What makes Contagious by Y&T notable?

Contagious marked a pivotal moment for Y&T as it showcased their ability to blend commercial appeal with hard rock sensibilities, leading to chart success, including reaching No. 68 on the Billboard 200. The album is often remembered for its infectious title track and helped solidify their presence during the glam metal era, influencing bands that followed. Released in 1987, Contagious was Y&T's sixth studio album and followed their successful record Down for the Count. By this time, the band had established a solid fanbase in the hard rock scene and sought to capitalize on their growing popularity with a more polished sound.

Who is Contagious for?

Contagious works well if you're into energetic workout motivation, immediate hooks and energy and short, punchy songs.

How many songs are on Contagious?

Contagious has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Contagious

Y&T · 1987

41 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A dynamic blend of hard rock anthems and melodic hooks, capturing the energy of late '80s rock music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Contagious — The title track serves as an energetic anthem with catchy choruses and driving guitar riffs, encapsulating the band's hard rock ethos.
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L.A. Rocks — This track celebrates the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, featuring an infectious hook that captures the spirit of the city during the '80s.
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I’ll Cry for You — A power ballad that showcases the band's softer side, highlighting emotional lyrics paired with compelling melodies and vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic hard rock with melodic hooks, but lacks standout depth or innovation.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first five songs before slowing down slightly.
The last three tracks introduce more melodic elements and varied tempos, creating a noticeable shift in mood towards the end of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

energetic workout motivation
immediate hooks and energy
short, punchy songs
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1987, Contagious was Y&T's sixth studio album and followed their successful record Down for the Count. By this time, the band had established a solid fanbase in the hard rock scene and sought to capitalize on their growing popularity with a more polished sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Tesla· Dokken· Queensrÿche