Rancid - Let's Go
Epitaph Records
1994
[URL]www.rancidrancid.com[/URL]
Tim Armstrong - Vocals, Guitar
Lars Frederiksen - Guitar, Vocals
Matt Freeman - Bass, Vocals
Brett Reed - Drums
Being their second release, and with a new guitarist in place, Rancid are more hard-hitting than before with "Let's Go". Having recruited Lars to play guitar, as their self-titled only had Matt, Tim and Brett, the energy you feel pounding from your speakers is increased dramatically. One thing that stands out in the album is the backing vocals. They're like AFI. Without backing vocals, their songs just aren't the same, and with the shouting of the song title in chorus, which is evident in "Radio", "Nihilism" and "As One". But don't let that put you off. If anything, this makes the song catchier.
As always, I talk about the bass first. For one, I am a bassist, and secondly Matt is an idol to me. A bassline that always stays in my head is the intro to "Dope Sick Girl", and having then having it played on guitar for the next part and the rest of the song. In my opinion it works very well, and I wouldn't be surprised if I tried it for any of my own songs. "Tenderloin" also has a great bassline to open with. Matt does no different in this album than he does in any other Rancid album. He adds perfect fill-ins, and his rough and angry vocals are used in the best places.
Standout lyrics in the album? Let's take "Radio" for example. The beginning has Tim reciting the lyrics, but lyrics you wouldn't expect to hear from Rancid. When you think of Rancid, you think hard, fast, in-your-face style music. "Radio" begins with
"Never fell in love, 'til I fell in love with you. Never knew what a good time was 'til I had a good time with you."
Another line in the album that just stands out from the rest is from the song "Burn".
"We don't need no water let the motherfucker burn". This is one line that I love. The vocals as always are great. Tim may be hard to understand, but his vocals fit in perfectly for Rancid. Lars has turns for singing too, and he is the first person we hear sing on the album.
Now for the guitar. With this being Lars debut on a Rancid album, he fits in very well. As I mentioned earlier, the bass-turned-guitar part in "Dope Sick Girl" works wonders, and and the pick-slide in "Salvation" sounds fantastic. Tim's opening guitar part for "Radio" is soft, and quiet. The solos on this album are not worship-worthy, but they are great for the songs, because the solos are in the slower songs, and not songs such as "Nihilism". My favourite opening to any song would be "As One". We first hear a ska-style riff, and then the bass breaks in with one of the catchiest riffs on the album.
The drums in this album, are no different from any other Rancid album, as I have said in other Rancid reviews. A fast drum-beat here and a drum-roll there.
Recommended Tracks:
Nihilism
Radio
Salvation
Tenderloin
I Am The One
Sidekick
As One
This album is one of my favourite albums at the moment, as it's always a pleasure to listen to. At first, you may have your doubts, but keep on listening to it and I guarantee you'll love it. The album is definately one of Rancid's best. I give it
4.5/5
