Skid Row : Slave to the Grind

How tough is it to follow up with a worthy successor to a mega-selling debut? For Skid Row, not very hard at all! Sadly, this was released around the time MTV headed out to Seattle in search for Grunge bands..as type of music Skid Row play was beginning to lose its appeal in North American mainstream audiences.
The production is still crystal-clear, Sebastian Bach's air raid vocals are still holding strong at peak, and the band seems very confident in this second release. Take "Monkey Business" for example: it starts out in an almost Great White fashion, hints of Rock N' Roll, but builds into a style of their own. The first ballad "Quicksand Jesus" shows the Skids' lighter and more emotional side, while "Get the Fuck Out" shows their more humorous side. "Livin on a Chain Gang" has a fun, backing chorus, while the Kix-esque "Mudkicker" rocks out in fine fashion as well.
This album lives up to the fantastic debut, and in some aspects, even surpasses it. Not quite as commercial in nature and leagues ahead of most Hard Rock/Glam/Metal acts spawning out of the late 80s/early 90s. Great consistency throughout and few flaws make this a fun journey--the Skid Row way. The band just keeps getting better and better.

                                                Tracks
1. Monkey Business                                                       7. Livin on a Chain Gang
2. Slave to the Grind                                                    8. Creepshow
3. The Threat                                                                9. In a Darkend Room
4. Quicksand Jesus                                                     10. Riot Act
5. Psycho Love                                                           11. Mudkicker
6. Get the Fuck Out                                                   12. Wasted Time
                                             
Reviewed by Sam