Stephen Pearcy Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
The latest in Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy's long line of odd back to basics rockers, Under My Skin should sound familiar to anybody who has paid attention to Pearcy in his long march out of Ratt: it's rock & roll that treats Sunset Strip sleaze rock as a heritage, working the same gutter raunch strut that he did when things were turning round and round (the career-making hit he revives at the end here). Pearcy's voice is thinner, a little weaslier, so he compensates with beefier guitars that crank out some pretty alright riffs that are better when tempos are faster than slower. If there are no stand-outs, there are no embarrassments, either, which is an accomplishment for a rocker so determined not to move on from the past. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Before & Laughter, Pt. 2'
Release Date 7/18/2006
Tracks 20
Label Stephen Pearcy
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Like any good hair metal band, the history of Ratt most certainly comes with its fair share of excess, battles over power and creative control, and dramatic turmoil. But what separates Ratt from the rest of the brat pack is the tenacity with which the feud has been fought over the past decade. Lawsuit after counter lawsuit has led to no real resolve, and has left Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy without a band to front. However, this clearly didn't stop Pearcy from recording this acoustic session of Ratt's greatest moments in March of 2006. All of the big-name hits are here like "Slip of the Lip," "Way Cool Jr." and "You're in Love," but they don't necessarily translate well into an acoustic setting. And while it may be mildly absurd to say these songs have been emasculated (given the hair, makeup, and unisex clothing of the era) they most definitely have lost the "oomph" they originally came with, almost as if a diet version of Ratt has been introduced to unsuspecting fans. Minor mishaps aside, Pearcy sounds in fine form and like he's having a heck of a time on stage; it's a refreshing change of pace from his jealous colleagues longing for their past glory days and the same adulation they once received. And while it might not win any fans over to Pearcy's camp anytime soon, those already in it will enjoy Stripped from start to finish. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
As evidenced by Ratt's self-titled 1983 EP, the group was much more raw and heavy early on, especially when compared to such later pop-metal releases as Dancin' Undercover. On his sophomore solo effort, 2005's Fueler, original Ratt singer Stephen Pearcy offers an album that is definitely heavier than the average Ratt release from the '80s. That said, Pearcy's voice is so identifiable with Ratt that you can't help but think that Fueler sounds pretty darn close to what a new album by a reunited Ratt would sound like in the early 21st century. It doesn't take long to realize that Pearcy is attempting to toughen up his sound, especially on such tracks as the album-opening "Overdrive," as well as "Godsmack" (which indeed sounds quite a bit like -- Godsmack). But while Pearcy may be trying to shed the more melodic style of Ratt, the singer refuses to turn his back on his past entirely as he covers his former group's biggest hit, "Round and Round" (titled "Round and RoundXXX" here). Also included on the disc is a video for the track "Drive with Me." Although Pearcy's album may be harder-edged than any of Ratt's, there's plenty for longtime fans to sink their teeth into on Fueler. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Often in the realm of heavy metal/hard rock, a singer's vocals become the most instantly recognizable thing about a band. Case in point, Ratt's Stephen Pearcy. He may not be the most gifted of all rock vocalists, but if you put his vocals over just about any melodic rock composition, more times than not, it would sound like a new Ratt recording. Although Pearcy's 2000 release Before and Laughter included several newly recorded solo tunes (along with demos and oddities), 2002's Social Intercourse is the first full-length solo effort from the former singer of Ratt. And despite it being issued in the 21st century, listening to the album will easily transport you back to the days of spandex and hair spray on the Sunset Strip. The music is maybe a smidgen heavier than Ratt, but Pearcy's lyrics and vocals sound straight from Out of the Cellar. And for longtime Ratt fans, that's certainly not a bad thing, as evidenced by such tracks as "Can't Ever Get Enough," "Ya Gotta Love That," and "Turn It Upside Down" (whose titles even sound like Ratt songs). With '80s metal making a resurgence right around the time that Social Intercourse was released, Pearcy picked the perfect time to launch his solo career. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
