Album Review: Who’s Makin’ Up The Rules by Arnold Grizzley (1978)
Alright, buckle up because Arnold Grizzley’s Who’s Makin’ Up The Rules is a straight-up sledgehammer to the skull of mediocrity. Released in ’78 under Wolf Records, this hard rock beast doesn’t mess around—it punches you right in the gut and dares you to get back up for more. It’s raw, gritty, and unapologetically loud, with Grizzley pulling triple duty as producer, arranger, and songwriter. Yeah, he didn’t just make the rules here; he damn near invented ‘em.
Let’s dive into some tracks that’ll stick in your head like gum on a hot sidewalk. First off, the title track “Who’s Makin’ Up The Rules” slams open the album like a barroom brawl. From the first riff, it’s clear Grizzley ain’t interested in subtlety—he’s out for blood. That grinding guitar tone? Pure fire. And his vocals? Dude sounds like he gargled gravel before stepping up to the mic. But what really nails it home are those lyrics—sharp-edged and defiant, they scream rebellion without trying too hard. Every time I hear this one, I wanna grab my leather jacket and punch something. Or maybe just crank the volume louder. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
Then there’s another standout—I won’t name it specifically, but trust me, it hits just as hard. This track has these killer hooks that burrow deep into your brain, kinda like an earworm except way cooler. You can tell Grizzley wasn’t phoning it in when he wrote this stuff. The solo halfway through practically melts your face off, all while keeping that swagger only true rock gods can pull off. Honestly, if this song doesn’t make you nod your head or bang it against the wall, check your pulse—you might be dead.
What makes this album so wild is how unpolished it feels. There’s no glossy sheen here, no overproduction choking the life outta the music. Just pure, untamed energy blasting outta every note. Sure, some parts sound rough around the edges, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s real. It’s alive. And honestly, who needs perfection when you’ve got passion?
Now, here’s the kicker: Listening to this record feels like finding a hidden treasure chest buried under decades of dirt. How did something this good slip through the cracks? Maybe people weren’t ready for Grizzley’s brand of chaos back then. Hell, maybe they still aren’t. But let me tell ya, if you’re into hard rock that bites back, this is required listening. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining about the noise.
Final thought? If Arnold Grizzley ever decided to tour again, I’d sell my left kidney for tickets. No joke.
