Musically Danger Danger were heads above the standard bland band of the day, their clever mixture of party rock and AOR almost too advanced.
Written by: Dangerzone
ARTIST: Danger Danger
ALBUM: Danger Danger
LABEL: Epic (CBS/Imagine)
SERIAL: 465691-2
YEAR: 1989
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Ted Poley – vocals * Tony Rey, Andy Timmons – guitars * Bruno Ravel – bass * Kasey Smith – keyboards * Steve West – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Naughty Naughty * 02 Under The Gun * 03 Saturday Nite * 04 Don’t Walk Away * 05 Bang Bang * 06 Rock America * 07 Boys Will Be Boys * 08 One Step From Paradise * 09 Feels Like Love * 10 Turn It On * 11 Live It Up
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Danger Danger were formed by Ravel and West in 1988 who made a selection of demos that would form the basis for their debut. As hard rock was the fashion in the late 80’s Danger Danger had no trouble signing a major label deal with CBS who distributed the album.
Musically Danger Danger were heads above the standard bland band of the day, their clever mixture of party rock and AOR almost too advanced. At the right place at the right time, the debut scored heavily with the singles ‘Naughty Naughty’ and ‘Bang Bang’. The album would eventually go gold, no small feat.
The Songs
‘Naughty Naughty’ is standard raunchy North American hard rock, but all harmless fun with a good time hook. Prime chart material for the time. ‘Under The Gun’ hits massive AOR heights just two songs in, good buildup with massive synths and an obligatory dramatic chorus.
Other similar cuts like ‘Dont Walk Away’, ‘One Step From Paradise’ and ‘Feels Like Love’ are equally jaw dropping, especially for a debut. Meathead party tunes like ‘Saturday Night’ are pure fun, a huge sing-a-long chorus fit for such an event.
The albums high point is easily ‘Rock America’, an anthem that rates as one of the genres best. Thrilling to say the least, the relentless melody of vocals, guitars and synths are unstoppable. That chorus will have you singing right along.
‘Turn It On’ and ‘Live It Up’ are nothing special, missing that vital chorus owned by the previous nine tracks.
In Summary
Danger Danger’s 1991 follow up ‘Screw It’ possesed neither the AOR element or melody of the debut, though there were a handful of good tracks on what was a lyrically tacky album, it died among many other fading hard rock bands during that horrible period.
As most know Poley was removed and replaced by Paul Laine who has gone on to record three albums with the band, the last of which, 2000’s ‘Return Of The Great Gildersleeves,’ was impressive 80’s style hard rock.
It’s good to see the band still active and continuing to record new music. The missing Ted Poley album ‘Cockroach’ has also hit shelves nearly ten years since it’s inception. As far as debuts go, this is one of the best of the late 80’s and essential for both AOR and hard rock punters who may have missed it.
Danger Danger on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
