successful in its songwriting and performances. From front to back, it's a strong rock album, with "Writing on the Wall" offering the same brand of atmospheric rock as "Stranglehold," and other songs just reflecting a high energy approach to rock n' roll. An altogether good, and enjoyable album. February 7, 2008

Fantastic

The Nuge is near the top of his game here. Waiting and hoping for the re master double live gonzo. I noticed The Nuge was touring as a 3 peice last. Bring back Derek. December 8, 2007

If you can ignore Ted's personality, this is a good album

I hate Ted Nugent's politics, animal nonsense, attitude, and personality. But the dude can play awesome guitar and write some killer songs. So while I don't think this is his best album ever (Cat Scratch Fever) it is my 2nd fave from the Nuge. I've been listening to Ted Nugent since the 70s, before I knew all his views and opinions. I think I was first captured by the cover of Weekend Warriors, and then I got CSF next and every song on that record is really good. I actually got Free For All because I was also a big Meat Loaf fan, but now I know he only sings a few songs on it. However, really every song is good. I think Ted sings the GREAT title track, and St Holmes sings the bulk.

Ted shines when he's doing pentatonic blues solos and riffs, and this album is packed with them. I love Writing on the Wall, which is sung by Meat and has an extensive killer Stanglehold-style solo. The title track is probably my favorite Nugent song of all time - that RIFF, that HOOK! Ooo baa bee, YEAH it's a freeforawal! That rocks. Other standout tracks include Together, Light My Way, and Hammerdown. If you are getting your first Nugent album or have others but not this one, this is an essential release in the Ted Nugent discography. December 6, 2007

Where's the Guitar Bridge?

Having listened to a lot of Nugent stuff over the years.. this album had some moments, but no where near the impact of the original Epic, Ted Nugent album, and for those who had heard early Nugent collaborations ala the Amboy Dukes.. this offering doesnt even come close to the brilliant complexities of the Andy Soloman influenced "Marriage on the Rocks, Rock Bottom" recording. Nugent has always thrived when he had to battle other musicians for the spotlight... he is a great musical listener when forced to play nice, and can apply a tremendous amount of ear candy to other people's songcraft, however, Nugent, when left to own devices, is reduced to junior high school rhyme schemes that focus on adolescent sex; which is fine when you are 16, but quite pathetic when you are 55.

Every once in a while, he pens a catchy tune, but they are few and far between. "Fred Bear" was a bright moment in terms of song construction and energy, perhaps because it was recorded almost immediately upon being written. An overlooked love song, Heart And Soul showed some promise that Nugent might be maturing a little bit, but the spirit slipped away too quickly. The Derek St. Holmes influenced "Love Jacker" was brilliant Motown meets Motor City Madman, but again... Nugent didnt recognize its cross over potential and ignored the song in live shows... oh well... now we get ditties like "My Baby Likes My Butter on Her Gritz" and "Girl Scout Cookies". Go Nuge.. you da man...

What I really want to know about this album is this... The Byrdland on the cover shot is missing the bridge and the strings are completely loose. Does anyone know why they did that? August 17, 2007

Ted's benchmark album

I have had this album in my personal collection since it's release in '78
'on wax', tape, and CD. Listen to the sample tracks on Real Player for starters. It will give you a good grasp of this album. If you are a MAN between 21-61 you should have this album instead of the trash put out today by pseudo / 'stars'.

This album is good for 2 main uses: starting your day and in the weight room. Ted Nugent is a bona fide rock star who can play and sing simultaneously which alot of other phonies can't do in this business. The Cd should be used instead of drugs when you need a morale ( not moral ) boost that is perfectly legal. Again, listen to the Real Player tracks rather than critic ravings like some of these musical ANALYSTS do to wate your time. Rock and rock hard guys !! Gonzo !! August 7, 2007

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