Description
Hanoi Rocks – Two Steps From The Move – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Hanoi Rocks’ Two Steps From The Move (1984) is the fifth studio album by the Finnish glam punk band and arguably their most successful and influential release. Produced by Bob Ezrin (known for his work with KISS, Alice Cooper, and Pink Floyd), the album catapulted Hanoi Rocks into the international spotlight with its blend of glam rock, punk, and hard rock elements. Two Steps From The Move became a defining record for the band, combining their raw energy with a more polished, radio-friendly sound that still retained their gritty, rebellious edge.
Hanoi Rocks was one of the key precursors to the sleaze rock and glam metal movement that would dominate the 1980s, particularly influencing bands like Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Poison. The band’s mix of punk attitude, glam theatrics, and classic rock ‘n’ roll helped them carve out a unique identity in the rock scene of the early 80s.
Two Steps From The Move combines the raw, rebellious spirit of punk rock with the flamboyance and catchy melodies of glam rock. The album features hard-hitting guitar riffs, energetic rhythms, and larger-than-life performances from frontman Michael Monroe and lead guitarist Andy McCoy.
Under the guidance of Bob Ezrin, the album has a more polished and professional sound compared to their earlier records. Ezrin’s production balances the band’s punk roots with a more radio-friendly, commercial edge, allowing the songs to feel bigger and more accessible while retaining their raw energy.
While punk and glam are central to Hanoi Rocks’ sound, Two Steps From The Move also draws heavily from classic rock ‘n’ roll influences like The Rolling Stones and New York Dolls. This fusion of styles makes the album dynamic, with moments of pure rock swagger alongside punk’s rougher edges.
Key Tracks
“Up Around The Bend”: A cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s hit, “Up Around The Bend” is one of the most well-known songs on the album. Hanoi Rocks infuses the track with their own high-energy style, making it a glam rock anthem with a catchy, driving rhythm and an infectious chorus. It’s a perfect example of how the band could take a classic rock song and make it their own.
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams”: One of the standout original tracks, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” features a more melancholic tone while still maintaining the band’s signature swagger. The song’s lyrics reflect on the pitfalls of fame and the darker side of life in the fast lane, giving it a sense of depth and emotional weight.
“Don’t You Ever Leave Me”: A re-recording of an earlier Hanoi Rocks song, “Don’t You Ever Leave Me” showcases the band’s ability to write powerful, emotional ballads without losing their edge. Michael Monroe’s vocal performance is particularly heartfelt, and the production gives the song a grand, almost cinematic feel.
“Million Miles Away”: This track is another example of the band’s ability to blend punk energy with melodic hooks. With its fast-paced rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and sing-along chorus, “Million Miles Away” is a fan favorite that encapsulates the band’s dynamic range.
“Underwater World”: A dark, brooding track that mixes glam rock swagger with a more atmospheric, almost new wave feel. The song’s moody tone and driving rhythm showcase Hanoi Rocks’ ability to experiment with different sounds while staying true to their core style.
Many of the songs on Two Steps From The Move reflect themes of rebellion, freedom, and the desire to escape from the constraints of society. Tracks like “Up Around The Bend” and “Million Miles Away” celebrate the freedom of the open road and the allure of living life on the edge.
Despite their tough, rebellious image, Hanoi Rocks also explore themes of heartbreak and vulnerability on the album. Songs like “Don’t You Ever Leave Me” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” show a more emotional side, dealing with themes of loss, loneliness, and the darker side of fame. Much like the glam rock bands of the 1970s, Hanoi Rocks often juxtapose the glitzy, glamorous aspects of rock ‘n’ roll with the more destructive and grotesque realities of the lifestyle. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” captures this contrast, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of chasing fame.
Monroe’s voice is one of the defining elements of the album, blending the sneering attitude of punk with the melodicism of glam rock. His energetic, charismatic performance is matched by his occasional use of saxophone, which adds a unique layer to the band’s sound, particularly on tracks like “Underwater World.” McCoy’s guitar playing on Two Steps From The Move is a mix of hard rock riffs, punk aggression, and melodic leads. His versatility as a guitarist allows the band to shift seamlessly between high-energy rockers and more emotional ballads, all while maintaining a cohesive sound. The rhythm section, featuring Razzle on drums and Sami Yaffa on bass, keeps the energy high throughout the album. The drums are fast and aggressive, while the basslines are solid and melodic, giving the songs a driving, urgent feel.
Two Steps From The Move is often credited as a major influence on the glam metal and sleaze rock scenes that dominated the late 1980s. Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and L.A. Guns have all cited Hanoi Rocks as an inspiration, particularly for their blend of glam aesthetics with punk energy.
Shortly after the release of Two Steps From The Move, the band’s drummer, Razzle, tragically died in a car accident involving Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil. This event marked the beginning of the end for Hanoi Rocks, as the band soon disbanded, cutting short their rising success in the U.S. However, the album remains a testament to what could have been their breakthrough moment. Though they never achieved the commercial success of some of their peers, Hanoi Rocks has maintained a cult following, and Two Steps From The Move is considered a classic in both glam and punk rock circles. The band’s influence can be heard in the music of many later hard rock and punk acts.
Two Steps From The Move by Hanoi Rocks is a defining album that blends glam rock, punk, and classic rock ‘n’ roll into a powerful, polished sound. With standout tracks like “Up Around The Bend,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “Don’t You Ever Leave Me,” the album showcases the band’s ability to combine rebellious energy with emotional depth. Although the tragic death of drummer Razzle would soon derail the band’s momentum, Two Steps From The Move remains a lasting testament to Hanoi Rocks’ influence on glam metal, sleaze rock, and beyond. For fans of energetic, larger-than-life rock with a punk edge, the album is essential listening.
Limited edition of 500
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Up Around The Bend
High School
I Can’t Get It
Underwater World
Don’t You Ever Leave Me
Million Miles Away
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
Boiler (Me Boiler ´N´Me)
Futurama
Cutting Corners
