Two Steps from the Move

Two Steps from the Move is Hanoi Rocks' fifth album, on which they honed glam, punk and hard rock to bring the world within range. Signing with CBS/Columbia, it was a major-label album made with the American market in view for the first time. Production was handled by the master Bob Ezrin, known for Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd. Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople also helped with the lyrics. Signature songs line up, like the Creedence Clearwater Revival cover "Up Around the Bend," "Underwater World" and "Don't You Ever Leave Me." The album reached No. 9 in Finland and was certified gold. In a readers' poll by the UK magazine Sounds, the album was voted Album of the Year and Monroe was named "Sex Symbol of the Year" — their popularity was nearing its peak. It was a record that brought the band to the verge of an international breakthrough, but shortly after its release Razzle died in an accident, and the band would head toward its breakup. Their influence has been carried across generations, with the likes of Axl Rose and Slash of Guns N' Roses publicly professing their admiration.