My first thought when I heard David Lee Roth’s album, “Skyscraper,” was whether or not it was simply going to be a rehash of his successful debut solo album, “Eat ‘Em and Smile.” I do hear similarities between the opening track, “Knucklebones” and the previous album’s opener, “Yankee Rose,” although that was Dave’s first big single. Also there is the fact that there is no pre-song banter which Dave is famous for. So, I won’t say that “Skyscraper” is a carbon copy of the previous album, Dave does pretty much stick to the formula.
Dave’s big hit for this album comes with the second track, “Just Like Paradise.” This was a huge hit for him and even charted in the UK, so Dave did something right with this song. It’ is very catchy and the backing vocals are a throwback to the Van Halen days and another point, guitarist Steve Vai is let off the lead more and allowed to play a few more solos. I really like his guitar work on “The Bottom Line.” While the lead guitar on the intro gives me the impression that the song would be a good closer, it goes into that swagger style which suits Dave to a tee. However, it’s Steve’s guitar work and Billy Sheehan’s bass line which does it for me.
Further reassurance that this album is not a carbon copy of the previous is that Dave sings a ballad. I always knew that Dave was capable of one but he does do a damn good job on “Damn Good.” Yeah, pun intended, so what? I can imagine many a young lady and a few men as well went all doughy eyed when they heard this one. It’s a total acoustic ballad and again, Steve gets an assist for his acoustic guitar playing. However between the two songs come what might be a misstep on the album. The title cut is just a little too synth pop for me. Dave sings well and there is some great guitar work from Steve and a cool bass line from Billy but the song doesn’t do it for me.
“Hot Dog and a Shake” is a fun rock tune which keeps things ticking along nicely. It’s the heaviest song on the album and it’s good that Dave shows he still has a sense of humour. Definitely, the hidden gem on the album with Steven’s best guitar solo. The remaining tracks all are similar to the funky, rock sound from the first album, but not carbon copies. Though I won’t call it a misstep, “Hina” is one song that just doesn’t totally click for me. However, the other three songs are good so that it doesn’t matter. Billy’s bass is king on “Stand Up.” “Two Fools a Minute” is an excellent closer, it reminds me of the closer on “Van Halen II,” “Beautiful Girls.” Not quite the same, “Beautiful Girls” is more heavy rock while “Two Fools a Minute” is more funky jazz but it has that same cool album closing vibe.
Track Listing:
- Knucklebones
- Just Like Paradise
- The Bottom Line
- Skyscraper
- Damn Good
- Hot Dog and a Shake
- Stand Up
- Hina
- Perfect Timing
- Two Fools a Minute
Dave’s band
David Lee Roth- vocals
Steve Vai- guitar, horn
Billy Sheehan- bass, backing vocals
Greg Bissonette- drums, percussion, backing vocals
Brett Tuggle- keyboards, backing vocals
Additional Backing Vocals:
Gary Falcone- tracks 1 and 9
Joe Pizzulo- track 1
Tommy Funderburk, Tom Kelly- track 2
John Batdorf- track 5
Magic Moreno- track 10
In 1988, Dave was riding high on a wave of two killer albums. While there is evidence of interfering producers trying to make him sound more of the time, Dave still did what Dave did best with “Skyscraper.” Having a great band behind him helped a lot as well.
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