Album Review - The Gangs All Here by Skid Row

Album Review – The Gangs All Here by Skid Row 

Skid Row is back with a welcomed trip back in time to 1987 with the newest release “The Gangs All Here”. Sonically and musically this album captures the sound of the days when rock ruled MTV and music charts. The band and producer clearly did a strategic job in the writing and production to achieve the sound and feel it takes on. Skid Row fans will not be disappointed. 

I would be remiss not to mention this is the fifth frontman for the band since its existence most notably Sebastian Bach. Racheal Bolan bass player and Dave Sabo guitar player have tried to grow and move forward with the band since his departure. The addition of the newest frontman Erik Gronwall was a surprise but a step forward in the progression of the band. Time will tell if he can lead the band forward with a new generation of fans as the frontman. 

The album starts off incredibly strong with Hell or High Water which is my personal favorite track on the album. It’s a rocker that kicks off the album and sets the tone for the rest of the journey. Next is the 1st single and album’s title track The Gangs All Here and leads into Not Dead Yet. Both are to quote Dave the Snake Sabo “it’s like a punch right square in the nuts”! 

Time Bomb has an anthemic feel but to me personally not one of my favorites on the album. I think it’s trying a little too hard and verges on being cheesy. Resurrected and When The Lights Come On do have a similar feel to them and would be in my opinion filler on the album. 

With any 80’s rock album they had to have a ballad and this new release is no different. Skid Row throws a nod to the original chemistry of any popular rock album. 

Overall, I enjoyed the new album and think fans of the band will be pleasantly surprised. The album is fun and really a reminder of why I love this genre of music. For the generations that have not experienced it, you will get a glimpse into the heydays when Rock Ruled the World.  

Track Listing from The Gangs All Here:

1. Hell or High Water
2. The Gang’s All Here
3. Not Dead Yet
4. Time Bomb
5. Resurrected
6. Nowhere Fast
7. When The Lights Come Down
8. Tear It Down 
9. October’s Song
10. World’s On Fire 

The lineup is Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill on guitar, Rachel Bolan on Bass, Rob Hammersmith on Drums, and Erik Gronwall on Vocals. 

Rating: 9/10

Released By: earMUSIC

Release Date: October 14th, 2022

Favorite Track(s): Hell or High Water and Not Dead Yet