The second album from 'Badlands' and they continue seamlessly from their excellent debut. The only lineup change for 'Voodoo Highway' is drummer 'Eric Singer' gives way for 'Jeff Martin', other than that it's business as usual as 'Badlands' explore more blues heavy Metal. In all honesty I don't enjoy this release as much as the debut, for me the bluesy element is taken too far especially the second half, all the same, there's still plenty of decent cuts and this is another very solid album.

First up is my favourite song from the album the cracking 'The Last Time', a sweet melodic rocker, upheld by a hearty sing-a-long chorus and superb driving, yet carefree riff and rhythm work. The tempo is dropped for the bluesy 'Show me the Way' a laid back balladsy number which flows excellently, the instrumental break feels a little out of place but still is a decent slower track. A solid measure of groove is introduced on 'Shine On' and while the rhythm work is sublime the chorus is too obvious for my liking, all the same it's not a bad cut with great vocals from 'Ray Gillen'. Better is the wonderful, harder edged 'Whiskey Dust', lyrically 'Badland's' come up trumps with this superb plodding gem, the contribution of 'Jake E. Lee' should not be overlooked as he turns in a great solo performance. 'Joe's Blues' is a solo by the aforementioned guitarist and although it adds a bit of diversity and gives some nice structure to the album it's a pretty insignificant piece. Side one closes with the 'Led Zeppelin' sounding 'Soul Sister', again 'Jake E. Lee' shines on this wonderful jam session sounding treat. '3 Day Funk' opens the second half in a strong bluesy fashion and as with 'Soul Sister' this track has that carefree jam session feel about it. Superior still is the brilliant 'Silver Horses', the penmanship here is glorious and merges with sweet hooks and solos for a top drawer laid back rocker. Continuing in fine form is the crunchy 'Love don't mean a Thing', a choice number that is unfortunately spoilt by some awkward sections that make for a difficult listen due to their disjointed approach. Next up is the title track 'Voodoo Highway', this is real heavy blues number, too much so for my liking, and while 'Ray Gillen' puts in a fine appearance, it's one of the weaker numbers. 'Fire and Rain' is a cover of a 'James Taylor' song and while 'Badland's' cut a fine version, personally it's not a track that inspires me, but I must admit this is a respectable rendition. Stealing the intro from 'UFO's' 'Rock Bottom', 'Voodoo Highway' continues with the grooving jaunty 'Heaven's Trail', another jam session sounding number and another highlight, with the whole band on stellar form. The album closes with a short acoustic soul number 'In a Dream', a fairly tame effort and not to my taste.

Sadly this would be the last album for 'Badlands' despite hiring a replacement for 'Ray Gillen' who left after this release. 'Ray Gillen' would tragically loose his battle with HIV in 93', the self titled debut and 'Voodoo Highway' stand as a fine testament to a very talented and much missed vocalist.