Ratt – “Round And Round” – 7″ Single
In the world of glam metal, Ratt’s significance is undeniable, especially with their classic track “Round and Round.” Released as the lead single from their 1984 debut album ‘Out of the Cellar,’ this song heralded the band’s rise to fame, driven by the influence of MTV. I stumbled upon my treasured copy of the single during a trip to D&J Records in Florida. The pressing is standard US, but the cover featuring a close-up of Tawny Kitaen is a standout.
Let’s dive into the A-side. “Round and Round” captures your attention from the very first note. It achieved impressive chart success, hitting #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning its place in music history—Rolling Stone listed it as #20 on their list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs as of 2023. Its presence in Geico Insurance commercials certainly introduced it to newer audiences, revitalizing its popularity. Crucially, the accompanying music video, which aired frequently on MTV, featured a memorable appearance by Milton Berle, who donned a drag outfit, largely thanks to his nephew Marshall Berle, Ratt’s manager. The video is replete with comedic moments and spectacular guitar solos, including a scene where Warren DeMartini performs an impressive solo after falling through a dining room floor.
Moving to the B-side, we find “The Morning After.” This track begins explosively with a killer guitar riff that demands attention. It’s another infectious gem that showcases all the elements that make Ratt a fan favorite. The line “Say bye, bye” leading into the guitar solo is particularly electrifying, marking an expression of the band’s signature sleazy rock sound.
This concludes our exploration of Ratt’s “Round and Round” single, but stay tuned for more as I’ll be discussing another Ratt single next week. This iconic duo from the band’s early catalog is a testament to Ratt’s enduring legacy in the rock genre.
