Paraphernalia is significant for several reasons; first it marks the band's debut on Spitfire Records, a move that could put them back in the public eye (and hopefully ear) where they belong. Second, and no doubt as a direct result of the first reason, it marks a return to stores for Enuff Z'nuff in communities where they haven't appeared since their final major studio release, Animals With Human Intelligence, in 1993. Third, it marks a return to the original logo for the band; this is the equivalent of flipping the baseball cap around before the pitch, or putting those special sneakers on before the big race: it means some serious action is about to take place - and the listener is not disappointed.

Enlisting help from some of the Windy City's most well known axemen, singer Donnie Vie, bassist Chip Znuff, drummer Ricky Parent and guitarist Monaco create an album full of power, grace and texture. The band's usual influences are present, as ghosts of the Beatles and Cheap Trick fade in and out throughout the 14 tracks, but this time they aren't as easy to spot. It seems that Enuff Z'nuff have finally learned how to blend completely with their fore bearers into a new, cohesive sound that simultaneously manages to caress and assault the senses. That's not to say that all the tunes are complex; the simple, instantly hummable songs that have become EZN's trademark are here in the form of the Vie/Znuff penned compositions "Ain't It Funny", an aggressive pop tune about the the rut we all find ourselves in eventually, and "Invisible", a schizophrenic masterpiece that brings to mind early Styx.

It's hard to tell if the Styx sound is by accident or design; that band's guitarist James "JY" Young plays on "Invisible"and other songs on the disc. Also appearing are Smashing Pumpkins' founder Billy Corgan, and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen (who, incidentally, does not contribute to the cover of his own "Everything Works If You Let It"). Unfortunately, none of these capable artists deliver anything significant to the album; Monaco could have done all of the guitar parts himself and no one would have even noticed. I suspect that the addition of three already established rock superstars was done not so much to show the spirit and brotherhood of Chicagoans (all of them come from that city) as it was meant to create exposure for Enuff Z'nuff. This is understandable; these guys have been plugging away for ten years' worth of critically acclaimed albums, with almost no commercial success. If this move helps bring them into the public eye, then more power to them. Paraphernalia is an album that deserves to be heard.

I have been a Z'Nuff fan for about 13 years. These guys are great. This is just another fabulous album from a top-notch band. I think that this album is their best. Buy it and you will not be disappointed.

What can you say about Paraphernalia by Enuff Z'nuff. I was a huge fan of the Strength release along with Peach Fuzz and Animals with Human Intelligance, but some how lost track of Enuff Z'nuff in recent years. This all chenged when I put Strength in my car. After that refreshing listen, I decided to go on Amazon to check out what the band was doing these days. I was shocked to see so many newer releases. I picked Paraphernalia because the reviews were so good. Well, lets add another five star review. This Cd was truly genius. From beginning to end it holds your attention and more importantly makes you want to listen to it over and over again. I could go track by track, but it would be redundant. Every song is great and can stand on its own. My Personal fave was "Baby your the Greatest" which boasts the line "I feel like Monday, after the weekend" We all know what that feels like. Anyhow, do yourself a favor and buy this Cd along with Strength. They are both on my list of Albums in which I wouldn't mind being stranded on an Island. Paraphernalia is true Rock/Pop ear candy.

This is actually a really solid rock album. The band has that image of pop-metal from their "Fly High Michelle" days, but this album doesn't really fit into that vein too well. It's really straight forward, and actually very radio friendly.

There are guest appearances on the record from Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, JT Young of Styx, and Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins. Nielson and Young each play Lead Guitar on three tracks, and Corgan plays lead on the remake of "Everything Works If You Let It", a really cool cover.

Most of the songs are really good, and you can listen to the CD straight through without feeling as though you have to start skipping songs. In fact you can listen to the CD over and over, it doesn't really go stale.

"Freak" is one of the better songs on the record. It's not really too hard, but has strong lyrics. Speaks well to anyone that has been outcast for superficial reasons. Really a great song. Some of the other highlights on the album are "Ain't It Funny", "Believe In Love", "Baby You're The Greatest", "Someday" and "All Alone". "Loser of the World" is actually in a class of its own. I've never really heard a song quite like it. It's the perfect song if you want to feel sorry for yourself. It's just a soft voice over simple piano. "Loser of the World" and "Someday" are actually a bit on the softer side, but both songs are very moving, great lyrics and delivery. On the whole the album flows well, and delivers great straight forward rock.

I think if you are into bands like Cheap Trick, U2, or some of the Beatles heavier songs, then this album won't disappoint you. All the songs are good, and can be played over and over. Definitely one of the better albums I've bought in recent years.

This album makes it very easy to realize that pop-metal can still be great. The commercial heyday for this band is long gone, but due to the cult following they keep going strong. Rick Nielsen does a fine guitar guest appearance on 3 songs as well as James Young of Styx on 3 songs. A minimum of 6-8 songs could fit well on AOR formats but unfortunately due to radio's likeness toward repetiveness it won't happen. This album easily outclasses all the whiny pop-rock of the current mainstream.