Y&T – “All American Boy” – 7-Inch Single Review
On October 20, 2024, we take a look at a forgotten gem in rock history—Y&T’s single “All American Boy.” This nostalgic find came during my summer break, bringing to light a band that deserves far more recognition than it receives. Y&T is known for their hard rock roots, but here they tackle a cover originally penned by Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson.
The track first emerged in 1983, recorded by Stan Bush on his self-titled album. In a twist, Van Stephenson included his rendition on the soundtrack for the film “The Slugger’s Wife” the following year. Y&T jumped in with their version in 1985, incorporating it into their album ‘Down for the Count.’ The album cover is often cited as one of the least appealing in rock history—a sentiment echoed by fans. Notably, the front of the single borrows an image from the album’s back cover.
Musically, “All American Boy” reached number 48 on the mainstream rock charts. While it served as the lead single from the album, the choice of starting with a cover song is questionable, possibly influenced by label executives. Y&T’s lineup at this time included singer/guitarist Dave Meniketti, guitarists Joey Alves, bassist Phil Kennemore, and drummer Leonard Haze—talents who certainly deserved a more impactful debut single.
Interestingly, this album marked Y&T’s first foray into cover songs, with two tracks taking that direction. The following single, “Summertime Girls,” enjoyed greater success and became a staple of their catalog. Despite this, Y&T has often been labeled as underrated, a sentiment supported by Tim Durling’s insightful book, ‘Down for the Count: The Y&T Album Review.’
Turning to the A-side, “All American Boy” is emblematic of AOR—a genre characterized by polished sounds and catchy hooks. Y&T, however, has deeper roots in hard rock, as evidenced by their earlier work. It’s clear they were attempting to evolve with the changing music landscape of the 1980s. The accompanying music video is quintessentially cheesy, and while the song features a catchy chorus and guitar solos, it ultimately feels generic. Meniketti’s outstanding vocals elevate the track, though they may lack the emotional connection one expects from original material.
On the flip side, the B-side “Go For The Throat” is a non-album track penned by Y&T and delivers a punch that the A-side seems to lack. Originally part of their 1984 album ‘In Rock We Trust,’ it didn’t become available until the 2006 reissue. This track is the real highlight of the single—a heavier, more authentic representation of what Y&T stands for. The gang vocals, gritty delivery from Meniketti, and impressive guitar work make “Go For The Throat” a standout.
Had “All American Boy” been my introduction to Y&T, I might have missed out on the excellence of their original works. Conversely, “Summertime Girls” also failed to capture my interest until I explored the band’s catalog more thoroughly, primarily thanks to Durling’s book. If you appreciate rock history, diving into this overlooked single is a worthwhile endeavor, as it encapsulates a pivotal moment for a band that always had more to offer.
