Big Talk with Chris and Gregg

Ep. 123 Van Halen - Diver Down - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 123 Van Halen - Diver Down - Review & Reaction!

 

Van Halen’s Diver Down, released in April 1982, stands as one of the band’s more polarizing records—both celebrated for its playful, party-rock vibe and criticized for its heavy reliance on cover songs. Clocking in at just over 31 minutes, the album blends original material with a series of classic rock and pop covers, showcasing the band’s versatility and sense of humor. While not as influential as Van Halen I or 1984, Diver Down helped reinforce Van Halen’s image as hard rock’s ultimate party band, solidifying their mainstream appeal in the early '80s.

Diver Down is often seen as a transitional album—a bridge between Van Halen’s raw early years and their polished commercial peak. While it’s cover-heavy and short, it captures a carefree, rebellious spirit that was essential to the band’s identity. For better or worse, it proved that Van Halen could do whatever they wanted—and still go platinum.

Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!

 

When Appetite for Destruction dropped in 1987, it didn't exactly fly off the shelves...... At first. Released on July 21, 1987, "Appetite" didn't enter the top 50 on the Billboard album charts until Jan 16, 1988. Shortly after this, it exploded like a Molotov cocktail into a music scene that had grown too comfortable with glam metal’s glossy sheen. Guns N’ Roses—raw, dangerous, and oozing attitude—brought back the grit and grime of rock ‘n’ roll. This debut wasn’t just an album; it was a statement. With Axl Rose’s snarling vocals, Slash’s bluesy, melodic solos, and a rhythm section that swung like a wrecking ball, Appetite redefined hard rock for a generation.

Appetite for Destruction went on to become the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S. It influenced countless bands in the late '80s and '90s, from grunge (which appreciated GNR's authenticity over glam's gloss) to hard rock and even punk revival scenes. The band’s mix of punk energy, bluesy riffing, and metal aggression helped bridge the gap between classic rock and modern hard rock, keeping the genre alive during a time when synth-pop and polished hair metal were dominating.

Ep. 121 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Review & Reaction!

Ep. 121 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Review & Reaction!

Released in 1983, Rebel Yell solidified Billy Idol as a dominant force in 1980s rock, blending punk attitude with new wave and hard rock elements. The album, produced by Keith Forsey, was a commercial success and a defining work of the era, showcasing Idol’s signature sneer, Steve Stevens’ virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of high-energy anthems and moody ballads.

Rebel Yell remains one of the defining albums of the 80s, blending punk, rock, and new wave with unforgettable hooks and dynamic production. With its mix of anthems, ballads, and edgy rockers, the album not only propelled Billy Idol to superstardom but also influenced generations of rock artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Rebel Yell is an essential listen for anyone exploring 80s rock.

Ep. 120 Black Sabbath - Master of Reality - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 120 Black Sabbath - Master of Reality - Review & Reaction!

Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality, released in 1971, is a landmark album in heavy metal history. It took the band’s signature doom-laden sound to a new level, emphasizing slower, heavier, and more menacing riffs. This album was crucial in shaping the doom, sludge, and stoner metal subgenres, influencing countless bands like Sleep, Kyuss, and Electric Wizard. Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar (due to a factory accident that damaged his fingertips) contributed to an even darker and thicker sound, making Master of Reality one of the heaviest records of its time.

Master of Reality laid the groundwork for multiple metal subgenres, particularly doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock. Its raw, down tuned heaviness, combined with themes of war, religion, drugs, and despair, resonated with generations of metalheads. The album is frequently cited as one of the greatest metal records of all time, and its influence can be heard in the works of bands like Metallica, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.

This album solidified Black Sabbath’s role as the forefathers of heavy metal, proving that music could be both devastatingly heavy and deeply introspective. Over 50 years later, Master of Reality remains essential listening for any rock or metal fan.

Ep. 119 Ratt - Out of the Cellar - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 119 Ratt – Out of the Cellar - Review & Reaction

Ratt’s Out of the Cellar is one of the defining albums of the glam metal movement of the 1980s. Released on February 17, 1984, the album solidified Ratt as one of the premier acts in the Los Angeles hard rock scene. With its mix of sleazy, bluesy riffs, catchy melodies, and a slick production courtesy of Beau Hill, Out of the Cellar played a key role in shaping the sound of '80s hair metal.

Out of the Cellar remains one of the quintessential glam metal albums of the 1980s. Ratt successfully blended heavy metal grit with pop accessibility, helping to shape the genre's sound. The album’s legacy lives on, with Round and Round still receiving significant airplay, and the band's influence evident in many rock acts that followed. If you're a fan of classic '80s rock, this is an essential listen.

Ep. 118 White Lion - Big Game - Review & Reaction! The Lost Episode

Ep. 118 White Lion - Big Game - Review & Reaction! The Lost Episode

This episode, thought to be lost forever, was recently rediscovered in the dank basement of the Big Talk Studio. It has been pieced together to as close to its original form as possible , as parts of it were too damaged to retore......Enjoy!

White Lion’s third studio album, Big Game, released in 1989, followed the success of their breakthrough album Pride (1987). While Pride established the band as a force in the glam metal scene with hits like "Wait" and "When the Children Cry," Big Game took a slightly different approach. The album showcased a mix of melodic hard rock, socially conscious lyrics, and an attempt at diversifying their sound.

Big Game arrived at a time when glam metal was beginning to wane in popularity, as grunge and alternative rock were on the horizon. While the album didn't have the same lasting impact as Pride, it did showcase White Lion’s continued effort to balance radio-friendly rock with more serious themes, such as war, conservation, and social issues. Songs like "Little Fighter" exemplified their ability to infuse hard rock with meaningful messages. While the album didn’t achieve multi-platinum status, it remains a favorite among White Lion fans and is often praised for its musicianship, particularly Bratta’s guitar work.

Ep. 117 Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 117 Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - Review & Reaction!

 

Bon Jovi's self-titled debut album, released on January 21, 1984, marked the beginning of the band's journey to rock stardom. Though it wasn't an immediate blockbuster, it laid a solid foundation for their later success and showcased the band's raw talent and potential. The album blends hard rock and pop-metal elements, establishing Bon Jovi's signature sound that would evolve and mature in subsequent releases.

"Bon Jovi" helped to establish the band's presence in the rock scene during the 1980s, a time when glam metal and hard rock were gaining popularity. The album's success in the United States and internationally, particularly in Japan, contributed to the band's growing fan base and set the stage for their breakthrough with their third album, "Slippery When Wet." It also helped to define the rock sound of the 80s, blending catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and relatable lyrics.

Ep. 116 Poison - Flesh N Blood - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 116 Poison - Flesh N Blood - Review & Reaction!

Released on June 21, 1990, Poison's third studio album, "Flesh & Blood," is a quintessential glam metal record that showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and a touch of bluesy grit. The album marked a significant point in Poison's career, both in terms of musical evolution and commercial success. It reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and produced several hit singles that solidified Poison's place in the rock pantheon.

 

"Flesh & Blood" came at a time when glam metal was peaking in popularity. The album's success contributed to the mainstream acceptance of the genre, bridging the gap between the more theatrical elements of 1980s rock and the rawer, more introspective sounds that would define early 1990s rock. Its mix of party anthems and introspective ballads captured the spirit of the era and influenced many subsequent bands in the glam and hard rock scenes.

Ep. 115 Mötley Crüe - Theater of Pain - Reaction & Review!

Ep. 115 Mötley Crüe - Theater of Pain - Reaction & Review!

 

Mötley Crüe's "Theater of Pain" is a significant album in the band's discography, marking a shift towards a more glam metal sound and away from the raw edge of their earlier work. Released in 1985, it showcased the band's ability to blend hard rock with catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, influencing the glam metal scene of the mid-'80s.

"Theater of Pain" solidified Mötley Crüe's status as glam metal icons, contributing to the genre's mainstream popularity. The album's success helped pave the way for other glam metal bands and influenced the fashion and musical style of the era. It produced several hits that became staples in the band's live performances and music videos that became MTV favorites.

Ep. 114 Overkill - Years of Decay - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 114 Overkill - Years of Decay - Review  & Reaction!

Overkill's "The Years of Decay", released in 1989, is considered a classic in the thrash metal genre. Its blend of aggression, technical skill, and lyrical depth influenced many bands that followed. The album's success helped solidify Overkill's place in the metal pantheon and continues to inspire new generations of metal musicians.