Social Distortion

The group's self-titled third album expands on the ideas introduced on the preceding PRISON BOUND. Singer/songwriter Mike Ness offers post-rehab tales from the wrong side of the tracks, alternately lamenting his past and declaring his allegiance to the rock & roll outlaw lifestyle. The band's slamming punk attack is leavened by an increased country and roots-rock flavor, as on a no-holds-barred cover of "Ring of Fire," the gospel-tinged plea for salvation "Ball and Chain," and the almost bouncy, where-did-I-go-wrong blues-rock track "Story of My Life" (sort of an anti-"My Way"). Most importantly, Ness's songwriting skills had sharpened considerably, providing for an expanded melodic palate and numerous infectious choruses, a fact not lost on radio and MTV, where SOCIAL DISTORTION was met with enthusiasm.