Every kid has that one song or event that introduces them to the problems of adults in the real world. RATM was that band for me - I wasn’t an angry kid, but I experienced early on the catharsis of listening to intense energy and anger artfully expressed. Every RATM album is a classic in my book - this one isn’t quite on the level of their self titled debut for me, but it’s pretty damn good. The combo of metal riffs and shout-rap poetry and funky drum work is unique and everlasting. They made the mold and broke it, and thank goodness for that because RATM has the kind of sound that could be imitated VERY badly without the requisite talent.

From the roundup Jamwise #49 - Best of 1996.