Step into the sonic landscape of hard rock with Kingdom Come's defiant anthem.
The Song
"Do You Like It" is a track from Kingdom Come's second studio album, In Your Face, released in 1989. The song was co-written by vocalist Lenny Wolf, guitarists Rick Steier and Danny Stag, bassist Johnny B. Frank, drummer James Kottak, and Marty Wolff. It encapsulates the band's signature hard rock sound, characterized by heavy riffs and powerful vocals.
The song was one of two singles released from the album, showcasing the band's continued exploration of the sound that made their debut so impactful. It's a driving rock track that features the full original lineup, capturing the raw energy that defined Kingdom Come's early years.
The Artist
Kingdom Come is a Germany-based hard rock band formed in 1987 by singer-songwriter Lenny Wolf in Hamburg. The original lineup, which recorded "Do You Like It," included Lenny Wolf on vocals, Danny Stag on lead guitar, Rick Steier on rhythm guitar, Johnny B. Frank on bass, and James Kottak on drums.
The band quickly gained international attention with their 1988 self-titled debut album and its hit single "Get It On." However, their musical style, particularly Wolf's vocal resemblance to Robert Plant and the band's overall sound, led to frequent comparisons with Led Zeppelin, earning them the nickname "Kingdom Clone" from some critics. Despite this criticism, they cultivated a dedicated fanbase with their distinctive brand of melodic hard rock.
Chart Performance
"Do You Like It" achieved minor chart success in the UK, reaching number 73 on the singles chart. It was released in 1988, prior to the In Your Face album release in 1989. The album In Your Face itself saw more success than the single, but the band’s commercial breakthrough was largely tied to their debut.
While it wasn't a massive hit, its performance demonstrated the band's ability to generate interest in the UK market. The single was also released as a limited edition 7" clear vinyl in the UK, a collectible item for fans.
Cultural Impact
"Do You Like It," like much of Kingdom Come's early work, is remembered as part of the late 1980s hard rock and glam metal scene. While the band faced controversy due to comparisons to Led Zeppelin, their music resonated with many rock fans seeking that classic heavy blues-rock sound.
The song contributes to the legacy of Kingdom Come as a band that, despite the "Led Zeppelin clone" accusations, carved out its own niche. The video, typical of the era, likely enjoyed rotation on music television programs, further cementing its place in the visual culture of late 80s rock.
Fun Facts
- The album In Your Face was the last to feature the original lineup of Lenny Wolf, Danny Stag, Rick Steier, Johnny B. Frank, and James Kottak.
- The 12" and CD single versions of "Do You Like It" included the previously unreleased track "Slow Down," which didn't make it onto the album.
- The music video for "Do You Like It" was filmed on May 10, 1989.
- A behind-the-scenes video of the making of "Do You Like It" exists, showing the band members, including Danny Stag with his 351 Mach 1 car.
- During the video shoot, there were discussions about special effects, including making a miniature look 24 feet in diameter and creating a wind effect to blow a person through the frame.