Ratt helped to define what became the traditional American heavy metal of the 1980s. MTV was a new medium at the time, and provided a big break for bands like Quiet Riot and Ratt. It was difficult to get away from the Round and Round video clip at the time, and of course many other great clips followed throughout the decade. Ratt were a very capable band with outstanding musical abilities, and an excellent singer. The combination of great players, and the ability to write catchy songs was enough to sustain a successful career.
This box concentrates on the albums the band did for Atlantic Records, which was also the most successful and productive time for Ratt. Out of the Cellar was the first big album for group in 1984. It produced a massive MTV smash, Round and Round, and quickly elevated Ratt as an arena headliner. It was a solid record with plenty of great songs. In many ways, Out of the Cellar, was the album that defined Ratt for years to come. Invasion of Your Privacy was a solid follow up. The band was still hot and writing quality material. Lay It Down and You’re in Love were massive hits. Ratt was a household name in heavy metal at that point. Dancing Undercover came out in 1986, and it was a much heavier record than the previous two, but still produced some very popular songs. Dance, Slip of the Lip, and Body Talk were frequently played on the radio, and MTV. Reach for the Sky was the last Ratt album in the 80s. It came out in 1988, and produced two great hits, Way Cool Jr, and I Want a Woman. While it was a great album, it didn’t capture the metal audience as much as the previous records. It was a also the last time Ratt headlined arenas in the United States. By the time Ratt released Detonator, things began to deteriorate. Guitarist, Robin Crosby, was gone after the Japanese tour, and by the time the band hit the road in the United States, the musical tastes started to change. The age of grunge was upon the heavy metal heroes of the 80s. By 1992, singer, Stephen Pearcy left the band, and it was all over for Ratt. The band reformed in 1996, and continued to perform until being put on hold recently.
For this writer, this set of records represents a trip down the memory line. The time frame captures the high school years, and beyond. A time where one can be fascinated by such sounds, music, and the overall glamour. Seeing Ratt t-shirts in high school was a common occurrence. The band was incredibly popular and appealing to the kids like myself. These records represent more than just music to anyone who was growing up during those years. It was a lifestyle, the identity that gave everyone involved a sense of belonging. Putting that aside, Ratt albums aged well, and they still rock and can be enjoyed by just about anyone who loves traditional heavy metal. Having that personal experience helps, but it’s not necessary to like the music that stands healthy on its own.
The Atlantic Years 1984-1990 is beautifully packaged box. The albums are issued as digipacks, which makes the box very handy. You can take it with you just about anywhere, and rock out to your favorite cuts or albums. There is also a vinyl version of this box being released simultaneously. These records come from a very revolutionary time in music that could never be repeated.
Mark Kadzielawa
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