Ratt released a self-titled mini-album in 1983 on a local label, the release now often known as just 'Ratt', and they struck up a close personal friendship with members of Mötley Crüe, friendly rivals that shared the same hard partying lifestyle. The aforementioned glam metal scene of southern California brought the fledgling band major inspiration. Ratt then made their breakthrough with their first full studio album, 'Out of the Cellar', which stayed in the Billboard Top 20 for six months. Single "Round and Round" became the signature song of the group. The album has since been certified as multi-platinum by the RIAA and continues to be loved by many metal fans.
They toured with Ozzy Osbourne before joining a Billy Squier jaunt, where they were apparently 'thrown off' because they were more popular than the headline act. Their subsequent output has seen them follow a familiar arena-friendly hard rock route, with accusations over sexist videos contrasting with their ability to sell out concert halls and produce recordings that regularly received platinum and gold certifications. In particular, their highly successful sophomore album, 'Invasion of Your Privacy', proved that they were no "one album wonder".
Still, the changing musical zeitgeist would not be kind to groups such as Ratt, with grunge and alternative rock seizing the spotlight. Ratt's 1990 release 'Detonator' featured several songs co-written with Desmond Child, known for his previous work with Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi among others, and it proved their most adventurous recording to date in some ways. Yet the group's success had clearly waned, and the years on the road had contributed to conflict within the band. Crosby would depart after the September 1991 release of compilation album 'Ratt & Roll 81-91'. In 1993, Pearcy unveiled his new solo outfit, Arcade, confirming the dissolution of the band.
Though the band reformed with a new self-titled album in 1999, also known as Ratt (1999). Pearcy would leave Ratt again not long after, unhappy with the album's sound and the musical chemistry within the band. Original guitarist Robbin Crosby's passing in 2002 caused many fans to fear that the group was gone for good. Nonetheless, the band re-united in 2007 for a successful tour with fellow 80s rockers Poison.
The band toured throughout the latter half of the 00s, as retro interests caused a general popular resurgence of 80s musical and culture, and hopes for a new album grew. Ratt went back into the studios minus original guitarist Robbin Crosby. He had died some years earlier brought on by the long and public battle he waged against drugs, having gotten AIDS from sharing needles. His last television interview was with VH1's 'Behind The Music' program, in which the rocker stated: "Don't feel sorry for me. Don't cry for me at my funeral. I've lived the life of ten men. I've been very lucky."
Ratt released a new album in 2010, titled 'Infestation', with Pearcy on the vocals. A commercial and critical comeback, fans rejoiced at the energetic metal sound. The release hit the #30 slot on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was also the first album since the death of Crosby in 2002.
On October 26, 2010, Ratt announced that the band would be going on indefinite hiatus due to internal tensions.
Reunion with Croucier and second departure of Pearcy (2012–2015)
In January 2012, Pearcy said Ratt was in the process of writing material for a new album, planned to be released that summer. On March 22, bassist Robbie Crane announced his departure from Ratt to focus on Lynch Mob. In April 2012, rumors arose original bassist Juan Croucier would rejoin the band that summer; these rumors were confirmed when Croucier played with Ratt at the M3 festival on May 12.
On April 24, 2014, Pearcy announced that he had left the band again, explaining he was "officially done with having anything to do with them due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum, and most of all, the disrespect to the fans."
Legal issues and two versions of Ratt again (2015–2018)
In June 2015, Blotzer formed a band called Bobby Blotzer's Ratt Experience. In August 2015, Croucier formed a touring band that played Ratt's deep cuts, with the band debuting in September.
In September 2015, Blotzer took over control of WBS, a company he set up with DeMartini and Pearcy in 1997 to handle RATT business, over the objection of DeMartini and announced that he had "taken control" of Ratt and his Ratt Experience lineup was the real Ratt and would be embarking a tour in 2016 titled the American Made Re-Invasion Tour.
Until early 2017, Blotzer toured using the name Ratt. The 2016 Re-Invasion tour took Ratt throughout North America. Their tour also took them to the UK, including Hard Rock Hell and London.
Ratt's "New Breed" and unknown future (2018–current)
On June 1, 2018, it was announced by vocalist Pearcy that Ratt would move forward with him and bassist Croucier. It was confirmed that DeMartini had departed from Ratt, with Cavazo and Degrasso following. On July 5, 2018, it was revealed that Pearcy and Croucier would be joined by Black 'N Blue drummer Pete Holmes and guitarists Jordan Ziff and Chris Sanders. In February 2020, guitarist Chris Sanders announced his departure from the band, along with announcing his retirement from the music industry.
In March 2020, the band announced they would be embarking on the Big Rock Summer Tour starting in June, along with Tom Keifer, Skid Row, and Slaughter. On June 17, the tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after, it was announced that all Ratt shows in 2020 were rescheduled for 2021.
In January 2021, Pearcy expressed interest in making one final Ratt album with all the remaining original members. On June 26, Ratt announced the addition of guitarist Frankie Lindia of David Lee Roth's solo band, replacing Chris Sanders.
In September 2022, Pearcy revealed that he would only want to continue Ratt with the remaining classic-era bandmates, but that "it's not gonna happen". He said reuniting with the members would be "all business pretty much", but that "there's no business in the Ratt camp". He also revealed he regretted touring as Ratt with only Croucier from the classic lineup and that he would be continuing to play Ratt songs with his solo band
Website: http://www.therattpack.com/
Discography
Ratt (EP - 1983)
Out of the Cellar (1984)
Invasion of Your Privacy (1985)
Dancing Undercover (1986)
Reach for the Sky (1988)
Detonator (1990)
Ratt & Roll 81-91 (1991)
Ratt (1999)
Infestation (2010)
One Good Lover
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well just a smile that's all it took
I want to know why you do this, what you do to me, yeah
She's got the walk to make you sing
Just think of love, I just can't wait
I want to know why you do this, what you do to me, yeah
She's one good lover
One to another
One good lover
Made for each other
She's got the style that drives me wild
Moves like a cat, scratched me like that
I want to know why you do this, what you do to me, yeah
To me, yeah
She's got the push into something good
I know this rat's caught in her trap
I want to know why you do this, what you do to me
She's one good lover
One to another
One good lover
Made for each other
Yeah, yeah
I only want to bring you closer to me
It's something we can see
I want to see you over me
You're the one for me
She's one good lover
One to another
One good lover
Made for each other
She's one good lover
One to another
She's one good lover
Made for each other
One good lover
The lyrics to Ratt's song One Good Lover describe a woman who the singer is infatuated with. The woman has looks that are perfect enough to have been taken out of a picture book, and just a smile is enough to get the singer hooked. The woman's walk is enough to make the singer sing, and he can't wait to experience love with her. The lyrics also refer to the woman's wild style, and how she moves like a cat, scratching the singer in the process. Despite knowing that the woman has the ability to trap him, the singer is still drawn to her, and can't resist asking why she does this thing she does to him.
The chorus of the song, "She's one good lover, one to another, made for each other," emphasizes the singer's belief that he is meant to be with her. The lyrics suggest that their chemistry is undeniable and that they are perfect for each other. The bridge in the song ("I only want to bring you closer to me, it's something we can see, I want to see you over me, you're the one for me") continues to emphasize the singer's desire for the woman and his belief that they are meant to be together.
Line by Line Meaning
She's got the looks from picture books
Her looks are beautiful and perfect, like something out of a picture book
Well just a smile that's all it took
Just a smile from her was enough for me to be smitten
I want to know why you do this, what you do to me, yeah
I am curious about what she does to me that makes me feel such strong emotions
She's got the walk to make you sing
Her walk is so graceful and beautiful that it fills you with joy and happiness
Just think of love, I just can't wait
Thinking about love makes me so excited that I can't wait for it to happen
She's got the style that drives me wild
Her style is so unique and attractive that it makes me go crazy for her
Moves like a cat, scratched me like that
Her movements are so smooth and graceful, like a cat, and they have left a lasting impression on me
She's got the push into something good
She knows how to encourage me to do something good or positive
I know this rat's caught in her trap
I realize that I am caught up in her charm and there's no escape for me
I only want to bring you closer to me
All I want is to be closer to her, emotionally and physically
It's something we can see
Our connection is visible and tangible to both of us
I want to see you over me
I want her to be with me, to be on top of me, physically and emotionally
You're the one for me
I am convinced that she is the one for me, my soulmate
She's one good lover
She is an amazing lover
One to another
She is able to love one person deeply and passionately
Made for each other
We are perfect for each other, meant to be together
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CROSBY PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind