PAT BENATAR
CRIMES OF PASSION
AUGUST 23, 1980
The addition of Myron Grombacher (drums) has made this a band and has taken Pat Benatar's status to new heights. Lyrically, the content has shown an extensive growth spurt that is a rare commodity on a sophomore release. Combining that with the now fully evolved role of Neil Giraldo that he seems destined to hold, no matter if it is guitar licks he writes for himself or ones from other songwriters, he is able to put his stamp on every song.
Benatar's voice is always at the peak of perfection, soft or hard she pours every ounce of herself firmly onto every track. Side one contains the ultimate in rock tracks, beginning with "Treat Me Right", a Benatar/Lubahn contribution that sets the pace high and hard. Following the opening three beats on "Treat Me Right", it is clear this is a band that has hit its stride. "You Better Run", a young rascals tune from their 1967 Groovin’ album that was over shadowed by the explosiveness of their title track, opens the door for Benatar and company to jam it up, giving it a full onslaught of rock.
Superbly integrated on side one is "Never Wanna Leave You", which makes the listener want to sway to the provocative rhythm. The lyrics are of sad, confused, unspoken words between two people who are clearly in love and on the same page but are in separate compartments of life. Then the rampage of rock continues as "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" erupts to the top of rock’s greatest hits.
Peaking at no. 2, this is a slam-dunk crowd pleaser that will lift crowds from their seats in every town this band plays. Not written by the group, it will soon become one of their signature songs played to rev the crowd in the middle of a set or can be used as an encore. Either way, no one will be sitting when this blasts through the speakers.
Haunting lyrics driven over the power rock chords of "Hell Is For Children" can bring on tears of anger. This is a socially conscious tune that should open the eyes of everyone listening as to what can go on behind closed doors in any family. Rich or poor children are often used as punching bags for adults who are suppose to care and nurture their young. This is a widespread issue that only someone with the backbone and heart like Pat Benatar can wake up the world to.
The record spins out with some great guitar soloing by Neil Giraldo on "Little Paradise". His guitar style is best showcased on songs which he has composed, allowing him more spacious freedom to jam open chords, and then illuminate some more aggressive instrumental filler.
Everybody gets an opportunity to brandish their writing talents as Roger Capps' development grows on "Hell Is For Children" and Scott St. Clair is alone in the credits for "Prisoner Of Love", a pop-based ditty.
Myron Grombacher gets a credit on "Out Of Touch", co-written by Benatar and Giraldo, which closes out the recording. Can it be possible that the sophomore release is bigger than the debut? Anything is possible with the Benatar/Giraldo force of nature working. Along with the rest of the band, they will dominate the charts with this winning release.
11/29/10
RUSTY
8/6/80