Lay It Down

Brace yourself for Ratt's "Lay It Down," a prime slice of 1985 heavy metal and glam metal power! The lead single from Invasion of Your Privacy, this track hooks you with its driving guitar riff and undeniable swagger. Experience a high-energy classic from Ratt's peak era.

Released in 1985 as the lead single from Ratt's hit album Invasion of Your Privacy, "Lay It Down" perfectly captured the band's heavy metal and glam metal prowess. Featuring their signature dual-guitar attack with a particularly memorable main riff, the song continued the successful formula established on their debut. It showcased Ratt’s ability to blend heavy instrumentation with catchy, melodic hooks, solidifying their status as major stars within the 80s rock scene.

"Lay It Down" quickly became another major hit for Ratt in 1985, solidifying its place as a glam metal anthem with strong heavy metal underpinnings. Its driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and infectious guitar work made it a staple on rock radio and MTV. This track exemplifies the accessible yet powerful melodic hard rock style that defined Ratt during their commercial peak, remaining a fan favorite and key representation of mid-80s metal.

SONG MEANING: Like many Ratt songs, the lyrics of "Lay It Down" are somewhat open to interpretation but generally revolve around themes of attraction and relationship dynamics. It seems to depict a scenario of demanding commitment or honesty from a partner ("Lay it down, let me see what you've got"). The tone carries a sense of confrontation and desire, fitting the typical confident, slightly edgy themes prevalent in 80s glam metal lyrics.

The love songs of the 80s, where big hair met big emotions! These sonic valentines throbbed with synthesizers, soaring power ballads, and a touch of neon-tinged optimism.

First love, innocent and electric, pulsed through songs like Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and Michael Jackson's "The Girl Is Mine." Synthy anthems like Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" and Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" promised forever young devotion, while the power ballad kings like Foreigner ("I Want to Know What Love Is") and REO Speedwagon ("Can't Fight This Feeling") belted out their hearts in epic choruses.

For a touch of melancholy, there were break-up bangers like Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and Tears for Fears' "Shout," where wounded hearts raged against betrayal. But even heartbreak shimmered with hope, exemplified by Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" and Tina Turner's "Simply the Best," anthems of resilience and finding love again.

Beyond the mainstream, alternative love bloomed in The Cure's introspective "Lovesong" and The Smiths' Morrissey crooning about rainy day romance. And who could forget Prince's purple reign of sensuality, from the simmering "Kiss" to the playful "Raspberry Beret?"

Love in the 80s was big, bold, and sometimes cheesy, but always passionate. These songs were the soundtrack to first kisses, prom nights, and mixtapes passed between lockers. They captured the era's vibrant spirit, reminding us that even shoulder pads and leg warmers couldn't contain the power of a good love song.