Ratt’s “Round And Round” – 7″ Single
Published on October 6, 2024, by 2 Loud 2 Old Music
In the bustling world of rock, Ratt made a tremendous impact following the release of their self-titled E.P. The band’s signing with Atlantic Records led to the iconic debut album “Out of the Cellar,” which hit the shelves on March 27, 1984. Thanks to the launch of MTV, Ratt quickly became a household name in the music scene. Before the album’s release, though, the band gave fans a taste of what was to come with their first single, “Round and Round,” which dropped on February 19, 1984. Today, we’re diving into that very single.
During a recent trip to Florida, I stumbled across my copy at D&J Records, a gem of a find. Although it’s a typical US pressing, the close-up image of Tawny Kitaen on the cover really stands out, even if it’s just a zoomed-in version of the album art. Interestingly enough, I discovered two Ratt singles during my record hunt, so I will share thoughts on the second one in next week’s post.
On the A-side, “Round And Round” is undoubtedly Ratt’s standout single. From the very first listen, it grabs your attention, and its success speaks volumes—this song climbed to #12 on the Hot 100 chart and has, over the years, earned its place as one of the greatest heavy metal tracks, landing at #20 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time in 2023. Could its enduring popularity be partly attributed to its frequent features in Geico Insurance commercials? It’s a possibility worth pondering.
The overwhelming exposure of “Round and Round” was largely thanks to MTV, which played the video incessantly. What made the clip memorable for many viewers was the surprise appearance of the legendary Milton Berle, who donned drag in a comedic performance, supported by his nephew, the band’s manager, Marshall Berle. The video includes some classic moments, like when guitarist Warren DeMartini crashes through a floor onto a dining room table to deliver an electrifying solo. The song embodies glam rock perfectly: it’s loaded with anthemic choruses, a flirtatious vibe, blistering solos, and all the fervor that epitomizes the Sunset Strip scene.
On the flip side, we find “The Morning After,” which kicks off with an electrifying guitar riff. This energetic track is another solid offering from the band, delivering a captivating blend of catchiness and fun rock vibes. One phrase that stands out, “Say bye, bye,” occurs just before a guitar solo that truly elevates the track. It’s a prime example of Ratt at their most audacious.
That wraps up our first exploration of the two Ratt singles I uncovered during my musical excursion. Stay tuned for next week’s installment featuring the second gem.
