Description
Hanoi Rocks – Oriental Beat – Compact Disc
Oriental Beat is the second studio album by the Finnish glam rock band Hanoi Rocks, released in 1982. This album is significant in the band’s discography as it helped establish their reputation on the international rock scene, particularly in Europe and Japan. Known for their energetic blend of punk rock, glam rock, and rock ‘n’ roll, Hanoi Rocks were one of the most influential bands in the early 1980s glam metal scene, preceding the rise of bands like Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses.
Hanoi Rocks was formed in Helsinki, Finland, in 1979 by singer Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy. The band quickly gained a following with their high-energy performances, flashy style, and a sound that combined the raw energy of punk with the swagger of glam rock. Oriental Beat was recorded and released as the band was starting to gain momentum, particularly in the UK and Japan, where their mix of glam aesthetics and punk attitude was well-received.
Oriental Beat features a mix of fast-paced rockers and anthemic glam rock tracks, showcasing the band’s signature sound that combines raw rock ‘n’ roll energy with catchy melodies and rebellious lyrics.
‘Motorvatin” – One of the standout tracks, ‘Motorvatin” is a fast-paced rock anthem that became a fan favorite. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy chorus exemplify the band’s ability to create high-energy rock ‘n’ roll with a punk edge.
‘Don’t Follow Me’ – This track blends Hanoi Rocks’ glam rock influences with a punk attitude, featuring gritty guitar riffs and a rebellious lyrical theme. It’s a great example of the band’s ability to craft catchy, yet edgy songs.
‘Visitor’ – A track that showcases the band’s melodic side, ‘Visitor’ features a strong chorus and a more polished production, balancing the raw energy with a sense of melody.
‘Teenangels Outsiders’ – With its anthemic chorus and glam rock swagger, ‘Teenangels Outsiders’ is another highlight of the album, reflecting the band’s outsider status and their appeal to misfits and rebels.
‘Sweet Home Suburbia’ – A track that captures the band’s flair for combining storytelling with rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Sweet Home Suburbia’ is both tongue-in-cheek and an ode to their urban roots.
‘M.C. Baby’ – This song is a hard-hitting rock number with a punky edge, driven by aggressive guitar riffs and Michael Monroe’s energetic vocals.
‘No Law or Order’ – True to its title, this track is a raw and rebellious tune that channels the band’s punk influences, with lyrics that reflect a defiant attitude against authority.
‘Oriental Beat’ – The title track has a catchy, driving rhythm and reflects the band’s eclectic influences, combining rock ‘n’ roll with an exotic flair in its melody and themes.
‘Devil Woman’ – A hard-edged rock song with an infectious hook, ‘Devil Woman’ stands out for its gritty guitar work and Monroe’s powerful vocal delivery.
‘Lightning Bar Blues’ – This track brings a bluesy edge to the album, showcasing the band’s versatility and their ability to incorporate different influences into their glam rock sound.
Oriental Beat is characterized by its raw energy, catchy hooks, and a blend of glam rock’s flamboyance with punk’s rebellious spirit. The album’s themes revolve around rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, rebellion, and the life of an outsider—typical of the glam and punk scenes. The production is somewhat lo-fi, which adds to the album’s raw, unpolished feel, fitting the band’s aesthetic and energy.
Musically, the album is driven by Andy McCoy’s guitar work, which combines punk riffs with melodic glam rock solos, and Michael Monroe’s charismatic vocals, which add a layer of attitude and swagger to each track. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation, with fast tempos and driving beats that keep the energy high throughout the album.
Oriental Beat was well-received by fans and helped cement Hanoi Rocks’ reputation as one of the most exciting new bands in the early 1980s rock scene. The album’s mix of punk energy and glam rock style resonated with audiences, particularly in Europe and Japan, where the band began to build a strong following.
Oriental Beat has been recognized as a classic of the glam rock and early glam metal genres, influencing countless bands that followed. Hanoi Rocks’ style and sound helped pave the way for the glam metal explosion of the mid-1980s, and the album remains a significant part of their legacy.
Oriental Beat stands as an important album in Hanoi Rocks’ discography and in the broader context of 1980s rock music. It captures the band at a pivotal moment, showcasing their raw talent and their ability to blend different musical influences into a unique sound that would inspire a generation of rock bands.
For fans of glam rock, punk, and hard rock, Oriental Beat is a must-listen, offering a high-energy, rebellious, and fun collection of songs that exemplify the spirit of early 1980s rock. The album continues to be celebrated for its impact on the genre and for the way it encapsulates the essence of Hanoi Rocks’ distinctive sound and style.
U.K. PRESSING
Lick 3
Song List
1. Motorvatin’
2. Don’t Follow Me
3. Visitor
4. Teenangels Outsiders
5. Sweet Home Suburbia
6. M. C. Baby
7. No Law Or Order
8. Oriental Beat
9. Devil Woman
10. Lightnin’ Bar Blues
11. Fallen Star
