This is Social Distortion's third studio release and their major label debut (Epic Records). They left their previous record label "Time Bomb Recordings" in 1989. This self titled disc was released on May 27, 1990, two years after their previous release,
Prison Bound, which ended the five year drought of no releases. With this album, Social Distortion proved they were back on track after a five year hiatus from 1983 to 1988. While their first album, the brilliant
Mommy's Little Monster was a straight up punk record with not the greatest diversity, their next release,
Prison Bound combined more of a rock & roll and roots rock sound to their music. This album also shows a rock & roll and rockabilly sound combined with punk which works really well. Some might say this is not as good as
Mommy's Little Monster, but some say it's better, either way, this is an excellent album, and one that remains an essential standout in the bands discography.
Mike Ness has a distinctive voice and stands out on every track. Danell and Ness do a great job on guitar on this album while Reece and Maurer also give solid performances with the rockailly like guitar and drums. Something that is very common on this record is the repetitive choruses (done propeerly) that a number of songs have like
So Far Away,
She's A Knockout, and
Drug Train. The album opens up with
So Far Away, a good rock song with chorus of 'so far away, so far away'. It leaves a great first impression.
Let It Be Me, is one of the more punk, less rockabilly songs on the album. It is fast paced and has some effective backing vocals in the chorus. Overall a solid track that leads up to one of the best on the album. On this record, you could really notice Mike's influence from Johnny Cash in his songs and the way he sings. And as a fan of the man in black, he decided to cover
Ring of Fire and did a very good job at it, a definite highlight of the album and fits perfectly right in the middle of the record. The song is obviously very different than Mr. Cash's and not necessarily better than the orginal, but gives the bands own heavier spin on it.
This album contains some of their most well known songs and some of their best too, including masterpieces such as the fun sing a long track
Story of my Life, probably the catchiest, and in my opinion the best on the album, and the very emotional
Ball and Chain, a hit from the album, with excellent and personal lyrics.
Ball and Chain and
Story of my Life are also the two longest songs on the album with both reaching almost six minutes, and whats even better is that they both remain solid all the way through. Most of the lyrics from this album are written from personal experience by Mike Ness such as
Story of my Life and
It Coulda Been Me.
It Coulda Been Me is another rockabilly tune and good one at that. The song also features some cool harmonica in the background which makes the song even better. A personal favorite of mine is
She's A Knockout which opens up with a nice drumbeat and then kicks into a great riff. The chorus is again repetitive with mike singing over and over 'She's a Knockout!' but it is still a great song.
Sick Boys is another highlight of the album with a very catchy riff and some great vocals as usual.
A Place in my Heart sounds very similar to 'It Coulda Been Me' except faster paced and features a guitar solo from Danell.
Drug Train, the album closer, has a very bluesy feel to it. The harmonica again stands out on this song.
Drug Train is still well done and ends the album an a bit of a darker note.
If you are a fan of classic punk, rockabilly, or just punk rock in general, I highly recommend this album as it is one of Social D's best, and really doesn't have a bad track on it. Social Distortion's self titled release provides some great, meaningful lyrics from Mike Ness as for some great songs all the way through.
4.5/5
Social Distortion on Social Distortion:
Mike Ness: Vocals/Guitar
Denis Danell: Guitar/Backing Vocals
John Maurer: Bass/ Backing Vocals
Christopher Reece: Drums
Recommended Songs:
Story Of My Life
Ring Of Fire
Ball And Chain
Sick Boys
