Ted Nugent

The 1982 release of Ted Nugent's second self-titled release ushered in a new era for the Motor City Madman. With his relationship with Epic having run its course, the Nuge signed a deal with Atlantic Records. From the album's black-and-white sleeve to a reunion of sorts with the undervalued, underappreciated Derek St. Holmes, Nugent made it evident that for all intensive purposes, this album was meant to be a "return to basics." Producing the record himself, Nugent surrounded himself with an ace band that included Jeff Beck/Rod Stewart drummer Carmine Appice as well as Pat Travers and longtime Nugent bass player Dave Kiswiney. Kicking off with the classic Nuge rocker "No, No, No" and "Bound and Gagged," Nugent gets off to a strong start. Unfortunately, things quickly deteriorate from there. The tracks that follow tend to run from the mediocre "Fightin' Words" to the just plain awful, like "We're Gonna Rock Tonight." On a positive note, the album's compact production has not only aged well, it has proved to be Nugent's only relevant sounding record of the '80s. For hardcore Nugent fans only. ~ John Franck, All Music Guide