Great Metal Albums of 1983: Y&T- Mean Streak

This is one I have to thank MTV for. Y&T came to my attention in 1983 as a result of seeing the video for the title track of “Mean Streak” on it. While I don’t remember much about that video, (maybe I should Youtube it), I do know that I liked the song and continue to do so after all these years. However, it’s only my favourite Y&T song by default, being the first one I heard from the band. As for as the album “Mean Streak” is full of really good songs.

In regards to the rest of the album, it’s easy in my mind to understand why “Mean Streak” was released as a single. It sounds a bit more melodic than many of the other songs but that’s not what I like about it, I like that catchy riff. It’s also probably why it opens the album because once “Mean Streak” is done and dusted, the more powerful “Straight Thru the Heart” kicks in and batters your ears with its more powerful appeal. The rest of the album follows on from this.

One song on the album that challenges the title track for 80sMetalman’s favourite Y&T song is “Midnight in Tokyo.” This song has it all. A very catchy intro, some pounding power chords, some more tender moments and a cool guitar solo. With all of these things contained in one song, what’s not to like about it? So, why isn’t it my new favourite Y&T song? The answer is down to the fact that I don’t have it on my mp3, so I haven’t been listening to it over the years like I have the title track.

Another really good track is “Hang’em High.” This one does the tightrope act of treading between melody and power and it does a nice job of it. Certainly one to headbang away to while driving in the car or engaged in an activity where music aids rather than distracts. I do like that slow down part with the drum roll in the middle of the song, again, nicely done. “Take You To the Limit” is a cool song as well, especially with the guitar solo at the beginning. After, it becomes a cool power bop. “Sentimental Fool” is definitely not sentimental in the way it sounds. I love the guitar solo on it and “Down and Dirty” closes the album as well as any closing song I know.

Track Listing:

1. Mean Streak
2. Straight Thru the Heart
3. Lonely Side of Town
4. Midnight in Tokyo
5. Breaking Away
6. Hang’em High
7. Take You To the Limit
8. Sentimental Fool
9. Down and Dirty

Y&T

Dave Meniketti- lead guitar, lead vocals

Joey Alves- rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Phil Kennemore- bass, backing vocals, Moog Taurus pedals

Leonard Haze- drums, percussion, backing vocals

“Mean Streak” successfully turned my head in the direction of Y&T with this strong power album. That led me to listening to their previous album “Black Tiger,” which is also a true metal album. This begs the question which I will investigate further down the years with this band’s discography. What made them put out something like “Summertime Girls?”

Next post: I can’t be sure when that will be as my computer has to go in for servicing. I wrote this post having to contend with numerous pop-ups. When I return it will be Vandenberg- Heading for a Storm

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