By Wes Haskins
Continuing my way through the Y&T catalog with “Contagious”, which was the bands eighth studio album and first with for Geffen Records. This was also the first album without drummer Leonard Haze who was replaced by Jimmy Degrasso and the last album to feature guitarist Joey Alves. The direction was more in the bigger melodic hard rock 80s sound and full of huge choruses and had a great production. I discovered the band on this album after borrowing a cassette from my older sister that had Kiss “Crazy Nights” on one side and this album on the other. I tried the Kiss album and I didn’t like it at all at the time and flipped it over and didn’t know who Y&T was but luckily I gave it a chance and discovered one of my new favorite bands. Somehow the album only peaked at #78 in the US.
“Contagious” – Great opening track. Upbeat but with a big chorus. Surprised it wasn’t a mainstay on MTV. About living a crazy and reckless lifestyle and not being stuck in a normal life.
“LA Rocks” – Great riff and melody. Big gang vocals in the verse and a huge chorus. About a night out in the City of Angels partying and chasing girls. The song was originally called “Boys Night Out” but the band was asked to change it due to label mate Sammy Hagar just releasing a song with the same name.
“Temptation” – Great Power ballad co-written by Kennemore with Danger Danger bass player Bruno Ravel and Savatage/TSO guitarist Al Pitrelli. The song was originally demoed by Danger Danger with original vocalist Phil Naro in 1987. I assume Y&T’s contribution to the song was Kennemore adding some lyrics later on. This one had all the ingredients for a massive hit in 1987. Dave’s voice just fits so great and that guitar solo is massive. About two people in committed relationships that are attracted to each other trying to not be tempted into having an affair.
“Kid Goes Crazy” – Fast paced and just fun. The lyrics seem to be about someone that becomes famous and takes themselves too seriously but can’t find who it’s specifically about. A lot of the lyrics still make me laugh.
“Fight For Your Life” – Heavier but with plenty of melody. Huge chorus. Just love the heavy “Break the Chains” part before the chorus. Lyrics are about cocaine or drug addiction and the need to break the cycle that can ruin a life.
“Armed and Dangerous” – Huge chorus, gang vocals, melodic but heavy with an edge and a great solo. Lyrically about a fatal attraction to a woman and how love can turn destructive.
“Rhythm of Not” – Great playful melody and slower intro that kicks in and gets heavier. When a gorgeous woman walks into a room and you can’t look away. They’re describing a woman that takes over the room the minute she walks into. Very underrated song.
“Bodily Harm” – Good driving song and a good chorus. A nice rocking song. He’s falling head over heels for someone and can’t stay away. He’s accepting the risk of being heartbroken and goes into the relationship knowing that it might not end well. Another one that doesn’t get mentioned enough.
“Eyes of a Stranger” – Powerful and a heavier riff but with a cool melodic chorus. One of the top songs on the album for me. About two friends going from just friends to something more in their relationship.
“I’ll Cry for You” – I’m not a big instrumental guy but this is really great and Dave is playing his *** off with jaw dropping solos.
Recap: I’ll never understand how this album didn’t sell several million copies. Perfect album for the time with great song after great song. A huge upgrade over Down for the Count. Lyrically it’s about relationships and partying but it was 1987 so there’s not a lot of deep stuff outside of a song or two but it’s still great for me.
Favorite Songs: Contagious, LA Rocks, Temptation, Fight For Your Life, Armed and Dangerous, Eyes of a Stranger, Bodily Harm. I could list every song.