Ratt Albums Ranked

Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s, with their albums having been certified as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum by the RIAA. The group is perhaps best known for hit singles such as “Round and Round” and “Lay It Down”, tracks that ranked on Billboard’s top 40 at No. 12 and No. 40, respectively, as well as other songs such as “Wanted Man”, “You’re in Love” and “Dance”. Along with groups such as friendly rivals Mötley Crüe, Ratt has been recognized as instrumental in the formation of the early 1980s Los Angeles glam metal scene, also known as “hair metal” or “pop metal.” Here are all of Ratt’s albums ranked.

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7. Ratt (1999)

“This EP, and the first Ratt LP “Out Of The Cellar” are really the only ones to have unless you just love Ratt and want to have a complete set. These 6 songs have that rough-edged garage band feel to them, similar to “Kill ‘Em All” and “Too Fast For Love”. Every song rocks, no filler; and was good enough to get them noticed and then they just exploded. My personal favorite tracks are “You Think Your Tough” and “Sweet Cheater”. If you love ’80s music, it doesn’t get much better than this.”

6. Infestation (2010)

“Look, a lot of people rag on Ratt and the whole 80s LA sunset strip metal scene, but these guys were really good at it. And they still are! Things haven’t changed too much- this sounds very much like Ratt from 25 years ago. Tunes are catchy, clean production, great vocals and they continue to have that sinister, night time Ratt vibe that set them apart from contenders back in the day. I am much more of a thrash/prog/stoner metal fan nowadays, but I gotta give Ratt credit for cranking out another solid hard rock album that really hits the spot on a warm summer night. If you have always liked Ratt (whether openly or secretly) it would be in your best interest to get this.”

5. Reach for the Sky (1988)

“LA hard rockers Ratt released their fourth album “Reach for the Sky” in 1988. This album marked a slight change for the band’s sound; it showed them taking a more blues-rock approach to their music than previously seen. While not their best outing, this is still a pretty solid Ratt record.

To more than a few Ratt fans this album is one of their least favorites. I’m not really sure why exactly. This has everything that their previous albums had minus the terrible attempt at a ballad. I love Ratt a lot, but man, that ballad took quite a while for me to get into. The sound is virtually the same as before, but sees a heavier attempt at blues inspired hard rock. This would prove to be the band’s last album with producer Beau Hill; their next album “Detonator” would see the band hiring former Bon Jovi producer Desmond Child to take the helm. My favorite songs from this album are “I Want A Woman,” “Way Cool Jr,” “What’s It Gonna Be” and “Bottom Line.”

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4. Dancing Undercover (1986)

“Not a real big fan of this record though Ratt thought they could do no wrong in the mid-eighties. `Dancing Undercover’ is where the rips in the satin and silk first made their appearance. A very difficult recording from the band accounts as internal chemistry and excessive partying started to take its toll on the quality control of the music. Though filler had reared its ugly head through much of the second half of `Invasion’ it pretty much proliferates album number three. “Dance” is a justified lead track and other high standards were set with “Body Talk” and “Slip of the Lip” but I mean after “Looking for Love” there really isn’t much to recommend here. Warren De Martini does indeed shred but any talk of a real guitar partnership with Robbin Crosby must have seemed meaningless by this point. “Drive Me Crazy” is sort of hectic but again like much of the LP it pales in comparison to much of `Out of the Cellar’. `Dancing Undercover’ isn’t a bad record but is it indispensable hard rock? Hardly like much of commercial metal from 1986.”

3. Detonator (1990)

“Ratt’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.”

2. Out of the Cellar (1984)

“According to me “Out of the Cellar” is definitely the best album by RATT. Every time I listen to it I get more and more impressed. Each of 10 songs on this LP is actually perfect concerning both music and lyrics. None of the tracks stand out here. All of them seem to be good or cool. The opening song “Wanted man” is the great, powerful introduction to the whole project. The second track “You’re in trouble” starts with absorbing bass guitar sound. Those first tracks involve quite good lyrics which deal with crime, maladjustment and negative risk taking. The third piece of music “Round and round” is the great hit which still sounds familiar to those who are fond of heavy metal rock. It is one of the greatest hits by RATT ever. The next song called “In your direction” is just a nice but simple tune. The fifth track “She wants money”, with quite interesting lyrics on the effects of tough love and romantic attraction, is both dynamic and ear-catching with regard to its melody. The last five songs from “Out of the Cellar”: “Lack of communication”, “Back for more”, “The morning after”, “I’m insane” and “Scene of the crime” are fast, tough and full of energy. In my opinion, the most impressive songs on the relevant list are: “Lack of communication”, “Back for more”, “The morning after” (one might hear amazing rythm, bass and lead guitar sounds which are skillfully combined with one another). The songs: “I’m insane” / “Scene of the crime” can be regarded as successful since they just fitt in with the rest of the tracks quite well.

1. Invasion of Your Privacy (1985)

“Good release from Ratt coming off the classic Out of the Cellar, “Invasion” may not be as hard as Out of the Cellar but it satisfies none the less, live anthems like Dangerous but worth the Risk, Lay it Down, What you give is what you Get and Got me on the Line all have that 80’s hair metal vibe, Ratt never disappoints.”