Ramones – Animal Boy (1986) Album Review, Tracklist, Credits and Facts
Introduction
Released on May 19, 1986, Animal Boy is the ninth studio album by American punk rock band Ramones. The album continues the heavier direction the band had begun with Too Tough to Die (1984), reflecting the influence of the hardcore punk movement that had grown during the early 1980s.
Although the Ramones had inspired many of these hardcore bands, Animal Boy shows the group responding to the new, faster punk scene with a tougher and more aggressive sound.
The album also includes one of the band’s most socially aware songs, Bonzo Goes to Bitburg, which addressed political controversy in the United States during the mid-1980s.
Background and Recording
Following the positive reception of Too Tough to Die, the Ramones returned to the studio to record their next album.
The sessions took place in 1985 and early 1986, primarily at Intergalactic Studios in New York City.
The album was produced by Jean Beauvoir, a musician and producer known for working with rock and punk artists during the 1980s.
During this period, the band was still touring heavily around the world, and the influence of the hardcore punk scene could be heard in their increasingly aggressive sound.
Musical Style
Animal Boy blends classic Ramones punk with elements of hardcore punk and hard rock.
Musical characteristics include:
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faster tempos
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heavier guitar distortion
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aggressive drumming
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more political lyrics on some tracks
Despite the heavier style, the album still contains the Ramones’ signature elements:
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catchy melodies
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simple chord structures
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short, energetic songs
Tracklist
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Somebody Put Something in My Drink – 3:19
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Animal Boy – 2:12
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Love Kills – 2:39
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Apeman Hop – 2:03
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She Belongs to Me – 3:53
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Crummy Stuff – 2:05
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My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg) – 3:55
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Mental Hell – 2:38
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Eat That Rat – 1:38
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Freak of Nature – 2:31
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Hair of the Dog – 2:44
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Something to Believe In – 4:09
Total length: about 33 minutes
Album Credits
Band Members
Joey Ramone – lead vocals
Johnny Ramone – guitar
Dee Dee Ramone – bass guitar, backing vocals
Richie Ramone – drums
Production
Producer – Jean Beauvoir
Engineer – Daniel Rey
Studios – Intergalactic Studios and others in New York
Artwork
Art direction – Arturo Vega
Photography – George DuBose
The album cover features the band standing together in a gritty urban setting, reflecting the raw attitude of the music.
Standout Songs
Somebody Put Something in My Drink
Written by Richie Ramone, this song became one of the most popular tracks from the album.
Its humorous lyrics describe a chaotic night of partying and confusion.
Bonzo Goes to Bitburg
Officially titled My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg), the song was inspired by U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s controversial visit to a German military cemetery in 1985.
It is one of the most political songs the Ramones ever recorded.
Love Kills
This track was written for the 1986 horror film Sid and Nancy, which tells the story of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious.
The song reflects the darker tone of the film.
Something to Believe In
One of the album’s slower songs, written by Dee Dee Ramone, exploring themes of frustration and searching for meaning.
Reception and Impact
When Animal Boy was released, critics gave it mixed to positive reviews.
Some fans appreciated the band’s heavier sound, while others preferred the simpler style of the Ramones’ earlier albums.
Despite this, several songs from the album became concert staples, and the record strengthened the band’s reputation within the evolving punk scene.
Fun Facts
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The song Bonzo Goes to Bitburg was originally released as a single before the album.
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Richie Ramone wrote Somebody Put Something in My Drink, one of his best-known contributions to the band.
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The album reflects the influence of the hardcore punk movement of the 1980s.
Trivia
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The title Bonzo Goes to Bitburg references Ronald Reagan’s role in the 1951 film Bedtime for Bonzo.
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Johnny Ramone reportedly disliked the political tone of that song and preferred using its alternate title.
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Several songs from the album were performed frequently during the band’s mid-1980s tours.
Did You Know?
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Animal Boy was the last Ramones album released during Richie Ramone’s time as drummer before he left the band shortly afterward.
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The Ramones were by this point considered founding fathers of punk, even as younger bands dominated the hardcore scene.
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The album’s heavier sound reflects the band’s attempt to stay relevant in the evolving punk landscape.
