Vinnie Vincent Invasion cover

Released 40 years ago

Vinnie Vincent Invasion

Vinnie Vincent Invasion · 1986

45 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

Explosive guitar riffs intertwine with anthemic choruses, embodying the exuberance of mid-80s heavy metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Boyz Are Gonna Rock — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and catchy chorus, showcasing Vincent's flair for melody and guitar prowess.
  • →
    Animal — This track encapsulates the band's heavy metal essence, featuring aggressive riffs paired with lyrics that emphasize youthful rebellion and desire.
  • →
    Back on the Streets — With its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, this song reflects the band's determination and resilience, making it a standout anthem for fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work and energetic songwriting typical of mid-80s heavy metal but lacks broader impact.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Boyz Are Gonna Rock', setting a fast pace that continues through the first half.
  • Each song features prominent guitar solos that often overshadow the vocal lines, emphasizing Vincent's guitar prowess.
  • The final track, 'Invasion', serves as a climactic conclusion, featuring a slower tempo and extended instrumental sections.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady anthems for driving
  • explosive guitar solos energize sessions
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • flamboyant vibe for party atmosphere

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1986, Vinnie Vincent Invasion marked Vinnie Vincent's debut as a solo artist after his tenure with KISS. The album came at a time when Vincent was seeking to establish his identity in the rock scene following his previous contributions to the band.
Stylistic neighbors
Ratt· Cinderella· Quiet Riot

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Boyz Are Gonna Rock 4:56
  • 2 Shoot U Full of Love 4:42
  • 3 No Substitute 3:52
  • 4 Animal 5:33
  • 5 Twisted 4:48
  • 6 Do You Wanna Make Love 3:22
  • 7 Back on the Streets 4:48
  • 8 I Wanna Be Your Victim 4:35
  • 9 Baby‐O 3:44
  • 10 Invasion 5:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata