Band : Black’N Blue
Album title : Hell Yeah !
Label : Frontiers Records
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux.
Release Date : 13/05/2011
Release : CD

I really don’t know what’s happening these days, but one after the other of bands that made name and fame in the eighties are coming back together,  or releasing new stuff after years of absence. Hey, I just found out The Rods have released a new album. 

Black’N Blue released 4 studio albums between 1984 and 1987, but what made them famous was the hit single ‘Hold On To 18’, which was featured on their first self-titled release in 1984.  It became rather silent around the band afterwards, but in 2003 vocalist Jaime St. James reformed the group with some of the original members Jef ‘Woop’ Warner and Patrick Young.  They even started recording a new album ‘Hell Yeah’, but an end was put to this resurrection when Jaime St. James became lead singer in Warrant.
However in 2008 plans were laid to continue the recording of this album, and when they finally were signed by Frontiers work could start in earnest. Upon listening to this album I got drenched in that eighties vibe.  This is the kind of music I liked to play loud, with all windows open, when my parents were not at home.  Not that it’s that good a music, since at that time there were better bands around, but still.  Imagine some AC/DC or some Krokus, and add lots of grease and a sleazy attitude.  That’s what describes Black’N Blue  to perfection.
I don’t really remember how they sounded in the eighties, except for that one hit single,  but this album is good.  Imagine yourself a bit (a whole bit actually – some 20 odd years) younger, at a hard rock party and the DJ playing some songs of these albums.  Or even better, a small club, with some friends, and enjoying the music while drinking a cold beer.  Heaven on earth….

90/100

Erik Morren.