Search - Y&T :: In Rock We Trust

If only they put this out a few years later...

John Alapick | Wilkes-Barre, PA United States | 07/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just as melodic metal was starting to gain popularity in the U.S., Y&T, a long struggling band from San Francisco, released In Rock We Trust in 1984. The wheels were certainly in motion for the band. Not only was MTV playing their videos for "Lipstick and Leather" and "Don't Stop Runnin'" but they were also the chief opening act for a peak Twisted Sister. However, the band drew their calling card a little too early. This album, along with their next release, the live Open Fire, would be the peak of their success as subsequent albums like Down for the Count and Contagious would pale in comparison.



In Rock We Trust is a great hard rock album from beginning to end. Although their anthems would become very cheesy later on, "Rock & Roll's Gonna Save the World" and especially "Break Out Tonight!" are both top notch. While the aforementioned "Lipstick and Leather" and "Don't Stop Runnin'" are very good songs, the lesser known "(Your Love Is) Driving Me Crazy" and "I'll Keep On Believin' (Do You Know)" are even better. As evidenced throughout the album, the heart and soul of Y&T was Dave Meniketti. One of the few lead vocalists in metal that doubled on lead guitar, he had a gift of throwing in tasty leads during the verses that gave the band's songs more punch. Other great tracks include the riff heavy "Masters and Slaves", the mid-tempo "Life, Life, Life", and the frantic "She's A Liar." Finally, the closing "This Time" is one of their best power ballads, something the band always had a knack for. All told, In Rock We Trust is a great melodic metal album from a band that never got their just due. Highly recommended.

"

The last of Y&T's greats

Clecinosu | 08/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""In Rock We Trust" is an album I can recommend without hesitation. It is one of my favorite albums, though I know it's not without its faults, few as they may be.



"Rock And Roll's Gonna Save The World" is yet another great leadoff track, and the hit "Don't Stop Runnin'" is one of my favorites. To paraphrase George Carlin, you don't have to be Fellini to figure out the nature of "Lipstick And Leather," and I'll put "This Time" up against any other power ballad.



The problems: "Life, Life, Life" and "I'll Keep On Believin' (Do You Know)" kind of drag along a bit. Not enough that I'd skip forward, but enough that it kind of slows the pacing of the album.



It isn't their best, but it's in the top four. Very much worth purchasing."