Formed in Oakland California back in ’74, they were originally called Yesterday and Today. In ’81 they changed their name to Y&T and released this, their third album, in ’81. To some, me included, this is their finest moment. Led by the supremely talented Dave Meniketti on vocals, and awesome guitar. For two albums at least, I thought they would go on to join the big leagues. They had everything going for them, great players and killer songs – plus they had Journey’s management team with them.
The first thing you notice here is the killer production. Every thing is super clear and separated. The drum sound is freaking huge and makes for a monster sound. Hungry For Rock is a great song to open with, as it does what it says on the tin. Dirty Girl, complete with very suspect lyrics, is a killer tune with a great vocal and guitar. Shake It Loose is my personal favourite as the tune rocks – it has a huge fat riff and planets of guitar. Squeeze is the only song that Meniketti does not sing, Phil Kennemore handles this one, and I think this is the only time he did. What a way to close with Rescue Me, an absolute epic close out track with killer everything.
Side 2 kicks off with Young And Tough and a fat huge distorted riff that leads into a big sing-a-long rock anthem. Hurricane is next – I could not think of a more apt name – as this kicks in just like one. The guitar playing is top draw and shows how awesome Meniketti is as a player. This track most definitely ROCKS!!! Let It Go slows the pace down slightly, but has a very catchy chorus and hook and the obligatory killer solo to add that cherry on the top. Knock You Out follows and is another high octane rocker that doesn’t disappoint with that awesome middle section. This band sure know how to pace an album as the close out track is about as epic as this band get. One of the best power ballads you will hear.
In my humble opinion, I think this is their best album. Sure they had some killer tracks on all of their releases, but none had quality songs all the way through like Earthshaker had.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
