Babylon

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Babylon" by Tom Keifer from his 2013 solo album The Way Life Goes, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this hard-hitting track. This song, the closing number on the album, is a standout for its raw, raunchy rock 'n' roll energy, often described as one of the most Cinderella-like tracks on the record. According to reviews, "Babylon" showcases Keifer’s recovered vocal power, with a blistering rhythm section and a catchy chorus backed by saxophones that add an unexpected twist. In a 2013 review from Icon Vs. Icon, it’s noted for its ability to end the album with a bang, capturing Keifer’s signature bluesy hard rock vibe. The song’s gritty edge and memorable riffs make it a fan favorite, with some calling it a nod to the high-energy sound of his former band, Cinderella.

Interestingly, "Babylon" reflects Keifer’s knack for blending influences like The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, as mentioned in a Get Ready to ROCK! review, which praises its Stonesy feel. Keifer himself has shared in interviews, like one with rockyourlyrics.com, that his songwriting often stems from real-life experiences, suggesting "Babylon" might carry personal weight. While specific stories about the song’s creation are scarce, Keifer’s X post from April 30, 2022, celebrated the ninth anniversary of The Way Life Goes, crediting fans for the album’s journey—implying tracks like "Babylon" were pivotal in reigniting his solo career. The song’s production, handled by Keifer, his wife Savannah, and Chuck Turner, emphasizes his hands-on approach, ensuring every riff and lyric hits hard.

Tom Keifer’s journey to rock stardom began in Springfield, Pennsylvania, where he was born on January 26, 1961. Growing up in a musical family, he picked up the guitar at a young age, quickly falling in love with the blues. According to his bio on Last.fm, Keifer’s early influences included blues legends like Muddy Waters, which shaped his gritty vocal style. As a teenager, he joined his first rock band in junior high, mastering the electric guitar despite struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. These challenges nearly derailed him, but his passion for music kept him grounded. By the 1980s, Keifer formed Cinderella in Philadelphia, blending blues, rock, and glam metal into a sound that sold over 15 million records worldwide. His distinctive raspy voice and songwriting prowess made Cinderella a standout, though vocal cord issues in the 1990s threatened to end his career. Through years of training and resilience, Keifer overcame a partially paralyzed left vocal cord, returning stronger with his solo work.

Fans can connect with Tom Keifer through his official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where he shares tour updates, music releases, and personal reflections. His official website, tomkeifer.com, offers tour dates, merch, and news about his #keiferband. Zoo Freaks looking for community can join fan-driven spaces like the Tom Keifer/Cinderella Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert photos, memorabilia, and discussions about his music. Another fan hub, cinderella.net, focuses on both Cinderella and Keifer’s solo career, offering discographies and fan stories. These platforms keep the spirit of Keifer’s music alive, making it easy for Zoo Freaks to stay in the loop.