It’s really hard to believe that this album was recorded back in 1973. Produced by Ted Templeman, and engineered by Donn Landee – who would later use this album as the blueprint for Van Halen’s first album. This is the 2017 remastered edition which comes with the bonus disc of live at KSAN radio in ’73, and was recorded before the band had even decided on a name. This was the first time that Sam the Sham had appeared on record, but Ronnie had been around for a while doing sessions and being a part of Edgar Winter’s band.
This album does rock the dandruff away, from the opening distorted chords of Rock The Nation, to the close out tones of Make It Last – this is one of the best debut rock albums ever. Ronnie’s distorted guitar and riffing was new for everyone at the time, and to me, this was heavier sounding than Sabbath. Combined that with Hagar’s vocals, which are more Robert Plant than the man himself, it’s no wonder these guys were ripping up a storm across the states. It’s hard to pick a favourite, as there are so many tracks that have become classics, but if I’m pushed Rock Candy would do it for me. Killer riff and epic vocals – it doesn’t get better than that. The live bonus album actually has three tracks not on the album: Shoot Us Down, You’re Out If Time, and the Chuck Berry classic, Roll Over Beethoven.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
