A rather artsy-fartsy cover, but better than seeing the band once again all spread eagled under the bandanna's...oh, that's inside. 'Reach For The Sky' is a more lush outing, but inevitably the band continue to remain in the huge shadows cast by bands such as Crue. This record coming just as metal was becoming slightly alternative, and when put next to records by Love/Hatea few years later, this may well not exist, but that would be cruelly dismissive. Ratt have been there and done it, even if lacking the quality, although the sales have suggested some kind of popularity...with the girls maybe! Okay, 'City To City' is a typical nosedive into Ratt's cauldron of sleazy rock and that guitar intro to 'I Want A Woman' kinda tells me why Ratt have never scaled the heights. Pearcy's vocal sneer reminds me of a young Alice Cooper, but the tone lacks the oomph, as does the music, it's like Twisted Sister without the drama. Possible lack of personality within the band seems a focal point for critics, because despite some of the tunes on offer being above the standard, Ratt, just like in their videos, may have a liking for the satin and cloudy, but we've seen and heard it all before. Crue's Vince Neil is no vocal good but someone his cheese enables Crue's leathery sleaze and stadium rock to work, Ratt on the other hand attempt to strut ('Way Cool Jr') and swagger into the arena but I'm just not convinced. At times I want to be, but maybe it's the image and lack of bite that leaves me a little numb.
Those crisp and squeaky riffs the epitome of mid-'80s pompous rock. Made for MTV, played by college kids who get drunk on two beers.
6.5/10
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