Wear Your Colors [CD]

Originally released in 1986, this is the first album of Rick's to be produced by Dave Perkins, who also played extensively on it. One look at the album cover, Rick holding up his black bass guitar in his frayed leather jacket, and you know they had a rock album in mind. And it shows up in the larger-than-life stadium rock numbers. The songs on Wear Your Colors are uber-catchy and danceable. The guitar work is inspired and full of energy. Drums resonate deep and sharp. Throw in Rick's tough-sounding voice and shouted background vocals and you have an album to jam out to. Some of the old guard musicians (Mike Mead, Joe English, Bob Halligan Jr, Dave Perkins) from previous albums return to find new ways to breathe life into these songs. The title track is a charisma-laced anthem rocker that never let's up. Flex starts with a guitar-drum intro that reminds me of Def Leppard, though it changes gears to a contagiously sing-along tune more in line with something emulating Midnight Oil. This Raging Fire is up next, a mid-80's rocker with an admonishment that the fire burning in us will keep raging regardless of our present circumstances. The last song Line Of Fire has a super catchy chorus and memorable guitar work. Wear Your Colors may not have the multitude of tried and true infectious songs as on No Mystery, but the standout cuts on here really work. A solid album with character and edge.