Introduction
"Craveman" is the twelfth studio album by hard rock and roll guitar player and vocalist Ted Nugent. Released in 2002, this album showcases Nugent's powerful rock noise with a touch of blues and funk. It is a stirring comeback for the artist, who had actually taken a hiatus from taping in the 90s. With its unrelenting energy and striking instrumentation, "Craveman" acts as a testament to Ted Nugent's enduring talents as a musician and his ability to reinvent himself.
Background and Production
After the release of his previous album, "Spirit of the Wild" in 1995, Ted Nugent took a break from taping to focus on other pursuits, including his outdoor and hunting television series. In 2001, Nugent reunited with some of his fellow artists, including drummer Tommy Clufetos and bassist Marco Mendoza, to develop brand-new music. The result was "Craveman", an album that integrated Nugent's traditional rock noise with brand-new elements such as alternative and heavy metal.
"Craveman" was taped at DRS Studios in Waco, Texas, and produced by Ted Nugent, along with Michael Lutz, who had previously dealt with Nugent on numerous of his other albums. The blending of the album was done by Kevin Churko, who would go on to work with other significant rock acts such as Ozzy Osbourne and Five Finger Death Punch.
Track Listing and Notable Songs
"Craveman" consists of 11 tracks, with each song providing a powerful, raw sound that shows Nugent's signature guitar playing and unique songwriting abilities. The opening track "Klstrphnky" is a high-energy rock anthem, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Other notable songs on the album include "Rawdogs & Warhogs", which showcases Nugent's impressive guitar abilities, and "Cum N Gitya Sum O This", a funky, groove-laden track that shows his versatility as an artist.
The album likewise contains ballads such as "Change My Sex" and "My Baby Likes My Butter on Her Gritz", which display Nugent's softer side while still maintaining his unique noise. The final track, "Earthtones", is a crucial piece that acts as a testimony to Nugent's talents as a guitar player.
Reception
"Craveman" received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised Nugent's capability to deliver a compelling rock sound with memorable hooks and riffs, while others noted that it did not provide much in the way of innovation or originality. In general, however, the album showed that Ted Nugent still possessed the ability to create effective and appealing music.
In regards to industrial success, "Craveman" did not fare along with a few of Nugent's earlier works, failing to reach the Billboard 200 chart. However, it did experience some success on both the Top Independent Albums and Top Internet Albums charts, peaking at No. 20 and No. 39, respectively.
Legacy
Regardless of not being the most commercially effective of Ted Nugent's albums, "Craveman" has developed a cult following amongst fans for its raw, no-holds-barred sound and distinct guitar work. The album's range of designs showcases Nugent's ability to adapt to various musical genres and reinvent his sound, even after years of performing.
"Craveman" remains a must-listen for both longtime fans of Ted Nugent and those seeking to explore his discography. Ted Nugent continues to carry out live and record new music, further strengthening his place in the landscape of rock and roll.
Artist: Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent, rock guitarist & political activist fondly known as The Nuge. Dive into his powerful guitar playing & renowned quotes.
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