This is a re-release of Keel's second album, which dates back 25 years to 1985. Back then "The Right To Rock" was the band's major label début (actually their second album as they had released "Lay Down The Law" in 1984), with none other than Gene Simmons of Kiss in the producer's chair. It went on to become the fastest selling début album in A&M's history. Frontiers have re-issued this to tie up with the band's new album "Streets Of Rock & Roll".
The album opens with the title track on which the band declare their "Right To Rock" in a very forthright and determined manner. The track displays the characteristics of the band whose style is dominated by the 'rough and ready' vocals of Ron Keel and the metallic hard rock music featuring the guitar work of Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay. Although "The Right To Rock" was more famous, I actually think the following "Back To The City" is better. The band do a decent cover of "Let's Spend The Night Together" by the Rolling Stones which actually fares better than you might imagine, despite Ron's voice suffering in the comparison to Mick Jagger's.
The presence of Gene Simmons surfaces on a number of tracks that bear perhaps too close a resemblance to Kiss, such as "Easier Said Than Done". When it came to "Get Down" the band should have looked elsewhere for inspiration, as it is a pretty dire track which I assume didn't make the cut as Kiss material.
Just playing faster on a track like "Speed Demon" doesn't give you a track that rocks out any better than the rest. Later, on "You're The Victim (I'm The Crime)" the band have another, this time more successful, go at a speedy track.
On the re-issue we get a re-mix of "Easier Said Than Done" which serves no purpose other than highlighting again just how close to Kiss it sounds. They have also re-recorded the title track which I prefer, but I'll admit that It lacks the impact of the original.
Back in 1980's I remember Keel being on my "must investigate" list, but for whatever reason the reviews I read never quite persuaded me to add them to my collection. Finally getting a chance to hear their material, convinces me that I made the right decision, at least where this album was concerned. In football terminology this is top of the second division rather than premiership material. Scanning around a few of the other reviews on the net, I might be in the minority on this one, as most other reviews have been positive, especially from people who picked up the vinyl first time around.
Rating: 3 stars
