The Classic Metal Album Reviews:
Title: Slave to the Grind
Artist: Skid Row
Label: Atlantic
Release Date: 1991

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Submitted by garthg:
    So, you've sold over three million copies of your debut album, had huge hits with power-pop ballads, you've got a pretty-boy lead singer, what's your next step? If you're Skid Row, you release a sophomore album that is abso-fucking-lutely undeniably metal. And you debut at Number One with it.

    Skid Row followed up their big commercial success, in which they were thrown in with the hair metal fluff of the day like Bon Jovi and Poison, with an album filled with crunch, snearing and dark topics. Slave to the Grind almost seems like the culmination of their plan, the Great Skid Row Swindle: lure in a bunch of teeny-rockers with "18 And Life" and "I Remember You," then blow their ears out. Slave starts off innocently enough, with a bluesy intro to the lead off track, "Monkey Business." But a few seconds into it, Baz's scream lets you know what's in store for you on the rest of the album. The groove is heavily evident on this album, especially on "Monkey Business." The title track is still a favorite song of mine, the speed, pounding rhythm and "fuck your job" lyrics. "Can't be the king of the world if you're slave to the grind."

    Skid Row includes a couple power ballads on this album, though they are much darker in tone than the previous album's. "Quicksand Jesus" has a long, slow build that draws you into the movement of the tune.

    Some childishly misogynistic lyrics directed at groupies on "Get the Fuck Out" distract somewhat from what is a great anthemic metal tune. But, overall, the music wins you over. And that voice. Baz simply has a great voice. The production is top rate throughout the album, maintaining a heavy, bluesy sludge without losing the commercial edge. Skid Row knew how to kick ass, but still wrote damn catchy tunes. Almost what you'd imagine Aerosmith could have gotten to if they'd decided to kick more ass (let's try to ignore some of their more recent antics, like that pathetic Super Bowl half-time show.) For those who liked the first Skid Row album (come on, admit it, there are some of you out there), you'll still dig this album, it's got the hooks. For those that wrote off Skid Row as a fluff band of poseurs, check out this album and their next, Subhuman Race. I think your ass will be pleasantly, suprisingly kicked.
    4 out of 5

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