What's your take on 'Slave to the Grind' versus 'Skid Row' Omar? I found 'Slave' really difficult too get into.
I know you didn't ask me, but Slave is infinitely superior to the debut. I'd put it up there among the finest of its era.
Skid Row is a very solid debut, but
Slave to the Grind is a classic. The overall playing and songwriting is at a much higher level to my ears.
Slave delivers a great mix of heavier riffage (the opening 1-2 blast of "Monkey Business"/"Slave to the Grind" is one of my all-time favorite opening 1-2 blasts; "Mudkicker"), pop metal rippers ("The Threat," "Livin' On A Chain Gang"), Parental Advisory-prompting ("Get the F Out"
1), punk rave-up "Riot Act," and a trio of primo power-ballads ("Quicksand Jesus," "In A Darkened Room," and "Wasted Time"). "In A Darkened Room" is probably Bach's best-ever vocal performance.
In summary: Dan, please revisit this recording!-----------
1My parents loved that song.