Album Review — Stephen Pearcy

Stephen Pearcy — View To A Thrill

Being Thanksgiving week I’ve decided to start this one with a note of thanksgiving. As we hit the home stretch of 2018 I’ve reviewed nearly 50 records so far. I’m thankful that there is so much new music still being released by bands that I enjoy. A few years ago I was lucky to get to 20 albums a year that I had any interest in hearing. Thanks to the artists and the record labels that continue to release great rock music.

Also I’m thankful for those that read these reviews. Whether you agree with them or not, my goal is to give my honest opinion of the record as well as inform you on what to expect if you are to listen to the record. And while we are at it, I know there are at least a few new readers so I wanted to go over my rating system quickly to explain my thinking.

100 — For a very select few — to me, maybe 5–10 that I’ve ever heard

95 — Generally reserved for best album or two of the year

90 — A must buy. Highly recommended.

85 — Very good. I’ll probably listen to again.

80 — Good record but may not get many more listens (I have a lot of albums)

75 — Fans of the artist will probably enjoy but not something I would recommend

70 — Die hard fans only

Below 70 — Don’t bother

So there you have it. That’s my basic rating scale. Remember that I usually only have a few days to listen to a record before reviewing it. I try to get at least 2–3 listens in before reviewing and quite often my opinion will change upon more listens which could be reflected in my end of year rankings.

Ok, now for this week’s album review…

Stephen Pearcy is back with another new record. Ratt has been in turmoil for decades now but Pearcy keeps chugging along with his fifth solo release. His latest, “View To A Thrill”, looks and sounds like a James Bond tribute record. Let’s just say if you play drinking games and you took a swig every time Pearcy references James Bond in some way, you’d have alcohol poisoning by the end of side 1.

That being said, this record sounds more like classic Ratt than any Pearcy solo record that I’ve heard. There’s even a song titled “I’m A Ratt”. It’s good to hear Pearcy embrace his Ratt roots. I’m a little surprised this didn’t end up as the new Ratt record considering Pearcy is currently in a new incarnation of the band with bassist Juan Croucier.

The highlight of the record for me is “Not Killin’ Me”. It sounds like it could be on “Reach For The Sky”. Very melodic and Pearcy sounds like vintage Pearcy. There are some other strong songs including “U Only Live Twice” and “Sky Falling”. I’d say this record is closer to the late 80s/early 90s sound of the band than the first couple of records. For Ratt fans this record will hold you over until the band releases its new record scheduled for 2019.

The only hesitation I have with this record is the pure number of Bond references. It can come off a little silly at times, but if you can embrace the idea or at least live with it, there are some good songs here.

Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised by this record. I didn’t expect it to sound so much like Ratt as Pearcy has stated that his solo albums are his expression outside of the band. Hopefully it’s a good sign as we look ahead to the band (or what’s left of it) releasing new music in the coming year.

Track Listing

1. U Only Live Twice *
2. Sky Falling *
3. Malibu
4. One In A Million
5. Double Shot
6. Secrets To Tell *
7. Not Killin’ Me *
8. Dangerous Thing
9. I’m A Ratt *
10. From The Inside
11. Violator

*Best Songs