Black ‘n Blue were formed in Portland Oregon back in ’81, and this was their debut album, released in ’84. They had some success in the US where singles like Hold On To 18 and I’ll Be There For You were MTV staples, however by ’89, and after only four albums, they were done. Tommy Thayer is the only member who still has a high profile gig with Kiss.
I really like this album as it has that youthful energy and don’t give a shit attitude. The Strong Will Rock is a kick ass opener and School Of Hard Knocks is even better with a hybrid AC/DC/Def Leppard groove, and a great chorus. Autoblast is my favourite track on the album. Double kicks pounding from the get go with a killer riff and some great guitar from Tommy. Possibly the band’s best known song is next: Hold On To 18. That Def Leppard comparison is very evident on this tune, especially with that gang sang hook and chorus. Side 1 closes out with Wicked Bitch, a Friday rock night special. Big sing along tune with the call and repeat of the title.
Side 2 opens up with Action, a cover of the Sweet classic. Not a bad representation by any stretch, but the original is so good that it’s hard to top it. Show Me The Night follows and it has a very strong late 70’s hard rock vibe to it. Great song with a killer riff and groove. One For The Money is a classic 80’s hair metal rocker with that pounding four four groove and the sing along hook and chorus; it’s textbook. I’m The King could have been a NWOBHM contender, especially with that opening riff and beat. Great tune! The album closes out with Chains Around Heaven and nope it’s not a ballad, it’s anthem time! A huge fat riff and the big hook and chorus, we go out with a bang.
This is my favourite album of their’s, as it’s obvious the record company interfered after this. To me, this is what the band were all about.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
