RATT — RATT (1999)

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

24 years ago today, RATT took us “ Over the Edge” with their first full-length release of new songs since 1990’s “Detonator”

On July 6, 1999, RATT released their sixth full-length studio album, “RATT” via Portrait Records.

Background:

RATT's comeback effort, “Collage” (which consisted of alternate recordings, B-sides, and versions of songs from the band's Mickey Ratt period) was mostly recorded and released in 1997, concurrently with RATT's reunion tour. Strong ticket sales and the success of “Collage” led to RATT securing a worldwide record deal with Sony, who released the bands new self-titled album through Portrait Records, which had just been relaunched through Columbia Records as a Hard-Rock/Metal label, signing along with RATT, the bands Cinderella, Great White, The Union Underground, Mars Electric, and the following year, Iron Maiden.

“RATT” the album has often been referred to as "1999" by fans (partially to avoid confusion with their EP, which was also self-titled), the album saw the band's musical direction shift to a more Blues-influenced Hard Rock sound and further away from the bands earlier Glam Metal roots. This is the first studio album to feature bassist Robbie Crane.

The album's first single, "Over the Edge", did graze the Top 40 Mainstream Rock charts.

RATT drummer Bobbie Blotzer stated in his book that he “hated” the title, and cover. He also wrote that he liked the album, but it was the wrong time for the release, which may have been why the album didn’t perform well.

Personal Note:

I saw RATT on tour for this album when they co-headlined with Poison. Great White and L.A. Guns were both special guests on the tour.

Critical Reception:

In his review, Lance Lumley at Sleaze Roxx stated;

“The musicianship on the record is great, with solid drumming from Blotzer, great vocals from Pearcy, and wonderful guitar work from DeMartini. For the debut of Crane, he performs well. Although the first part of the album starts off with a dark and heavy feel to it, the album has more of a pop feel to the songs towards the end of the release. There are a few hidden gems on the release as well. The release may not be up in stature with some of the band’s other classic releases, but the album isn’t a total throwaway. Besides a few songs, this is not a release I have in constant rotation (even back when I got the CD), but there are some parts that deserve a second listen or can be added to the play lists, but not as a complete whole album. Compared to some other music being put out, I’d still take this any day, although it is not as great as some other RATT albums.”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “RATT” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/ratt/170071831

Click this link to listen to “RATT” via Spotify: Ratt https://open.spotify.com/album/0tcZwSBddeyTUCOOkLWl5L

Click this link to follow RATT on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therattpack

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

RATT — RATT (1999)

Background:

Personal Note:

Critical Reception:

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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