Down For The Count is the third Y&T re-release from the Majestic Rock series (such nice guys!), an album signaling a new beginning for this U.S. based legendary quartet. After a series of successful studio albums plus the release of the Open Fire: Live (1985) recording, this 1986 original release presents the band adding more AOR elements to its straightforward Hard Rock sound, a move that didn't happen to achieve the acceptance of the Y&T core fans.
It's not that the album is not worth listening (or purchasing); killer tunes like the opening track, In The name Of Rock, the sentimental Anytime At All or the hit single Summertime Girls - initially featured in the Open Fire: Live album as a studio filler - are really fine examples of Y&T's music, still the band seems to be pursuing a more radio friendly path. Produced by Kevin Beamish, Down For The Count really tries to stand tall in a typhoon of Glam / Melodic/ AOR-orientated releases of the time such as Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet or Great White's Once Bitten.... You see, we 're talkin' 'bout bands that were inspired by Y&T's deeds in the late 70's/early 80's. Of course, the famous Y&T pure Rock principles are here (resembling to Quiet Riot's formula, for the unfamiliar), ain't no doubt 'bout that...
There's no need to chat more 'bout a band like Y&T. Dave Meniketti's legacy is first class for every U.S. Hard Rock fan and Down For The Count is a fine release. Still, it's in a level lower than legendary releases such as Earthshaker (1981) or Meanstreak (1983). Hence, grab it on a second basis. You won't be disappointed, though. Meniketti and Co. couldn't have put out a mediocre album, that's for sure!