Thin Lizzy Chinatown

1980’s Chinatown introduced two new Thin Lizzy members: keyboardist Darren Wharton (who joined at age 17) and guitarist Snowy White (who replaced Gary Moore). Producer Tony Visconti wasn't in the mixing chair, and frontman Phil Lynott and lead guitarist Scott Gorham were both indulging in a seemingly endless party bender. Still, “We Will Be Strong” opens like classic Thin Lizzy, with its signature doubled guitarmonies and Lynott’s voice balanced between his soulful smoothness and a weathered rasp. The outstanding title track blasts off with sizzling guitar leads and juicy riffs meaty enough to sink your teeth into and rip off the bone. And the following “Sweetness” is robust with Thin Lizzy’s best characteristics: soaring six-string harmonics, a driving rhythm section, backing vocal harmonies, and most noticeably, Lynott’s knack for writing unforgettable pop melodies. The hard-rocking “Killer on the Loose” is equally driving and catchy.