Tougher Than Leather 1988 Album

Run-DMC

Looking at their albums from a modern point of view, without worrying about impact and whatnot, this is a big step up for consistency of production with so many more elements to a lot of the songs compared to what came before on albums like 'Raising Hell'. The way 'Beats to the Rhyme' blends in with 'Radio Station' is supreme. Again though, like the aforementioned album, it's front-loaded, and it's not a cohesive album from front to back with 'Miss Elaine' sounding more like a Beastie Boys song, which isn't a good thing. It's not terrible, but it's the weakest thing here with 'Ragtime that sounds they are impersonating Slick Rick, but he didn't drop until late '88 which has me asking questions. The worst are better than the worst stuff on their previous albums, and while the best aren't as great, the consistency is to a higher standard. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: Run's House, Mary Mary, Beats to the Rhyme