Y&T - Earthshaker
1981 A&M

Website:  www.meniketti.com

Horatio's Review:
A milestone in the US metal stakes, although surely unknown to the majority of fans under the age of twenty, who probably wouldn't classify this as metal anyway, due to the lack of death metal style vocals and riffing.  That's acceptable, as the heaviness of 'Hurricane' would be too much for them to cope with, this undoubtedly Y&T's finest work of a distinguished career (up to 1990 anyway).  Clearly the band was intent on making a hefty statement, the unrelenting pace of most tracks containing a savage intensity, the chief offenders 'Hungry For Rock', 'Shake It Loose', 'Squeeze', 'Hurricane' and 'Knock You Out'.  Prime US metal, this shames what Maiden were doing in '81, I really believe that.  The sound is better formed and polished and it should have made the band superstars.  Instead Motley Crüe, who were opening for Y&T in '81 took those honours.  The biggest compliment I can pay 'Earthshaker' is that twenty four years later it sounds as fresh as it no doubt did in 1981.  That's the sign of a legend. 
Horatio's Rating:  A

Also be sure to read:
Y&T - Musically Incorrect Quick Review by Horatio