VOW WOW v WTP-90491
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Artist = VOW WOW
Title = v
Label = EASTWORLD
Catalog# = WTP-90491
Barcode = 4988006017351
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1987
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
10trk, neil murray
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Charting the Course: Vow Wow’s Album ‘V’ (WTP-90491)
Let’s explore another powerful chapter from Japanese hard rock veterans Vow Wow, focusing on their 1987 studio album, simply titled “V.” Released on September 5, 1987, via the Eastworld label (Toshiba EMI), this 12-inch vinyl LP carries the catalog number WTP-90491. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.
This album, their fifth under the Vow Wow name, marked a monumental step towards international recognition. Most significantly, it featured legendary ex-Whitesnake bassist Neil Murray, solidifying a world-class rhythm section and surprising many fans. Produced by Kit Woolven (known for his work with Thin Lizzy), the album was recorded in Ibiza and mixed in London, boasting a polished, powerful, and distinctly “wet” British sound that emphasized the band’s heavy, dramatic core.
“V” is often cited alongside “III” as a pinnacle of the band’s career, showcasing their ultimate sound: a dense, gorgeous wall of sound where every instrument asserts itself. It features soaring, powerful vocals (considered by many to be Japan’s finest), raw and soulful guitar work (distinctly 70s-influenced, avoiding generic “metal” tones), massive drumming (likened to a mix of Bonham and Paice), and the unique, masterful keyboard textures (Minimoog, Mellotron, Hammond) that defined their style.
The songwriting is split between hard rock anthems and dramatic, emotional tunes, featuring catchy tracks like “The Girl In Red,” “Waited For A Lifetime,” and the iconic “Don’t Leave Me Now” (which gained exposure through a Le Mans 24 Hours race broadcast). Neil Murray also contributed heavily to the lyrics.
“V” (WTP-90491) is considered by many to be a “miraculous masterpiece,” a perfect collision of incredible songwriting, ultimate musicianship, and unique individual talents. Despite not achieving the same sales as other major international metal releases that year, it remains a testament to Vow Wow’s world-class quality and a high-water mark for Japanese hard rock.