- Way Cool Jr.
Infobox Single |
Name = Way Cool Jr.
Artist =Ratt
from Album = Reach for the Sky
Released = 1989
Format = Vinyl LP, Cassette, CD
Recorded = 1988
Genre =Glam metal
Length = 04:27
Label = Atlantic
Producer = Beau Hill
Chart position = * #75 (Billboard top 100 )
Reviews =
Last single = "I Want a Woman "
(1988)
This single = "Way Cool Jr."
(1988)
Next single = "Shame Shame Shame "
(1990)"Way Cool Jr." is one of the most well-known songs by the
glam metal bandRatt . It is the third track of their 1988 album "Reach for the Sky". It reached number 75 on theBillboard Hot 100 .The song's lyrics focus mainly on a handsome, charmistic young man leading the high life while dealing in
illicit drugs . The song is an example of the sort ofirony the band became famous for, especially with their songwriting for "Reach for the Sky".Though met with some criticism for seemingly glorifying criminal drug use, it actually exposes the seemingly flashy lifestyle as a facade. By this point in their career, Ratt had become disillusioned with the plastic nature of the
rock n' roll lifestyle.It was precisely this, the contrived and fake nature of the lifestyle, that formed the basis of their focus during the making of the album. Many go as far as to suggest that the song was specifically addressed to guitarist Robbin "The King" Crosby who was entrenched within the depths of a crippling
heroin addiction .This is supported by Crosby's affinity for the
blues , which was the element in Ratt's music to which he contributed more than any other member of the band. Crosby's2002 death came as a result of his drug use, which only served to further add credence to this sort of speculation.The band's popularity would waver greatly shortly afterwards and Crosby would exit the band two years later. It was co-written by album producer
Beau Hill ,guitarist Warren DeMartini and vocalistStephen Pearcy .Track listing
1."Way Cool Jr." - 4:27
2."Chain Reaction" - 3:42Personnel
*
Stephen Pearcy - Vocals
*Warren DeMartini - co-Lead Guitar
*Robbin Crosby - co-Lead Guitar
*Juan Croucier - Bass Guitar
*Bobby Blotzer - DrumsExternal links
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpuHXBrwKNs YouTube Video]
* [http://lyrics.duble.com/lyrics/R/ratt-lyrics/ratt-way-cool-jr-lyrics.htm Lyrics]
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