By Wes Haskins
Continuing my way through the Y&T catalog with “Down for the Count”, which was the bands seventh studio album. This was the final studio album on A&M records with the band leaving for Geffen afterwards and was sadly also the final album with the original lineup with Haze leaving the following year. There’s definitely a shift towards a more radio friendly sound that started on the previous album but they really lean into that style on this album. Even with the effort to chase that sound and the moderate success of the “Summertime Girls” single, the album only peaked at #91 in the US. Even though I enjoy many songs I always felt they tried way too hard on this one and it’s a let down compared to the previous four Y&T albums. I imagine if I was a massive fan of Earthshaker and Black Tiger at the time and then heard this one I probably would have been very disappointed but some of the songs have held up while others haven’t aged well at all.
“In The Name Of Rock” – Heavier and in your face hard rocking opening track. Telling the story about a 15 year old kid discovering music and devoting his life to being a musician.
“All American Boy” – Co-written by Van Stephenson this melodic and poppy rock song was too poppy for Y&T. I’m sure they were hoping this would get on radio or MTV but while it was a single release I can’t find any info on if it charted. Talking about a young man living life to fullest driving fast cars, playing music, and chasing girls.
“Anytime At All” – Melodic and catchy single type song with a good chorus. A relationship song that has him promising to always be devoted to his significant other.
“Anything For Money” – Heavy and uptempo and one of the better faster songs on the album. About greed and the need to do anything for money to survive and it points a finger at religion and prostitution.
“Face Like An Angel” – Melodic hard rock at its best. Great chorus and a memorable song. It’s Melodic and catchy but more dramatic and not poppy and cheesy. About how beauty can sometimes cover up what’s inside with him falling for a woman who’s not a good person although she has a Face like an Angel.
“Summertime Girls” – A Y&T classic and the bands best known song. Originally released on the Open Fire Live album as the only studio track, the video did fairly well on MTV and it got some decent radio play peaking at #55 but somehow didn’t become the massive hit it should have. Talking beach culture and him watching all the pretty girls while falling in love every minute or two every time he sees another pretty woman walk by.
“Looks Like Trouble” – Heavier and more grit than most of the album and a song I don’t remember liking but it’s aged well and is a solid track. About being manipulated by a partner that he’s addicted to and can’t walk away from.
“Your Momma Don’t Dance” – A cover of the Loggins/Messina classic and more connected to Poison and I always felt this cover was just okay and pointless but I’m sure they were just trying anything at this point. About the thought that parents don’t understand youth culture and the generation gap that can cause youthful rebellion.
“Don’t Tell Me What To Wear” – A heavier tune that rocks harder than most on the album but isn’t a memorable song. About rebellion from societies rules and personal freedom.
“Hands Of Time” – At six minutes this is a more epic type ballad. A good melody and chorus and overall a darker and more dramatic song and a good way to end the album. About letting go of the past and living in the present.
Recap: Easily my least favorite of the 1981 to 1990 Y&T albums. There are 5-6 very good to great songs but several fillers as well. With that said it’s still surprising the lead single didn’t become bigger and the album didn’t go at least gold if not platinum.
Favorite songs: In the Name of Rock, Anytime at All, Anything for Money, Face Like An Angel, Summertime Girls, and Hands of Time.