MEGADETH — So Far, So Good... So What! (review)

MEGADETH — So Far, So Good... So What! album cover

Album · 1988 · Thrash Metal

3.5/5 · 2011-07-07
UMUR

"So Far, So Good... So What!" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Megadeth. The album was released in January 1988 by Capitol Records. After the 2004 re-issue which feature a remixed and remastered version of the album and some alternative mixes of a couple of tracks, the original sound version has been out of print.

...and good riddance to that! The original sound version is probably the main reason why I have always considered "So Far, So Good... So What!" a relatively weak Megadeth album. I have both the original sound version and the remixed and remastered version and it´s like listening to two completely different albums. This is a case where a remix and remaster of an album was badly needed. "So Far, So Good... So What!" still doesn´t feature the most exciting sound production, but now it´s actually enjoyable to a certain extent.

The music on the album is thrash metal with the trademark melodic edge that has always been a part of Megadeth´s sound. Dave Mustaine´s caustic "fuck you" snarl has never sounded more biting. He sounds positively pissed off on tracks like "Liar" and "Hook in Mouth". The album is a bit of an inconsistent affair though. I like tracks like the above mentioned "Liar" and "Hook in Mouth", "502" and of course one of the ultimate Megadeth "classics" "In My Darkest Hour". All 4 tracks are on Side 2 of the original vinyl version of the album. The 4 tracks on Side 1 of the original vinyl version are not as strong though and especially the Sex Pistols cover "Anarchy in the U.K." is an odd and flow destroying inclusion IMO. We´re not talking any bad tracks here I just prefer the 4 last tracks on the album to the first 4.

A good deal of lineup changes has occured since "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986)" As guitarist Chris Poland has been replaced by Jeff Young and drummer Gar Samuelson has been replaced by Chuck Behler. Both replacements are sub par to the quality of the two musicians they replaced IMO. Especially Chuck Behler´s uninventive and stiff drumming style scars some sections of the songs. I guess Jeff Young is allright but compared to Chris Poland´s more unique style, his playing is more ordinary.

"So Far, So Good... So What!" isn´t exactly the follow-up one could have hoped for after the very promising, and in many people´s eyes "classic" thrash metal album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986)". I´d call it a good yet inconsistent album by the band that I enjoy on occasion. A 3.5 star rating is deserved.

more than 2 years ago
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UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I agree, at least the remaster made the debut bereable. I still don´t like it though.

The Angry Scotsman wrote:

more than 2 years ago

The music itself on this album is great! But yeah, kinda like my good review of their debut it's ENTIRELY dependent on the remaster. The production was truly horrifying!