Ratt discography

The discography of Ratt, an American glam metal band formed in San Diego, California, in 1981, consists of seven studio albums, one extended play (EP), four compilation albums, and numerous singles released between 1983 and 2010.^[1][2] Ratt's breakthrough came with their debut studio album, Out of the Cellar (1984, Atlantic Records), which achieved triple-platinum certification by the RIAA for sales exceeding three million copies in the United States and peaked at number 7 on the Billboard 200, driven by the top-20 single "Round and Round."^[3][4] Their follow-up, Invasion of Your Privacy (1985, Atlantic Records), also reached double-platinum status and number 7 on the Billboard 200, featuring hits like "Lay It Down" and "You're in Love."^[5] Dancing Undercover (1986, Atlantic Records) continued their commercial momentum, earning platinum certification and peaking at number 26 on the Billboard 200.^[6] The band's mid-to-late 1980s output included Reach for the Sky (1988, Atlantic Records) and Detonator (1990, Atlantic Records), the former receiving platinum certification and the latter gold certification amid the glam metal era's peak popularity.^[1][7] After lineup changes and a hiatus in the 1990s due to shifting music trends toward grunge, Ratt released a self-titled studio album in 1999 (Portrait Records) and returned with Infestation (2010, Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records), their final studio effort to date.^[1][8][9] Compilations such as Ratt & Roll 81–91 (1991, Atlantic Records), Collage (1997, Sony Music), The Essentials (2002, Rhino Records), and Tell the World: The Very Best of Ratt (2007, Rhino Records) highlight their catalog, with the band selling approximately 8 million albums worldwide during their career.^[1][3] Their debut EP, Ratt (1983, Time Coast Records), laid the groundwork for their signature sound blending hard rock riffs and anthemic hooks.^[10]

Original releases

Studio albums

Ratt released seven studio albums between 1984 and 2010, primarily through Atlantic Records during their commercial peak in the 1980s, before shifting labels amid lineup changes and industry shifts. These albums established the band as a leading act in the glam metal scene, with their debut marking a breakthrough via MTV exposure and radio play. The early releases, produced by Beau Hill, emphasized high-energy riffs, dual-guitar harmonies, and anthemic hooks that propelled sales exceeding 10 million units worldwide. Later efforts reflected evolving lineups and musical directions, culminating in a 2010 comeback before an indefinite hiatus.^[11][3][12] The band's studio discography is summarized below, highlighting key commercial metrics from their original releases. Out of the Cellar, Ratt's debut full-length album, was recorded in late 1983 at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles and produced by Beau Hill, capturing the band's raw Sunset Strip energy with tracks like the breakout single "Round and Round." It propelled Ratt from local club status to national stardom, spending over six months on the Billboard 200 and driving the band's early arena tours.^[13][14][15] Invasion of Your Privacy followed swiftly, also produced by Hill at Total Access Recording in Redondo Beach, California, amid the band's rising fame but internal tensions including substance issues among members. The album solidified their glam metal sound with hits like "Lay It Down" and "You're in Love," maintaining momentum from the debut and contributing significantly to their multi-platinum era.^[16][17] Dancing Undercover marked a transitional phase, recorded in 1986 with Hill returning as producer, as the band navigated the intensifying competition in the hair metal landscape. Despite featuring the title track single, it showed subtle experimentation with song structures while still achieving platinum status through consistent touring.^[18] Reach for the Sky, produced by Hill and recorded amid lineup stability concerns, represented Ratt's attempt to evolve their formula with more polished production at Rumbo Recorders. Released during the late-1980s glam peak, it yielded the single "What You Give Is What You Get" and sustained their chart presence before grunge's rise impacted sales. Detonator arrived in 1990, produced by Hill with Desmond Child co-writing several tracks, as Ratt adapted to shifting tastes by incorporating harder edges recorded at Music Grinder Studios. Though it went gold and featured "Lovin' Man," the album signaled declining commercial viability amid the band's internal strife and the emerging alternative rock scene.^[22][23] The 1999 self-titled album, often called "1999" to distinguish it from their 1983 EP, was produced by the band alongside Chris "Frenchie" Smith and recorded after a hiatus, featuring a bluesier hard rock shift without original guitarist Robbin Crosby. Released via Sony's Portrait imprint, it aimed at a mature audience but charted modestly, reflecting the post-grunge market.^[8][24] Infestation, Ratt's final studio album before their 2010 hiatus, was independently released through Roadrunner and produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette at Studio 606 in Northridge, California, marking a return to aggressive riffs post-reunion efforts. As the band's strongest late-period effort, it honored late member Crosby and achieved their highest chart position in two decades, though without major label support.^[25][26]

Extended plays

Ratt released a single extended play during their career, the self-titled Ratt, which served as their debut recording under the band's name after years on the Los Angeles club circuit. Issued independently on August 23, 1983, via the band's own Time Coast Records label, the EP captured the raw energy of their early glam metal sound and helped establish their presence in the underground scene. Produced by Liam Sternberg with executive production by Mark Leonard, it was recorded featuring the classic lineup of vocalist Stephen Pearcy, guitarists Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, bassist Juan Croucier, and drummer Bobby Blotzer. The release's independent distribution played a key role in generating pre-major-label buzz, selling over 100,000 copies and demonstrating strong grassroots demand.^[10][27] The EP's track listing consisted of six songs, blending original compositions with a cover: Total length: 19:25.^[27][10] Peaking at number 133 on the Billboard 200, the EP's commercial performance underscored Ratt's rising appeal among heavy metal fans, setting the stage for their breakthrough with the 1984 album Out of the Cellar. Its limited initial pressing and DIY ethos reflected the band's scrappy origins, with subsequent reissues expanding to seven tracks for international markets.^[28]

Singles

Ratt's singles discography spans their active years from the early 1980s through the 2010s, with the majority released during their commercial peak on Atlantic Records. The band achieved their greatest chart success in the mid-1980s, when tracks from albums like Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, while later singles targeted the Mainstream Rock chart. Formats primarily included 7-inch vinyl and 12-inch singles, with some promotional releases for radio play. B-sides often featured album tracks or non-album cuts, and certifications were rare but notable for their biggest hits.^[29][2] The following table lists Ratt's 22 known commercial and promotional singles in chronological order, including release year, A-side title, B-side (where applicable), parent album or EP, peak chart positions on Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock charts (where they charted), and certifications. Chart data is sourced from Billboard archives, and release details from Discogs catalog entries. Not all singles charted on the Hot 100; many performed better on the rock-oriented Mainstream Rock chart. Promotional singles are noted. This list focuses on verified commercial releases and promos; some early independent singles like "Drivin' On E" (1980) predate the band's major-label era and are excluded as they were not under the Ratt name. UK Singles Chart entries were minimal, with no top 40 peaks. Certifications apply to the US via RIAA.^[43]

Compilation releases

Compilation albums

Ratt's compilation albums serve as retrospective collections that aggregate key tracks from the band's catalog, often highlighting their 1980s commercial peak while occasionally incorporating rarities or new material to appeal to longtime fans. These releases evolved from early greatest hits packages aimed at summarizing the band's Atlantic Records era to later overviews that encompass post-hiatus work, providing accessible entry points for new listeners without delving into full studio reissues. The band's first major compilation, Ratt & Roll 81–91, was released on September 3, 1991, by Atlantic Records. This 16-track set focuses on hits and select album cuts from 1983 to 1991, drawing primarily from albums like Out of the Cellar and Detonator, with the new song "Givin' Yourself Away" as a unique inclusion to bridge the band's past and potential future. It peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 chart.^[44][45][46] In 1997, DeRock Records issued Collage, a 11-track compilation emphasizing B-sides, outtakes, and lesser-known recordings from the band's early career, such as "Steel River," "Dr. Rock," and "Top Secret (Original Version)." This release catered to collectors seeking deeper cuts beyond mainstream singles, without any reported chart performance.^[47][48] Rhino Entertainment followed with The Essentials on August 6, 2002, a concise 12-track overview of Ratt's 1980s output, featuring staples like "Round and Round," "Back for More," and "Lay It Down" to encapsulate their glam metal heyday. Lacking significant new material, it prioritized thematic focus on high-energy hits from the band's most successful period.^[49][50] Ratt: Metal Hits, released in 2003 by Rhino Records, compiles 10 tracks spanning the band's hard rock essentials, including "Round and Round," "You're in Love," and "Shame, Shame, Shame," with a remastered sound to refresh familiar material for metal enthusiasts. This set underscores Ratt's influence in the genre without introducing rarities.^[51][52] Atlantic and Rhino jointly released Tell the World: The Very Best of Ratt on August 21, 2007, a comprehensive 20-track career retrospective covering 1983 to 1999, with two previously unreleased tracks: "You Should Know by Now" and "I'm Ready." It balances classics from Out of the Cellar with later selections, without reported chart performance.^[53][54] The band's most recent compilation to date, Flashback with Ratt, arrived on June 21, 2011, via Rhino Records, offering a streamlined 10-track primer on their early hits like "Round and Round" and "Slip of the Lip," aimed at post-hiatus audiences reflecting on the original lineup's legacy. No major chart success or certifications were reported for this release.^[55] In 2024, Deadline Music released Rarities on May 31, a 9-track compilation of unreleased material including demos, rehearsals, and live recordings from 1982 to 1987, such as "Tell the World (Studio 1983)" and "Round & Round (Rehearsal 1982)." This collection appeals to fans interested in the band's formative years.^[56]

Reissues and expanded editions

Ratt's catalog has seen multiple reissues and expanded editions, often featuring remastering for enhanced audio quality and the addition of archival material to satisfy collector interest. The band's breakthrough debut Out of the Cellar received a 40th anniversary expanded edition on October 25, 2024, via BMG in association with Atlantic Records. This release includes newly remastered tracks from the original 1984 sessions alongside the previously unreleased song "Reach for the Sky," a hard rock track recorded during those same sessions but shelved until now. Offered in CD digipak, limited-edition red-and-black splatter vinyl with lenticular cover art, and digital formats, it also bundles a bonus 7-inch orange vinyl single of the new track, complete with updated liner notes detailing the album's production history.^[57][58] In 2010, Ratt's seventh studio album Infestation was reissued as a special edition by Roadrunner Records, expanding the original 11-track lineup with four bonus selections: three from the band's rare 1983 self-titled EP ("Sweet Cheater," "U Got It," "Tell the World") and a live version of "Round and Round" from a 2009 performance. Remastered for CD and digital release, this deluxe version incorporated B-sides and live cuts to provide deeper insight into the band's post-Atlantic era output.^[59][60] The 1980s albums underwent remastered reissues in 2007 through Rhino Records, refreshing the sound of titles like Invasion of Your Privacy (1985) with improved fidelity while maintaining the original track sequences; subsequent editions by Rock Candy Records in the mid-2010s added extensive liner notes and photos but no additional audio content for that specific album. These efforts catered to audiophiles seeking clearer presentations of Ratt's glam metal sound.^[61] Such updates reflect ongoing fan demand for superior audio reproduction and access to rarities, with the 2024 Out of the Cellar edition representing the first significant post-2010 physical reissue incorporating new original material from the band's classic lineup.^[62]

Video releases

Video albums

Ratt's video albums primarily consist of three official releases that compile their music videos, live footage, and promotional material from the band's peak years with Atlantic Records. These collections served as visual companions to their studio albums, capturing the glam metal era's high-energy performances and behind-the-scenes insights. The first two were issued on VHS during the 1980s and early 1990s, while the third updated the format to DVD in the 2000s, incorporating remastered content and additional unreleased material. The inaugural video album, Ratt: The Video, was released in 1985 by Atlantic Video on VHS in the United States.^[63] This 37-minute compilation features five early music videos—"Wanted Man," "You Think You're Tough," "Back for More," "Round and Round," and "Lay It Down"—alongside band member interviews and highlights from their Japan tour.^[63] Produced by Pendulum Productions, it was directed by Marshall Berle and produced by Alexis Omeltchenko, tying directly into the promotion of their debut album Out of the Cellar.^[63] The release targeted North American markets and emphasized Ratt's rising stardom in the hard rock scene. In 1991, Atlantic followed with Detonator Videoaction 1991, a promotional VHS tied to the band's 1990 album Detonator.^[64] This collection includes music videos for tracks such as "Lovin' You's a Dirty Job," "Way Cool Jr.," and "I Want a Woman," complemented by exclusive interviews hosted by Little Richard, personal conversations with the band, and behind-the-scenes footage.^[64][65] Released under the A*Vision imprint (an Atlantic subsidiary), it was distributed primarily in the US and Japan to boost album sales during a transitional period for the band.^[64] The most comprehensive entry, Videos from the Cellar: The Atlantic Years, arrived on July 31, 2007, via Eagle Rock Entertainment and Rhino Records as a DVD.^[66] Spanning approximately 79 minutes, this NTSC-formatted compilation assembles 13 videos from Ratt's Atlantic era (1984–1991), drawing from the prior VHS releases while adding four unreleased clips, era-spanning promotional footage, and new interviews.^[66][67] It was released internationally, with a focus on North America, to celebrate the band's legacy and coincide with retrospective audio compilations.^[66]

Music videos

Ratt's music videos played a pivotal role in the band's popularity during the 1980s, capitalizing on MTV's dominance to promote their singles with high-energy performances and thematic narratives that embodied the glam metal aesthetic. Early videos, such as "Round and Round," became MTV staples, garnering heavy rotation and helping propel the band to mainstream success, with the track's video amassing over 61 million views on YouTube as of 2025.^[68] Productions in this era were elaborate, often featuring celebrity cameos and industrial or urban settings to enhance the band's rebellious image. By the late 1980s and into the 2010s, videos transitioned to simpler performance styles and digital releases, reflecting changes in music distribution, while the 2025 animated release marked a nostalgic return tied to anniversary content. The band's videography spans 16 known music videos, primarily tied to singles from their studio albums and EPs. Below is a comprehensive list, including release years, directors where documented, associated singles or albums, formats, and notable elements.