What is the best Ratt album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Out of the Cellar" (1984). It's the most representative of what makes Ratt worth hearing.

What are the best Ratt albums?

The essential Ratt albums include "Ratt" (1983), "Out of the Cellar" (1984), "Invasion of Your Privacy" (1985), "Dancing Undercover" (1986) and "Slip of the Lip" (1987).

How many albums does Ratt have?

Ratt has 32 releases in their discography, including 13 albums and 7 EPs.

Photo: Nick Ares · CC BY-SA 2.0

Ratt

Q: Who is Ratt for?

If you're into hard rock and heavy metal, Ratt is worth your time. With driving rhythms and infectious choruses layered atop gritty guitar textures, Ratt generates a relentless energy that compels movement and engagement.

With driving rhythms and infectious choruses layered atop gritty guitar textures, Ratt generates a relentless energy that compels movement and engagement.

glam metal · hard rock · heavy metal

United States Est. 1976

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Start here

The album

Out of the Cellar (1984)

This album captures Ratt's signature glam metal sound with driving rhythms and catchy hooks, providing a cohesive introduction to their style.

The song

“Round and Round”

This track features an infectious chorus and engaging guitar work, effectively introducing listeners to Ratt's energetic style.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Dance" — from Dancing Undercover (1986)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Eat Me Up Alive" — from Infestation (2010)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Round and Round" — from Ratt & Roll 81–91 (1991)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"City to City" — from Reach for the Sky (1988)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Over the Edge" — from Ratt (1999)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Steel River" — from Collage (1997)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Ratt

Ratt matters as a defining voice of the glam metal scene, blending irresistible hooks with an unapologetic attitude that captured the excess and bravado of the 1980s.

Their music served as a soundtrack for a generation that reveled in both rebellion and escapism, influencing countless bands while solidifying the genre’s mainstream appeal.

Their music served as a soundtrack for a generation that reveled in both rebellion and escapism, influencing countless bands while solidifying the genre’s mainstream appeal. Ratt's ability to weave theatricality into their sound and image allowed them to stand out amid a sea of similar acts, creating a distinct cultural moment. The band's approach is marked by their tight, polished instrumentation and catchy riff-driven melodies, underpinned by a commitment to high-energy performances. They masterfully incorporated elements of pop sensibility into hard rock, crafting songs that balance grit with accessibility. This approach not only showcased virtuosic musicianship but also positioned them as formidable entertainers capable of captivating audiences night after night. Lyrically, Ratt often explores themes of love, desire, and nightlife, delivering these narratives through a confident yet relatable voice. Their storytelling leans toward the impressionistic, evoking vivid imagery that resonates with listeners while maintaining an air of irony about rock ’n’ roll lifestyles. The tone shifts between brash confidence and reflective moments, capturing the highs and lows of their subject matter.

13 studio albums· 32 total releases· 2 decades· United States