10 Underrated Albums By Huge Bands
1. Animal Boy - Ramones (1986)
The release of the Ramones ninth studio album was marked by critical scorn and a lukewarm reception from fans. The overriding opinion was that the album wasn't focused enough in terms of style. The band had started incorporating new sounds, jumping on the synth hype, which rubbed punk fans the wrong way. How could the original punk rockers compromise their sound with pop centric instruments?
In retrospect, however, the album merely represents a band attempting to evolve. The first four tracks were straight punk songs, but were accused of being too derivative. It seems the critics wanted things both ways. Unhappy with the new direction the band was going in, and dissatisfied when they leaned on their previous sound.
She Belongs to Me, is the closest thing the band did to a ballad, and that didn't please people, either. Piano in a punk band? heresy! But the song has merit, it demonstrates a willingness for the group to try new things, and Joey Ramone gives a remarkably tender vocal performance.
Admittedly, the best song on the album was a throw back to the early Ramones sound. Bonzo Goes To Bitzberg, was a reactionary number, that criticised Ronald Reagan after a less than sensitive diplomatic trip to Germany. It contained an unwavering drum beat, and utilised a subtle application of piano.