Although often targeted as one of the worst offenders in the much maligned hair metal scene of the '80s, Ratt's distinctive sonic signatures and generally high level of musicianship are often overlooked. Granted, the lyrics are usually vacuous and the music doesn't possess much staying power as the years go by, but, as pop-metal bands go, Ratt were better than most of their peers. Guitarist Warren DeMartini, in particular, is responsible for some of the most memorable riffs and most masterful solos of the genre. Ratt's fourth album, Reach for the Sky, wisely follows the same formula of the three records that preceded it, yielding some of the band's best material, along with the usual amount of filler. They scored a minor hit with "Way Cool Jr.," (which flaunts a groove Aerosmith would be proud of), and tracks like "City to City" and "No Surprise" also emphasize the band's strengths. But stuff like "I Want a Woman" and "Chain Reaction" demonstrate singer Stephen Pearcy's unfortunate inclination toward dumb rock clichés, a component of Ratt that consistently undermines the musical achievements of the band.

Released in 1985, Ratt's second album, Invasion of Your Privacy, contains all the ingredients that helped launch the band to MTV and radio success: another batch of solid pop-metal tunes and a half-naked model on the cover. Though singer Stephen Pearcy's limited range becomes more obvious, guitarist Warren DeMartini truly shines, as does drummer Bobby Blotzer. "You're in Love" is the obvious standout, and strong cuts such as "Give It All," "Between the Eyes," and "Lay It Down" keep things interesting without quite repeating the consistency of the band's debut.

Ratt emerged from the early-'80s pop-metal scene combining the prevalent Van Halen and Aerosmith elements with the staccato guitar-picking style of Judas Priest. After a well-received, self-titled independent EP, the band signed with Atlantic Records in 1984 and recorded what would be its most successful album, Out of the Cellar. Scoring a huge radio and MTV hit with "Round and Round," the record was very consistent and also spawned minor hits with "Wanted Man," "Back for More," and the excellent "I'm Insane."