Probably knowing the true end of the band was near, bass guitarist Juan Croucier of RATT once said he wished the songs on 1990's "Detonator" would have leaned toward a grittier sound, similar to the Ratt EP from 1983. Sadly, with the pop-minded Desmond Child on board to assist with songwriting duties on "Detonator," Croucier's desire didn't have a prayer of happening. RATT's fifth record is such a watered down, uninspired effort -- despite the sheeny, pumped-up production -- that it's hard to believe just six years earlier these guys created their one and only masterpiece, Out of the Cellar, an album that makes "Detonator" look silly.
In typical fashion, RATT begin the album with a bang, trying overly hard to impress on "Shame Shame Shame" and "Lovin' You's a Dirty Job." (The latter song was, inexplicably, chosen as the single from this album). The results are nearly laughable, and before you know it you're halfway through the CD till you've finally hit a decent song, the genuinely cool "Hard Time," which conjures up some of that old "Ratt `n' Roll" dark-groovin' magic. The following tune, a clever ditty called "Heads I Win, Tails You Lose," which features surprisingly strong backing vocals by Jon Bon Jovi, is another keeper, but it's mostly downhill from there. "One Step Away" and "Givin' Yourself Away" are two sappy, pop-oriented clones that might as well have come from the aforementioned Mr. Bon Jovi, while the rest of the tracks are just by-the-numbers metal fare that is technically proficient but totally devoid of soul. The speedy "Top Secret" ends "Detonator" on a high note, but it's far too little, far too late.
RATT, as most people who followed them know, were better than this. Sure, the band's lyrics were often sophomoric, sexist, egotistical and trite, but at least they were usually surrounded by worthy tunes and larger-than-life choruses that demanded respect (not snickers, as on this CD). Amid lots of internal strife, RATT had a very good run in the 1980s, and few bands can say they enjoyed the success that these guys did. Still, it would have been nice to see RATT's classic lineup go out with more "detonation" in its arsenal.
August 13, 2008 |  | A different sounding Ratt |  |
And to those that hated when Metallica crossed over to a more alternitive style metal, I give you Ratt's "Detonator" I had stated on my review of "Reach for the sky" that Ratt was already losing their signiture sound, but at least there were some repectable songs on it. I gave it 2 1/2 stars. When Detonator was released in 1990, and I had first heard it, I knew that Ratt had truely "sold out" as this album is some very bad hair metal. Its sounds nothing like the Ratt of old, and even gives in to some bad "electric" drums. The only song on here that is any good is "Shame, Shame, Shame", the rest is just garbage. Even though Hair Metal would die a in two years, Ratt had died and gone to hair metal heaven after this piece of junk release. If you like your hair metal cheesy such as BulletBoys, Winger, White Lion, and Ugly Kid Joe, then this is for you. If you were a die hard fan of Ratt's "out of the celler" and "Dancing Undercover" (their two best albums) then avoid this mess.
January 31, 2008Ratt's "last" album (well most fans consider it their last because it was the end of the classic line up and Robbin Crosy's time in the band) is another good album from LA's sleazerock kings. There are some complaints of "over production" and negativity regarding Desmond Child's involvement, but I think this is just typical Ratt N Roll, and if you like all of their albums you shouldn't leave this one out. Featuring more amazing guitar playing from DeMartini, this CD is almost as good as Invasion or Reach. Standout tracks: Shame (their concert opener for the remaining dates with Robbin), Lovin You, One Sep Away, Heads I Win Tails You Lose.
October 10, 2007 | | The only Detonation was RATT's career | |
This album was the final blow (no pun intended) to RATT's fabulous career in the 80s. Cellar, Invasion and Undercover were all fantastic albums, Reach for the Sky started to show signs of problems and by here it was all over. Desmond Child is a fantastic producer but not for Ratt, they completely lost any 'punch' or 'rawness' they had in their previous records. People would argue that Ratt had an overproduced sound already, this is partially true, but out of all the LA Metal bands, these guys had the rawest sounds, with the dual guitar attack of Crosby/Martini, the rock solid rhythm of Croucier/Blotzer and the raw, raspy vocals of Steven Pearcy. This album lost the guitar attack, with really only one guitarist remaning (and it shows), severely softened rhythm section lacking overall groove and vocals that although didnt sound horrible (apart from attempts at ballads) weren't up there with the heaviness of previous Ratt albums. It's too glossy, too overproduced. It doesn't fit into a genre properly either, with its 'metal' label, 'pop' stylings and 'hard rock' feel. I suppose Pop Metal is a good term, but I hate that because it goes against everything metal stands for. RATT were a Hard Rock band at the very least.
There is not one song on this album I rave about, 'Loving you is a dirty job' has it's moments, definately, but when I listen I hear too much of the stuff Desmond was doing with Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi at the time.
Overall, it's not the worst album I've ever heard, but for Ratt it's too glossy, too polished, and the irony is that they were aiming for more radio play with an album like that but the opposite happened with them losing the sound that got them on the radio in the first place.
Dissappointing.
Not under 13 just using this not to sign up.
January 25, 2007 After three incredible albums: "Out of the cellar", "Invasion of your privacy" and "Dancing undercover" and later the good "Reach for the sky" then comes the final nail in the coffin for one of my favorites in the 80's. Detonator is the synonimous of pop metal in the worst and out of ideas. In this album, i feel a tired Ratt, pushing themselves hard to make an stand out album, after the "Reach for the sky disillusion". For me "Detonator" is one of the worst album in the 80's. Try the first four albums and the "Ratt" ep. You won't regret it!!!
January 16, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(30 reviews)