David Lee Roth’s solo career after leaving Van Halen spawned six albums the first was an interesting EP called Crazy From the Heat (1985) and then the outstanding Eat ‘Em And Smile (1986) and a decent release of Skyscraper (1988) though too keyboard heavy, and in my opinion A Little Ain’t Enough is an overlooked album which is a solid hard-rock with a hint of blues released on January 15, 1991, that brought Roth full circle. However, the album was snakebitten in two ways first his new guitarist Jason Becker developed ALS during the recording of the record and second was the introduction of grunge/alternative rock smashed on the scene, this eliminated the heavy metal and hard rock from the airwaves. Seeing back then there were limited avenues for music to hear MTV and FM radio stations often played the same top 40 hits; unlike today where there are plenty of ways to listen to different bands. In fact, the latter lead to the banning of a video deemed discouraging to women as it showed women wear sexy outfits, some true hypocrisy as Prince had released some truly provocative videos that got the late-night treatment, such bias lead to commercial failure. For his fan base it was a high-impact fun rocking effort though one of his last that had that special gusto.
Alrighty this album kicks off with “A Lil’ Ain’t Enough” springs correctly with some pep and classic style of Roth’s vocals with the music in a powerful but overwhelming pace, it just has a natural drive in it. Let’s measure, does the chorus rock, generate a pleasant mood willing to open the window and let silly lyrics fly out – if you answered yes then fun, stop being so serious with music. The womanizing video was denounced by MTV’s hypocrisy, good-riddance to that network’s downfall, here’s the video:
(enjoy now, cause it keeps vanishing from the net)
The song fits the late eighties more than the early 90s granted, it is about overindulging, enjoying the excess lifestyles, the hunger and greed for more of anything; and feature great guitar work from Jason Becker. The second song can be described with one word, swagger, basically flaunting what you have and feeling self-assurance. I really do make me think about the unique Crazy in the Heat EP Roth did. The excessive horns accompanied and the piano playing a boogie tune that mixes rock-and upbeat blues. The lyrics continue the party from opening song, enjoying pure pleasure, and increasing excessive level. The third song, warns a bit in hard rock-bluesy way about the rock-n-roll lifestyle, how fickle it all can be, one day up and another down, in romance and a spotlight can burn out all a game of risk versus reward.
“Hammered Shark” is technically a cover track, as it partially rewrites from the original artists of Lowen & Navarro who performed it as a folk-rock and David transformed it into southern rock more than just a hard rocking song. It gets a lot of energy pumped into and pushing out. Oh, for curious the shark in the song ain’t in the ocean, rather land, the single male predator aggressively pursuing his intended target.
The beginning of fifth song that is called “Tell the Truth,” sounds a bit like Alannah Myles “Black Velvet” it has this real slow bluesy opening that allows Becker to give a Jeff Beck impression. Personally, at this point of his career I think Roth should do the smokey bluesy slow tracks that bombastic way just doesn’t fit, him anymore. But anyway, this deep soulful song should have been shelved for another record as this album was pounding away at high impact. Next up is “Baby’s on Fire” clearly the song composition was trying to adjust to the changing music landscape – Big Mistake, as you leave behind you fanbase. The song feels alternative a clumsy rendition of fake funky rock – I’ll continue to skip it. “40 Below” returns to the previous level of energy of the other songs with a party level atmosphere as if trap in a location staying warm in more ways than is in your imagination.
Another bluesy but with a better rock base is “Sensible Shoes” filled sexual meanings, and reference to the infamous black book the song features a cool slide guitar and Roth working the harmonica. The song in reminds me of the song from Van Halen “Everybody Wants Some!” from the ‘Women and Children First {1980} album, seeking that sensible woman, sophisticated. Oh, sultry and risqué video was made, that was also banned from MTV, due the fetishism and advance sex appeal, show more hypocrisy due the material airing. A short song called “Last Call” that repeats the title a tad too much for my taste, I hoped for more, it rocks but doesn’t entertain – another skip. A bit of boogie meets bluesy rock is the entry to define “The Dogtown Shuffle” but it works as a good song, it’s talking about the bizarre scenes on city streets, until you find yourselves surviving on them too. There’re two interesting notes to listen for the motto of walk the walk, meaning handle sh!t in the dangerous side and then at 4:03 “Are you ready boots? Start Walkin’” reference to the classic Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’”. I thoroughly enjoy “It’s Showtime!” it has the pace, Gregg Bissonette’s drumming style all that from a sendup to “Hot for Teacher” , incredible guitar work from Jason Becker wrote the song.
If you ever really wanted to understand why Roth chose Becker for his band after Steve Vai left, then just listen the fantastic virtuoso instrumental section about mid-way through “Drop in the Bucket.” The lyrics and style all sound very mature, not f the over-the-top theatrics found in the other tracks, straight down the line. Becker did all his work on the album even after his devastating discovery ALS which he kept private until the record was finished. His disclosure affected the tour cause style almost impossible to repeat live.
Track List:
1. A Lil’ Ain’t Enough
2. Shoot It
3. Lady Luck
4. Hammerhead Shark
5. Tell the Truth
6. Baby’s On Fire
7. 40 Below
8. Sensible Shoes
9. Last Call
10. The Dogtown Shuffle
11. It’s Showtime!
12. Drop in the Bucket
Band Members:
David Lee Roth – vocals, harmonica
Jason Becker – lead guitar
Steve Hunter – guitar, rhythm guitar
Gregg Bissonette – percussion, drums
Matt Bissonette – bass, vocals
Brett Tuggle – keyboards, vocals
Overall, I found the album fun as it delivers hard rock and a little blues which never hurts. I push aside that criticism of dated rock, for it brings back a time when life was good and laid back. I will admit the music scene has changed and this would mark one of his last hurrahs.
Vincent’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
David Lee Roth’s Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRothShow/videos
https://www.facebook.com/DavidLeeRoth/
https://www.instagram.com/davidleeroth/