After the success of their debut album 'Backstreet Symphony' and the subsequent tours of the UK and Europe, the US beckoned. A switch to Geffen Records there and radio play for the single 'Dirty Love' was instrumental in securing a tour with David Lee Roth and Cinderella...only for grunge to happen. This ground the tour to a halt and was cancelled virtually as the band were about to cross the Atlantic. At the same time the label all of a sudden didn't want to know. But instead of moping about it, Thunder did what they needed to do: write and record their sophomore album, be themselves and focus on the areas who embraced them. Hence, work commenced on what would become 'Laughing On Judgement Day'.
The album kicks off with 'Does It Feel Like Love' telling a tale of a guy trying to conquer the woman of his dreams but to no avail. Tongue-in-cheek as Thunder can be this line explains it all: "I move a little to the left, you move a little to the right and it's been this way all night". A good no holds barred rocker and a perfect starter. 'Everybody Loves Her' is a hard rocker from the get-go about that girl, the one all guys pine for. The band keeps the momentum from the opener and even adds horns to great effect. What follows next is one of the first compositions where the band focus on social injustices especially on the downtrodden, something they continue to do to this day. The song in question is the great 'Low Life In High Places'. Starts out with only vocals and an acoustic guitar with the band gradually joining in until it erupts into a tight and heavy rocker. About the struggles many young people face moving to a big city being used while on the opposite end there are people who could care less not wanting to help. Next up is the title track which is full of hooks, harmonies, riffs and rock. Enjoy life while you can because we're all going to die in the end, so make the most of it. The excellent 'Empty City' follows the same path as 'Low Life In High Places' both musically as well as being a strong social commentary. Surface, shallowness and plastic fantastic is a must to make it in the city, no matter what. Basically sell your soul, body and mind in order to succeed. Great song where Danny absolutely kills it on the vocals. Thunder brings it down to mid-tempo on the gripping lament 'Today The World Stopped Turning' where Danny sings about what it's like to be in a struggling relationship destined to fail. Retaining the mid-tempo approach but adding more hooks 'Long Way From Home' is autobiographical, in lack of better words, bringing up how people act and behave around after you've achieved a bit of success.
Pulling out all the stops and rocking good and hard 'Fire To Ice' is about how heavy non-stop drinking destroys a lot and you're going to lose so much if you don't stop. The mid-paced 'Feeding The Flame' urges you to stand your ground and use others' negativity to move forward. Mainly acoustic the ballad 'Better Man' is top notch Thunder. An ode to the love of your life who is the one making you a better man. 'The Moment Of Truth' is kind of funky in parts with tight playing, indeed. About coming to the realization your partner is not good for you. Coming on as a 70's hard rock composition with a modern sound 'Flawed To Perfection' is as always with Thunder full of hooks. 'Like A Satellite' is a gripping song about long distance relationships and how you miss your partner whom you need beside you. Bringing up the pace a bit, album closer 'Baby I'll Be Gone' is full of razor sharp sounding guitars and good slide playing as Danny basically belts out: "I'm not putting up with crap, see ya later!".
Thunder elegantly and wonderfully side-stepped any trappings of the dreaded second-album syndrome with 'Laughing On Judgement Day'. They retained their sound from the debut but honed the songs perfectly allowing the band to move forward without losing any stride, I assume maturing naturally is what happened. Regardless, this is such a great creation. As much as I love 'Backstreet Symphony' this is my favourite Thunder record which says a lot.
- Swedebeast
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