Skid Row is one of the most classic bands in the history of hard rock/glam metal, bringing together talented musicians who created albums that are a benchmark within the genre. Their first work, and the best of their entire discography, bears the same name as the group.
Released in 1989, Skid Row is an absolute rock classic, with memorable songs that made history. Formed by Sebastian Bach on vocals, Rachel Bolan on bass, Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill on guitars, and Rob Affuso on drums, the album features eleven songs and a running time of thirty-nine minutes.
Despite being the "typical" length for albums, especially for that era, Skid Row gives the feeling of a short album, perhaps due to the few ballads and the high speed of the remaining tracks.
“Big Guns” kicks off Skid Row . An upbeat song, it's a classic example of good hard rock at its most evident, with a catchy chorus that sticks in your mind, plus a great guitar solo and Sebastian Bach delivering his characteristic raspy performance that made the group so famous.
With a striking drum beat, "Sweet Little Sister" follows on from the album. An interesting detail that adds to the track is the fact that the song's title, in some parts of the chorus, is sung by the backing vocals, in a way that contrasts with Bach's, as they are smoother and more concise.
Following the faster pace of the album's earlier tracks, "Can't Stand The Heartache" continues in the same vein.
The first thing that catches your attention in "Piece Of Me" is the introductory bass line, performed by Rachel Bolan. The song sounds more like an addition to the album than an essential track.
"18 And Life" is one of the most famous songs in Skid Row's entire career—and for good reason. The vocals perfectly complement the instrumental, in a very powerful and melodic track that also features a great solo.
The song begins with bass and drums, one complementing the other, with some guitar touches and then a Bach-esque scream. It's among Skid Row's best, featuring, once again, Bolan's excellent contribution.
Without a doubt, "Youth Gone Wild" is not only the best song on the album, but also one of the best in Skid Row's entire discography—if not the best.
This is one of those songs that excites anyone who listens. With sharp instrumentals and vocals, it makes the listener want to shout the chorus along with the band — especially when Bach is accompanied only by Affuso on drums.
Maintaining the high standard, “Here I Am” follows. Once again, Skid Row makes you want to scream the chorus at the top of your lungs, in an exciting and memorable performance.
Heading towards the final tracks on the album, “Makin' a Mess” features excellent instrumental work, with Affuso's drumming being very prominent and preceding Bach's vocals. The guitar solo is also well-executed and captivating, following the same direction as the rest of the song's elements.
Skid Row knows how to make ballads, and "I Remember You" is a perfect example. The contrast between the romantic music and the power of the track is simply sensational. Once again, they deliver a great song, with an excellent chorus that captivates anyone. It's impossible not to sing along with Bach and be moved by the quality of the music.
Leaving aside the romantic sentiments, the song that closes the album is “Midnight / Tornado”. It's a great track, well-crafted and composed, being one of the most captivating songs on the album. The guitar riff, combined with the bass lines, is a major highlight, in addition to the powerful chorus, with the vocal harmonies behind the main voice.
For me, this is Skid Row's best work. Another album that should be mentioned and praised is the band's second record, Slave To The Grind (1991), which is equally sensational.
The problem with Skid Row is that the songs are rather short. "I Remember You" is the longest track on the album, at five minutes and thirteen seconds. Perhaps if Skid Row had opted to make fewer songs and make them a little longer, the listening experience of the album wouldn't seem so rushed, but this in no way compromises the quality of the record.
Skid Row is available on the Wikimetal Store, along with other works from a wide variety of bands. Click here to access it.
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