Electric (Remastered)

Then emerging hard rock and rap producer Rick Rubin transformed the Cult from a psychedelic goth band into true AC/DC emulators with Electric. Guitarist Billy Duffy began pumping out power chords in the Angus Young tradition and the album’s physically taut production left no room for the gloomy shimmerings of the band’s previous output that had come to aesthetic triumph with 1985’s Love and its most recognizable track, “She Sells Sanctuary.” In its place were stock hard rock guitar solos and unflinching rhythms, and singer Ian Astbury made the stylistic jump without a hitch. His dark, arena-ready vocals were previously cloaked in mystical reverb; here, he rides on top, navigating the group like a true testosterone fueled hard rock singer. “Wild Flower” kicks things off with startling momentum, and the vocal yelps of “Aphrodisiac Jacket” and “Electric Ocean” along with the twisted boogie riffs of “King Contrary Man” show a band completely comfortable with their new approach. “Bad Fun” tramples like vintage Van Halen, “Love Removal Machine” was the band’s massive hit. Even the Steppenwolf cover of “Born to Be Wild” isn’t without its feral charm.