Out of the Cellar cover

Out of the Cellar

Ratt · 1984

37 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

Gleaming guitar riffs and anthemic choruses fuse with a raw energy that defined the glam metal sound of the 1980s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Round and Round — This track became Ratt’s signature song, featuring a memorable chorus and infectious guitar work that captured the essence of glam metal's appeal.
  • →
    Wanted Man Start here — Opening the album, this track showcases Ratt's blend of hard rock and glam aesthetics, effectively setting the tone for what follows.
  • →
    Lack of Communication — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics about miscommunication, this track highlights Ratt's knack for blending storytelling with energetic instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Ratt's debut showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances, though it follows familiar glam metal templates.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong, driving riff in 'Wanted Man' that sets a high-energy tone for the first half.
  • Each track features prominent guitar solos and anthemic choruses, often repeating hooks to enhance memorability.
  • The pacing slows slightly in the second half, particularly with tracks like 'The Morning After,' which contrasts with the earlier intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • short, punchy song formats
  • energetic driving moments
  • immediate hooks and energy
  • upbeat motivational vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established Ratt's presence in glam metal and gained significant recognition.
Themes
Los Angeles nightlife· glam metal excess· miscommunication in relationships
Career context
Out of the Cellar was Ratt's debut album, released in 1984 when the band was still establishing its presence in the glam metal scene. Its success laid the groundwork for their rise, highlighted by the hit single 'Round and Round,' which propelled them into the mainstream and solidified their place in rock music history.
Stylistic neighbors
Poison· Def Leppard· Warrant

Tracklist

  • 1 Wanted Man Start here 3:41
  • 2 You’re in Trouble 3:20
  • 3 Round and Round 4:25
  • 4 In Your Direction 3:31
  • 5 She Wants Money 3:06
  • 6 Lack of Communication 3:54
  • 7 Back for More 3:47
  • 8 The Morning After 3:34
  • 9 I’m Insane 2:56
  • 10 Scene of the Crime 4:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata