By Wes Haskins
Continuing my way through the Y&T catalog with “In Rock We Trust”, which was the bands sixth studio album. The album was the bands highest charting album in the US at the time peaking at #46. It also charted in the UK at #33, Sweden at #16, Canada at #78, and in the Netherlands at #43. Produced by Tom “Colonel” Allom who had worked with Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Doc Holliday, Kix, and Krokus up to that point. This was the first album the band had an outside writer with Geoffrey Leib(Jeff Paris) co-writing most of the music with the band and the lyrics with bassist Phil Kennemore. A great mix of more melodic radio friendly songs and some of the heavier classic Y&T style although less than on previous albums.
“Rock & Roll’s Gonna Save The World” – A rock n roll anthem and a great lead track. About the healing power of music and a rallying cry against the world leaders causing chaos while music is the cure all.
“Life, Life, Life” – A decent album track and one I always thought was a filler but after playing through the album for this review I appreciate it a little more especially lyrically but it’s definitely out of place as the second track. About the fear of Nuclear War and calling for the people to demand peace and fight back against decisions from Global leaders.
“Masters and Slaves” – Heavier and a little darker. A song that would have fit well on the previous album musically. One of the more underrated songs on the album. Questioning social status and how the average person has no power and the rich and powerful control the world as Masters while the rest are the workers and the Slaves.
I’ll Keep On Believing(Do You Know)” – A lot of light and shade with some softer more melodic moments and then a little more rocking moments. Another very underrated song. About a failed relationship and his love for the other person and hoping they can solve their issues because he’ll keep on believing while she’s already moved on.
“Break Out Tonight!” – slower almost jazz style guitar and drumming open the song and it builds and gets more powerful as it goes on. Lyrically about breaking free from a situation or a life style that’s holding him back and moving on to greener pastures.
“Lipstick and Leather” – Big pop hard rock that’s fun and should have been a hit but maybe was a year or two ahead of its time considering it might have fit with what Jovi, Leppard, KISS, and Poison would eventually do. About a tryst with a woman that excites him so much he can’t stay away even though the relationship is bad for him.
“Don’t Stop Running” – Melodic and catchy and one of better single type songs of their career. Great and very huge singable chorus. It was released as a single but should have been a smash hit. About a relationship that fell apart and the other person asks to come back after leaving when they find out the narrator has success or fame. He’s telling her to keep running away because he’s not taking her back.
“(Your Love Is) Drivin’ Me Crazy” – A slower beat with some melodic guitar playing the song is a slower groove and blues based but has a nice melodic part in the middle before the nice bluesy solo. I just wish the song would pick up the pace and not be so slow. About a relationship where he’s being teased and that brings out his darker side.
“She’s a Liar” – A faster riff and drum beat and is more upbeat than some of the other tracks. A solid album track but just an okay song for me but I do like the bass solo and breakdown just before the solo. About a woman he’s interested in but she’s taken and he’s trying to convince her that’s she’ll choose him eventually and she’s lying to herself.
“This Time” – Great ballad. Very slow opening but picks up as it goes on but never gets heavy. Not the same type of ballad as I Believe in You or Winds of Change as it never picks up the pace to the point to make it a power ballad but is a great song. About him admitting his new relationship is finally the right person after many mistakes and failed relationships with previous partners.
“Go For The Throat” – Not on the original release and was originally on the Open Fire Live EP as well as the Hear N Aid project but added to the cd reissues of this album. A ballsy in your face rocker and one of the most underrated songs in the catalog. About him telling someone he’s in a relationship with to tell the truth and show their true feelings instead of holding back.
Recap: Another great album from the band although it leans into their commercial side with many radio friendly songs and overall not as heavy as the previous three albums. Their most successful album up to this point and with several songs that should have been hits.
While I like every song and really love 6-7 of them there are a few songs that are just okay for me.
Favorite songs: Rock & Roll’s Gonna Save the World, Masters and Slaves, I’ll Keep on Believing, Lipstick and Leather, Don’t Stop Running, This Time.