Every time I listen to this album it takes me back to 1985, what a great time, I played the tape (yeah, I’m aging myself) repeatedly later the CD on constant play. Since then, I return to hear many of the tracks, frankly a better sounding album than the first one ‘W.A.S.P.;’ the band delivered the goods especially as lead singer Blackie, got himself an intense new drummer Steve Riley, adding that oomph. The band embraced the publicity generated by the PMRC organization that had them on radar ever since their infamous single “Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)” from April 1984. And this record was no different every song was explicitly created to offend the thin skinned and sensitive parental ears. Hence they fueled their onslaught of the band’s live antics, and working with producer Spencer Proffer, didn’t hurt those familiar with mid-80s metal music knew of his background.
The album with now classic track “Wild Child” which included a good chorus to energize the listener, “Ballcrusher” contains some outrageous sex inspired lyrics it good song that some nowadays find less appealing however the music was not intended for them. The third song “Fistful Of Diamonds” tries to live up to the previous tracks but it lacks the punch, a sold riff and solo work, just the first average track that praises wealth. Steve Riley, who generated positive contribution to the band when most needed wrote “Jack Action” a fun song nothing else to say. The fifth song, presents the first true drips of maturity “Widowmaker” has fantastic instrumental opening that makes the listener think of a barren desert wasteland, a bit slower than other songs, the chorus truly delivers power, with creative lyrics. Excellent Song! Now what can be said about “Blind in Texas” a classic highly memorable party anthem song, always a favorite their concerts to this day.
If one searches for a ballad-like track it must be “Cries In The Night” the words bring it and wonderful instrumental playing the latter half of the song., which incidentally originally called “Mr. Cool” released as a single in 1976 by the Killer Kane Band when Blackie was a member, since then the sound and lyrics both changed. The eighth track is “The Last Command” more of mature meaning song that still brings solid chorus. Again, a great riffing and everyone taking a moment to join in, at 3:07 the riff played here sounds like one later found on Alice Cooper’s “The Great American Success Story” from his Constrictor album (1986). As for the final two songs first up is “Running Wild In The Streets” first at the time there a lot of songs from 80s metal that had songs dealing with wildness in the streets and the track often overlook by general listeners and serious fans. This track had a long journey before finding its way to inclusion this album, it was originally written by Proffer and then demoed by Kick Axe, tried out by Black Sabbath who also passed on it before finding a home as an underrated song. Lastly is a song that blast from any speaker, especially in a car, cool ass driving track “Sex Drive.”
Track Listing:
- Wild Child
- Ballcrusher
- Fistful of Diamonds
- Jack Action
- Widowmaker
- Blind in Texas
- Cries in the Night
- The Last Command
- Running Wild in the Streets
- Sex Drive
Band Members:
Blackie Lawless – lead vocals, bass guitar
Chris Holmes – lead & rhythm guitars
Randy Piper – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
For me this album still lives up to reputation over 40-years ago, Blackie had great vocal control not just screaming the words out rather added quality tone. Many of the tracks have great hooks to capture the listeners attention.
Baron’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/W.A.S.P.Nation
https://www.youtube.com/user/theWASPchannel