Mike Tramp’s “Songs of White Lion”: Revisiting an Era
Mike Tramp, one of the faces but definitely the voice of White Lion, has re-imagined his band’s biggest hits with Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
But why?
What drives an artist to re-record their own material decades later?
Who is the Heck Mike Tramp?
For thos who don’t know, Mike Tramp rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of White Lion, a band largely known for “When the Children Cry” and “Wait.”
Both songs were in heavy rotation on MTV and radio.
“When the Children Cry” represents the late 80’s – early90’s acoustic ballad trend and the rise of MTV Unplugged.
After the group disbanded in the early ’90s, Tramp pursued a solo career, releasing numerous albums that showcased his growth as a singer-songwriter.
In fact, he’s been releasing quality rock music in a variety of styles for a few decades now.
American rock lovers have been missing out.
The guy has some criminally underrated output.
Why Re-record Classic White Lion Songs?
It can all boil down to licensing and ownership rights.
One of the most common reasons artists rerecord their own work is ownership.
Many classic White Lion recordings might be still tied to record labels, limiting Tramp’s control over their use.
By rerecording them, he potentially reclaims the rights.
Like Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift’s decision to re-record her old albums wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about taking back control.
When her former label, Big Machine Records, sold her master recordings to Scooter Braun’s company in 2019, she lost the rights to her own music.
Rather than accepting that someone else now profited from the songs she poured her heart into, Swift chose to fight back in the best way she knew how—by making new versions.
By re-recording her albums as “Taylor’s Version,” she not only regained ownership of her work but also ensured that fans could support her directly instead of those who bought her masters without her consent.
In theory, songs evolve with time. Mike Tramp apparently wanted to present these tracks from his current perspective rather than revisit yesterday..
Just like an NFL quarterback or an Olympic sprinter, a singer’s instrument – his voice – changes with age.
High-range vocals that defined White Lion’s sound in the ’80s are challenging to sustain over time.
Ask Robert Plant.
There’s a reason why Led Zeppelin didn’t tour after the famed 02 Arena Reunion in 2007.
A Singer’s Voice: The Evolution Over Time
Comparing a vocalist’s career to an athlete’s isn’t far-fetched.
Just as a quarterback might adjust his throwing mechanics as he ages, a singer must adapt his delivery to fit his current abilities.
Those high notes of “Tell Me” or “Little Fighter” might be harder to hit decades later, so Tramp has adjusted them while maintaining the songs’ core emotional impact.
Look at “Lonely Nights” in 1988 versus “Lonely Nights” today.
The integrity of the song is there. The melody. The structure.
It’s just not sung like it was the 80’s.
In reality, the only thing missing is Vito Bratta.
But that’s another story for another time.
Listen to Mike Tramp’s Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 on Spotify
Listen to Mike Tramp’s Songs of White Lion Vol. 2 on Spotify
Buy Mike Tramp’s Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 on Amazon*
Buy Mike Tramp’s Songs of White Lion Vol. 2 on Amazon*
Mike Tramp’s Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 and Vol. 2: A Cool Take on Classics
The new recordings of White Lion’s catalog bring a more up-to-date feel while preserving the essence of the originals.
Tramp’s voice has matured into a richer, golden tone, and guitarist Marcus Nand stays true to Bratta’s solos with almost note-for-note accuracy.
Here are some of the highlights:
• “Wait”
• “Broken Heart”
• “Farewell to You”
The biggest changes? The production. The singing. Well – everything. Kinda.
There are no jazz interpretations or wild rearrangements. It’s a catalog of songs presented by a singer-songwriter at a current state of their career.
It’s a more organic approach.
Songs of White Lion Vol. 2: Continuing the Legacy
While Vol. 1 focused on White Lion’s biggest hits, Vol. 2 dives deeper into their hid, including songs like “Living on the Edge” and “Lady of the Valley.”
This volume cements Tramp’s commitment to honoring White Lion’s music in a way that fits who he is today.
That’s what I was trying to say before!
Mike Tramp’s Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are a reflection of an artist who has lived, grown, and continues to share his music.
He’s currently touring overseas and booking dates in the US.
Social media comments of his shows have been positive.
Classic hard rockers just want to get a chance to enjoy the tunes once more.
Nothing lasts forever.
FAQs
1. Why did Mike Tramp choose to re-record these songs?
To reclaim ownership, reinterpret them artistically, and adapt them to his current voice.
2. How do these Songs of White Lion versions differ from the originals?
They feature a more organic sound, modern production, and vocal adjustments to fit Tramp’s current range.
3. Will there be a White Lion reunion?
Highly unlikely—Tramp has stated he prefers to move forward as a solo artist. Plus whether or not original guitarist Vito Bratta can still play guitar at all is in question. And subject to many theories.
4. How has Mike Tramp’s voice changed over the years?
Like any singer, his voice has matured, losing some high range but gaining depth and richness.
5. Where can I listen to Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 & Vol. 2?
Available on streaming platforms and for physical purchase via Tramp’s official site.
*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Sources:
• Songs of White Lion Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 on Frontiers Music.
• Interview with Metal Edge – “Mike Tramp Talks White Lion, His Legacy, and Re-Recording the Classics,” 2023.
• Blabbermouth. Mike Tramp on revisiting White Lion songs: “I Have to Be Honest With Myself”, 2023.
• Rolling Stone. “Taylor Swift Is Re-Recording Her Albums to Regain Control,” 2021.
• NPR – “Why Taylor Swift Is Re-Recording Her Albums and What It Means for Artists’ Rights, “2022.
