Back in 1984, I was still pretty much relying on commercial media to bring me news of new albums and bands. I have to admit that in the early part of the year, MTV was a reliable source although this would quickly change towards the end of 1984. However, as commercial media was becoming less reliable in heavy metal terms, word of mouth and scouring record stores' stock proved to be a God send. It was through the former method as to how I discovered the debut album from Black'n Blue.
If you have never heard the album before, you might react with a "This sounds very 80s" comment. True, I can see that, there is a definite 80s metal vibe here but I didn't care at all back then and I don't care now. The lyrics are definitely so but again, they make the songs fun. Take the second track, "School of Hard Rocks" where the lyrics go, "We're gonna rock your socks off." There are probably thousands of bands who have penned lyrics like this in the past three decades but for me, Black' n Blue were the first ones to do it in a way that I really liked.
Funny thing, not long after I listened to the album, their best known single of all time, "Hold Onto 18" did get played on MTV. Although that was possibly the only time I saw the video for the song. I might have caught it again another time but my memory is playing tricks on me. This song was a banner for those who were reaching that age in 1984, like my sister. I was 23 and had spent four years serving my country but even I could appreciate the sentiment of the lyrics. Besides, it is a very powerful song to begin with.
The three tracks before "Hold Onto 18" are all of that 1980s metal sound, if you believe there is such a thing. However, the track after, "Wicked Bitch" kicks things up several gears. This is a great metal tune that could fit well into any decade with fantastic power chords and a blistering guitar solo. Following that is a good cover of The Sweet classic, "Action." They do metal it up quite well. That metal power continues through the remaining songs. All of them are kick ass power rockers.
Track Listing:
- The Strong Will Rock
- School of Hard Rocks
- Autoblast
- Hold Onto 18
- Wicked Bitch
- Action
- Show Me the Night
- One for the Money
- I'm the King
- The Chains Around Heaven
Black'n Blue[/caption]Jamie St James- lead and backing vocals
Tommy Thayer- guitar, backing vocals
Jeff 'Woop' Warner- guitar, backing vocals
Patrick Young- bass, backing vocals
Pete Holmes- drums
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcHYzogQeNk
The great thing about 1984 was it helped to put bands I would have never heard of onto my radar. I guess I should be grateful for that. It's also good that one of those bands was Black'n Blue because their debut album is killer. While it does get a mention in "Rock and Roll Children," it isn't for another year in the story and in my life where they get more into the spotlight.
Next post: Grim Reaper- See You In Hell
To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com
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