Stephen
Skid Row's last two albums were quite far from satisfaction, Faster Pussycat had split up and there are two versions of the band with no new album in sight, and Pretty Boy Floyd isn't very much different, so while waiting for them to be back in form, Strike Twice might as well be a pleaser to the fans. The combination of classic vibe from those three bands is packed in one thrilling eleven tracks eponymous debut, released in 2010.
"Tuff Luck" kicks the door with a heavy riffs, similar to Tora Tora, but with Skid Row's harder twist, a great headbangable tune. "Get It" is more like Poison went sleaze. "Undress Me" and "Tango" are definitely in the veins of Skid Row's debut, a very strong track and both tracks are the best here. These tracks were recorded between 1988-1992 and it's quite obvious based on the production value and songwriting style. There are at least three ballads here which definitely were written for the chart, "Never Let Go" is the most fave, "One Night With You" is awesome as well, and probably only "Wake Up Cryin'" is relatively passable.
"Intoxication" has the 'Slave To The Grind' hooks, but together with the sleazy "Dirty Lover" and closing track, "Back Door", these three aren't as strong as the rest, especially compared to the mighty "Don't Fuck With Me", loud and nasty as hell. Originality isn't their selling factor, but a tight, raw, and good songwriting are the reasons why I give this a solid 4 and recommend this album to all 80s sleaze metal fans.