Skid Row - Skid Row (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) (2019) [Hi-Res]

"Skid Row" is probably one of the best US melodic hard rock / hair metal band ever.

Make no mistake. This album rocks aloud with screaming guitar licks and powerful vocals from frontman Sebastian Bach. The album contains all killer/no filler hard rocking tracks that have a borderline metal feel particularly from some of the guitar solos by Dave "The Snake" Sabo & Scotti Hill.

But the band packed all with a terrific sense for awesome melodies, and quite interesting lyrics too.

“18 and Life” was the perfect song to define the band. Angry and a little rough around the edges, but with crisp guitars and drums set off by one of the best voices in the scene. It had one of those videos that made you sit and watch it all the way through because it had a sincerity that made it seem honest rather than preachy. But then songs like, “Here I Am,” which was just this cheeky little number that seemed so simple but was so damn catchy, would be such a direct contrast. It kept a good balance between hot-headed self-righteousness and just fun hair metal rush.

“I Remember You” has the honor of being one of the stronger power ballads ever written. Mostly because it’s not really a ballad. The guitar solos never veer into overblown, masturbatory territory and Bach’s vocals are just… there are no words. I once attempted the really long “You” note around 4:33 into the song and almost passed out.

The glory that is “Youth Gone Wild” represents the perfect anthem for disgruntled folks, or, you know, just going through puberty. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t involuntarily yell 'Skid Row' listening to this assassin song.

Sebastian Bach, lead vocals
Dave "The Snake" Sabo, lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Scotti Hill, lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Rachel Bolan, bass, backing vocals
Rob Affuso, drums, percussion

Produced, engineered & mixed by Michael Wagener

Digitally remastered