It's kinda sad I'm so obsessed wiith Meat's music that I love writing reviews on it (whether it be good or bad), but there you go =D Anyway, my take on Bad Attitude:
1.BAD ATTITUDE: Alright song. Personally, I love the lyrics a lot more than the music, but that's just how it is. 7/10...the sort of song I don't pass when it comes up on my iPod's shuffle, but not one I often go out of my way to listen to very often. Regardless, good start to the album.
2. MODERN GIRL: I'll admit, for a long time I wasn't a huge fan of this song. Over time it has grown on me however, and really is just a great song. Same as BA, I think that the lyrics are lightyears beyond the music, but in this case, the music is still pretty impressive. Once a beautiful Miss America married Mr Right...had a little baby girl, born on a stormy night...love that line. 8/10, definitely one of the best 80s songs of Meat's
3. NOWHERE FAST: This is where I have a bone to pick. I really don't like this take on this song. The Fire Inc version has long been one of my favorite songs ever (really only ever beaten by Bonnie Tyler's Rebel Without A Clue)...so this version really is depressing for me. Where is the magnificent piano? Where is the god speed section? Where are the references to the Storm and lines from Bad for Good? Why is the guitar so dull and lifeless? Why is the only redeeming factor of this song Meat's voice? No, I won't rate this song, because I'm sure I'll offend someone somewhere. It has no life in it...it just feels dirty and mutilated. Sorry, can't stand this version. It's like someone threw the original into a machine, mangled it almost beyond recognition, then spat it back out to have Meat's heavenly voice plastered over the top of it. Moving along...
4. SURF'S UP: Yeah, this song's in the same boat as Nowhere Fast. It's MEANT to be a piano ballad...not some insane combination of watered down piano, lots of drums and guitar =( Even Meat's voice is a let down for me on this song...the chorus in particular could be sung a lot better. Still, it's a slightly better attempt that Nowhere Fast was, and I'll be generous and give it a 3/10. Love the version from Bad for Good from the bottom of my heart...whenever I hear this one, I die a little inside.
5. JUMPING THE GUN: Now that the worst is over, I have to say I really do enjoy this song. It's a great duet and instantly reminds me of All Revved Up With No Place To Go. Catchy chorus, great riffs, and overall a fun song. 8/10
6. PIECE OF THE ACTION: Where do I begin? I LOVE this song! Without a doubt THE best song Meat ever produced in the 80s (yes, even counting Dead Ringer...maybe with the exception of Peel Out or Read Em and Weep). This song should have been a HUGE hit...the lyrics, just like many of the other songs on the album, are simply brilliant. Shoving boxes full of hungry dreams...<3 I really don't know what it is about this song that appeals to me so much...probably how perfectly the hauntingly beautiful music matches the clever lyrics, but yeah, I don't care. It's simply made of pure win.
7. CHEATING IN YOUR DREAMS: I've never really clicked with this song, mainly because it's simply over the top 80s...as in, for a lot of the song, it tries far too hard to capture that vibe. As usual though, the lyrics are fantastic, and to me that's the best part of this song. Other than that, I don't have a lot to say about this song. 6/10...nah that's a bit harsh, 7/10
8. DON'T LEAVE YOUR MARK ON ME: This is another fantastic song, another unrecognized jewel of the 80s. The ambient intro is interesting, the chorus is insanely powerful, and the music really draws you in. Right up there with Piece of the Action. 9/10
9. SAILOR TO A SIREN: I've always liked this song. I like how you have the scat in the background every second bar with what I presume is meant to be the impression of a siren. I like how clever the title is. I like Meat's vocals and I like the music. Honestly. It's hard to find something not to like about this song. 9/10
Overall, I give the album 8/10. IMO, it had 3 exceptional songs (Sailor to a Siren, Piece of the Action, Don't Leave Your Mark On Me), a couple of pretty decent songs (Modern Girl, Jumping the Gun), some good songs (Bad Attitude, Cheatin in Your Dreams) and then some horrible covers (Nowhere Fast and Surf's Up). The lyrics of this album are something special, and I have to say it's disappointing Meat didn't work with the writer's again. Definitely better than all save 3 songs of MATLAF, maybe half of BBIS and equal with a lot of Dead Ringer. And out of ALL of Meat's album, I'd probably put...Bat 2, HCTB, WTTN, Bat 3, BA. Maybe. It's hard to choose between my beloved D=
Disclaimer: This is all my opinion and no one should be offended by my comments on two songs in particular or be taken as solid, hard facts (obviously). In other words, if you don't agree with me, please don't flame me for it D=