Last week the hard rock and metal community celebrated many iconic releases: Alice in Chains’ ‘Facelift,’ Anthrax’s ‘Persistence of Time’ and Motorhead’s self titled debut. But an album that was also released on the 21st of August that’s been overlooked is Ratt’s fifth and final classic line-up album, ‘Detonator.’
When most people think of Ratt, the first two albums usually come to mind. Fueled by mega hits such as ‘Round and Round’ and ‘Lay It Down,’ But the reality is ‘Detonator’ is their strongest record. From top to bottom it’s an incredible album. And an eponymous example of how good 80’s hard rock can be. Despite the album being released in 1990. It’s such a shame that the band didn’t continue in this vein. They could have really flown the flag for 80’s hard rock in the 90’s. I mean, the ’97 self titled is a great album. But by the time it came out Ratt’s popularity had greatly dwindled. My theory is because of their lack of output.
‘Detonator’ starts with the amniotic ‘War in D’ before the album modulates into ‘Shame Shame Shame.’ The instant the opening riff starts you know it’s going to be a great album. Then ‘Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job’ slams the speakers with phat ass groove. It’s one of those tracks that makes you wonder, ‘What happened to this fun rock music?’ It’s hard rock that you can dance to. And the album isn’t short of those types of tracks. ‘Hard Time’ and ‘All or Nothing’ are the best examples. And probably the two strongest tracks on the album. The former hits a groove that digs into the skin while the latter is one of the best blues rock riffs ever. Not to mention Warren DeMartini’s excellent guitar solo. The two ballads: ‘One Step Away’ and ‘Givin’ Yourself Away’ keep up the pep of the album. While also being sensitive. Then there’s the addictive rockers: ‘Scratch That Itch,’ ‘Heads I Win, Tales You Lose’ and the coup de gras ‘Top Secret.’ With a driving, accented guitar rhythm that sure to get anyone bangin’ their head.
It’s a top to bottom record. Not one weak track on the entire album. From ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ to ‘Top Secret,’ ‘Detonator’ is a full on ride of excellent production, killer riffs, infectious grooves, sing along vocal melodies and a hell of a party. It’s just a shame that all of the hard rock and metal websites didn’t give the album recognition on it’s day of release. So crank it and give it a little respect.
