I tried “Appetite for Destruction” again. I always return to it, because it comes up as number one so often in this category of music. I’m obviously the odd one out, because there’s only three decent songs on there IMO (the singles). On the whole, It boils down to the fact that I can’t stand Axl Rose’s whine or misogyny.
Unsurprisingly, Dangerous Toys didn’t do it for me either - the vocalist sounds very much like Axl Rose, and songs about sportin’ a woody are just too stupid for words.
I remember hating Def Leppard around the time of Hysteria, because “Pour Some Sugar On Me” was just a bridge too far in terms of ridiculous lyrics. I still can’t do that song, but have to admit there were 5 tracks I enjoyed. In terms of pop-metal designed to appeal to everyone, there’s much to be admired in Mutt Lang’s production.
I checked out Steeler, as I’ve never heard of that album, and quickly figured out that an otherwise unremarkable album is only notable because it has Yngwie Malmsteen’s overdubbed solos on it. His playing is remarkable, for it’s virtuosity and lyricism, but I really need the whole package: songs, tones, solos, lead vocalist I can stand, lyrics I don’t cringe at too much.
Ozzy’s ‘Blizzard of Ozz” is much the same for me. I don’t dig Ozzy or the songs, and so the only point of interest is Randy Rhoads. Some great playing there, but to me, the tone is particularly shitty.
Dokken’s ‘Tooth and Nail’ I quite enjoyed. Lynch’s playing has an energy about it that I really like.
Mr Big’s ‘Lean Into It’ from 1991, is one I never heard back in the day. The acoustic ballad ‘To Be With You’ isn’t really indicative of the rest of the album. I think what Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan encapsulate from the hair metal era, is a sense of fun expressed through virtuosity, and they manage to do it without being complete assholes toward women.
Vinnie Vincent Invasion - his tone reminds me a lot of Brian May, in that it has an in your face vocal midrange quality (he probably uses a treble booster circuit like Brian). However, his parts aren’t lyrical like Brian May’s. You’re often presented with a blizzard of notes and tremolo flutter effects. It’s impressive, but wears on me through the course of the album.
It’s worth checking out. ‘Boys Are Gonna Rock’ might be all you ever need to hear. ‘No Substitute’ is an easier listen with keys and vocal harmonies dialed up.
This album is great. I’ve tried to get into it before, but my headspace was 1992, and it didn’t fit. As long as I pretend it came out in the 80’s, it’s epic... like, Hysteria epic, with better solos.
@Fischman I’m listening to Hurricane’s
‘Slave to the Thrill’ at the moment. If you like ‘Over the Edge’, ‘Slave to the Thrill’ seems like an improvement to me. Very similar sound to Giant, by the way.
Last edited by rkm on 07/23/2019 00:23; edited 1 time in total
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