By Wes Haskins
Continuing my way through the Y&T catalog with “Earthshaker”, which was the bands third album and first under the abbreviated name Y&T. This was also the first of five studio albums released on A&M Records. After showing promise on the first two albums they finally found their sound and made a more consistent album full of anthems and great Hard Rock songs that wasn’t too far out of place in the era of NWOBHM and other heavier US Hard Rock bands like Riot. The album didn’t chart in the US but did briefly chart in Canada reaching #77.
“Hungry For Rock” – Fast paced driving in your face rock n roll song. A statement of intent for the new era of the band. Talking about the need to rock and escaping the daily grind of a regular 9-5 job.
“Dirty Girl” – Sleazy, dirty, sexy, this song swings along with a great solo thrown in for good measure. A longtime classic for the band that’s been in many of the live sets over the years. A playful lyric about physical attraction to this girl and the thrill of the chase of trying to get to know her better.
“Shake It Loose” – Upbeat hard rock that almost bridges the gap between the bands 70s era and the new 80s sound. About getting ready to go out for the night to a show and to live and not stay home.
“Squeeze” – When I think of bassist Phil Kennemore I think of this song. The song attacks the listener with a great groove and full of guitars and the rhythm section led by Phil’s bass and Haze’s drumming and those lead vocals of Phil. Even after Phil’s passing this has remained in the live set. Those screams he was able to put on tape are just next level. About him being in an intense physical relationship and he can’t let her go.
“Rescue Me” – One of the bands finest songs and still a live staple for the band. Starting softer and slower the song builds and gets heavier at the chorus. When the best of the best Y&T songs are mentioned this is up there as one of the best from the band. About him being distraught from a bad ending to a relationship and trying to get over it and move on. He seems to be asking to get rescued by who he was before. A heartbreaking and sad lyric that I’m sure everyone can relate to.
“Young and Tough” – Solid album track and good hard rock with a little more melody at the chorus. Lyrics are about a confident young woman that doesn’t fall for the moves all the guys throw at her and is more classy.
“Hurricane” – Legendary song for the band and one of the best heavy rock songs of the early 80s. It seems to be very straightforward and about being caught in a natural disaster.
“Let Me Go” – Very underrated song. Good melodic verse and a powerful chorus. Dave solos take it all up another level. About a relationship coming to an end where neither person wants to admit it and he’s asking her to just let him go so they can both move on.
“Knock You Out” – A good rocking album track that’s upbeat and at a faster pace. Very classic Y&T sounding and a track that doesn’t get mentioned too often. That solo in the middle is killer like most things Meniketti has done. Fighting against the odds and standing up against an adversary that underestimated him.
“I Believe In You” – One of the great power ballads of the era and still a classic in the live set. Not too many ballads can keep you engaged for seven minutes but this one really grabs you and doesn’t let go after the slow build and some of great guitar playing and not just the solos but the melody Dave and Joey are playing is quite memorable. A tough relationship that seems to be ending but he’s letting her know he’s standing with her. A more positive spin than some of the relationship type lyrics on the album.
Recap: After two just okay albums the band finds its voice and hits a home run. There are five classic Y&T songs here and the rest are all very good early 80s Hard Rock. The beginning of a great run of classic albums for the band.
Favorite songs: Dirty Girl, Hurricane, Rescue Me, Squeeze, I Believe In You, Let Me Go, Hungry for Rock. There’s not a bad track on here.