SLAMMIN’ GLADYS – Slammin’ Gladys (1992 / remastered 2020)
SLAMMIN’ GLADYS had everything to make it big: the catchy hard rockin’ tunes, the hooks, the looks for MTV, and a strong promotion by their label / management. But their 1992 self-titled album arrived too late, right at the tail end of America’s music industry love affair with hair metal.
Slammin’ Gladys had a connection with Warrant, as bass player Al Collins was bandmate of Jani Lane (RIP) in their formative years. Lane not only helped Slammin’ Gladys to get a record deal, but also executive produced this album and co-wrote two tracks, including the minor hit, power ballad ‘Down On Your Knees’ which get a solid airplay on MTV.
With Slammin’ Gladys back into the ring 2021 with the fresh album ‘Two’, their new label is reissuing “Slammin’ Gladys” remastered from the original tapes and with the originally intended artwork.
Musically “Slammin’ Gladys” mixes US melodic hard rock with bluesy overtones and a heavy-funk feel at places, and of course some Warrant into the sound. There’s melodic riffs and solos, clean lead vocals, hooky choruses where all members contribute, an keyboard splashes courtesy of former Defcon man Shawn Zavodney, who later would join Warrant.
Songs like ‘Bad Attitude’, ‘Piece of My Heart’ or ‘Silicone Sally’ rock with melody and catchines, while other cuts add variation with the aforementioned elements. Of course there’s plase for power ballads, in the form of ‘Down On Your Knees’ and ‘What U Need’, both co-written by Jani Lane.
It’s a strong and very entertaining album which tick all the right boxes from early ’90s American hard rock / hair metal, an album / band deserving better luck back in the day. But never it’s too late; Slammin’ Gladys are back into the scene with a very good new album.
Highly Recommended
01 – Bad Attitude
02 – Bet Your Life
03 – Down on Your Knees
04 – Lay Me Down (In the Roses)
05 – Piece of My Heart
06 – Push
07 – Love is My Drug
08 – What U Need
09 – Where Were U
10 – Cum
11 – Silicone Sally
David Brooks – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
JJ Farris – Guitar, Vocals
Stephen DeBoard – Drums, Vocals
Al Collins – Bass, Vocals
with:
Shawn Zavodney – Keyboards
BUY IT
slammingladys.com/store