The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent/Mechanix

• Artist: UFO
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1995
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rock

Review

The albums UFO made after the departure of Michael Schenker are often ignored or dismissed when discussing the merits of the band. His replacement on lead guitar, Paul Chapman, was certainly not as innovative as Schenker, but he did add a streamlined consistency to the underrated '80s version of the band. This release includes two of UFO's best from this period, 1981's The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent and 1982's similar-sounding Mechanix. At its best, the Chapman-led UFO evoked the best of Thin Lizzy's sound; at its worst, the group sounded like a generic amalgamation of Rainbow and Journey. There are several ill-advised moments on both albums, including possibly the worst-ever cover version of Eddie Cochran's "Somethin' Else." The best songs are UFO's entertaining forays into pop-metal, such as "The Writer," "Makin' Moves," "Chains Chains," and "Let it Rain." These songs are also found on the compilation The Best of the Rest, which may be a more suitable purchase for casual fans or those on a budget. However, those wanting a closer listen to the state of hard rock/heavy metal before MTV-savvy and hair bands became the norm will be interested in this release. ~ Brian Downing, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Chains Chains	Phil Mogg, Pete Way	UFO	(3:25)
Long Gone	Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(5:18)
The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent	Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(4:57)
It's Killing Me	Phil Mogg, Pete Way	UFO	(4:29)
Makin' Moves	Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(4:45)
Lonely Heart	Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Paul Chapman	UFO	(5:03)
Couldn't Get It Right	Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Paul Chapman	UFO	(4:33)
Profession of Violence	Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(4:23)
The Writer	Neil Carter, Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(4:07)
Somethin' Else	Eddie Cochran, Sharon Sheeley	UFO	(3:21)
Back into My Life	Phil Mogg, Pete Way	UFO	(4:56)
You'll Get Love	Neil Carter, Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(3:07)
Doing It All for You	Neil Carter, Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Paul Chapman	UFO	(5:00)
We Belong to the Night	Neil Carter, Phil Mogg, Pete Way	UFO	(3:56)
Let It Rain	Neil Carter, Phil Mogg, Pete Way	UFO	(4:00)
Terri	Phil Mogg, Paul Chapman	UFO	(3:49)
Feel It	Phil Mogg, Pete Way	UFO	(4:04)
Dreaming	Neil Carter, Phil Mogg	UFO	(3:59)

Credits

UFO (Main Performer), Paul Buckmaster (String Arrangements), Neil Carter (Guitar), Neil Carter (Keyboards), Neil Carter (Saxophone), Neil Carter (Vocals), Neil Carter (String Arrangements), Steve Churchyard (Engineer), Gary Lyons (Producer), Gary Lyons (String Arrangements), Phil Mogg (Vocals), Andy Parker (Drums), Pete Way (Bass), John Pasche (Cover Design), Paul Chapman (Guitar)