This is album number four from Denmark’s finest, released back in ’92. It has always amazed me how Pretty Maids weren’t bigger outside of mainland Europe. They have everything that any decent hard rockin’ band should have. Great songs, a killer sound, a frontman and vocalist that sure can sing and work a crowd, plus a rhythm section and guitar player that can really play.
This album came out in prime time grunge yet, unlike other bands of the same persuasion they carried on releasing records and never veered too far from the path. The album kicks off with Running Out, a supercharged rocker with a chain saw guitar riff that rocks your world right from the get go. Who Said Money follows and is more of a patented hair band anthem. A huge hook and chorus coupled with a hands in the air groove with a very simple riff. Nightmare In The Neighbourhood is a ballad masquerading as a killer mid tempo groover. Slow start with a lighters in the air intro then crunch, we’re off and running. Love the guitar sound and riff, man these guys sure can write a hook and chorus. Great track!
The title track is up next and after the spoken word intro it is four to the floor double kicks and killer riff city. The added keys and superb vocal and harmonies make this my favourite track. A nice, fat, low end, chugga riff opens up Come On Tough, Come On Nasty and again the hook and chorus are massive. Five years earlier a American radio would have been drooling all over this one. Raise The Flag closes out Side 1 with a blast. Melodic rock meets speed metal.
Credit Card Lover gets Side 2 underway with another melodic rock anthem. Huge hook and chorus that just sticks in your head. Know It Ain’t Easy slows the tempo down with the first proper power ballad of the album. The riff returns with Healing Touch, a massive stomp groove coupled with a massive hook and chorus, and a middle eight to die for, this is another winner. In The Flesh is the pedal all the way to the metal. Love this track and it’s a very close second to being my favourite. The album come to a close all to quickly with Please Don’t Leave Me, and if I’m honest it’s a bit of a Debbie Downer. After a selection of songs that are so good, to go out on a whimp-o-rama ballad is such a poor choice.
Apart from the last track this album kills.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
