Following their virtually unknown debut EP, Ratt released their strongest effort to date back in 1984. 'Out of the Cellar' was the album that put this hard rock act on the map and catapulted them out of the Hollywood metal scene and into the limelight. Back when pop metal was chomping at the charts, Ratt's timing couldn't have been more perfect serving up a record with nary a bad tune on it that quickly infested the airwaves.

If your a fan of 80's pop metal, it's hard not love this album as each track brandishes this band's signature Ratt & Roll style. Although there were only three singles released before the band went back to the studio to record their hugely successful 'Invasion Of Your Privacy' album, almost every track on 'Cellar' warranted single status. Yes, this album is that good.

"Wanted Man" gets things going and highlights Stephen Pearcy's deep raspy vocals followed by "You're In Trouble", which opens with a grooving bassline before the chorus kicks in. Ratt's most well known hit, "Round And Round", is third on the album and still finds semi-regular rotation on FM hard rock stations. That's the thing about 'Out Of The Cellar', the record starts off strong and never lets down. 'Cellar' was destined for heavy radio airplay because its pop metal overtones are so well done and rather infectious.

I have vivid memories of hanging out at the YMCA after high school watching MTV, which was still fairly new to us Midwesterners, and seeing the video for "Round And Round" over and over. The video even featured Milton Berle playing two parts which included reprising his classic cross-dresser role. Ratt were MTV darlings during the mid 80's producing many memorable videos including "Back For More" with cameos by fellow LA metal buddies, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, from Mötley Crüe.

"Back For More" was the another huge hit off 'Cellar' with the soft acoustic introducing that familiar Ratt hard rock groove. My two favorites are "Lack Of Communication" and "The Morning After". The latter features a galloping riff and addictive chorus, not to mention a blazing solo by Warren De Martini. "Lack Of Communication" is probably the toughest track on the disc with its simple crunchy rhythm and overall heavier sound.

Due to the limitations of the length of vinyl, most of these 80's albums just aren't long enough! And when you have a gem such as 'Out Of The Cellar', you wish it would go on with a few more tracks especially when they are this good. All 80's pop metal/hard rock fans should already have this one in their collection. If not, then what you're waiting for? This is arguably the best album Ratt has released and is just as good today as it was 16 years ago when I first heard it. It's unfortunate Ratt's subsequent albums were never quite as lasting as 'Out Of The Cellar'.

Track Listing:
1. Wanted Man
2. You're In Trouble
3. Round And Round
4. In Your Direction
5. She Wants Money
6. Lack Of Communication
7. Back For More
8. The Morning After
9. I'm Insane
10. Scene Of The Crime



Recommended: Yes