In Rock We Trust

In Rock We Trust is a record on which Y&T naturally joined its bluesy guitar feel to big, 1980s-style choruses. Dave Meniketti’s singing and guitar never lose the melody even in aggressive songs, and the whole band’s playing has a tenacity forged on the road. Keeping the core of hard-nosed hard rock while foregrounding more open melody and anthem quality, it is a rewarding record. From the elation of “Rock & Roll's Gonna Save the World,” the catchy “Lipstick and Leather” and the racing “Break Out Tonight!” to the heft of “Masters and Slaves,” the album deftly moves between weight and openness. A lyrical song like “I'll Keep On Believin' (Do You Know)” shows the band’s melodic sense too. Playing royal-road hard rock through with firm musicianship and melodic sense, it conveys the fullness of mid-1980s Y&T.