Round and Round (Ratt song)

Round and Round is a power ballad and the most successful single by the American glam metal band Ratt, released in 1984 as part of their debut album Out of the Cellar. The song is widely considered to be Ratt's signature song and a quintessential example of 1980s hard rock.

Composition and Style: "Round and Round" features a driving guitar riff, soaring vocals from Stephen Pearcy, and a catchy chorus that helped propel it to mainstream success. The song is characterized by its polished production, anthemic quality, and memorable guitar solo performed by Robbin Crosby and Warren DeMartini. The lyrics, while somewhat ambiguous, generally revolve around themes of infatuation and pursuit.

Commercial Success and Impact: "Round and Round" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1984, making it Ratt's highest-charting single in the United States. The song received significant airplay on MTV, further contributing to its popularity and establishing Ratt as a major force in the burgeoning glam metal scene. It helped Out of the Cellar achieve platinum status.

Music Video: The music video for "Round and Round" is notable for its comedic elements and guest appearance by Milton Berle. Berle plays a cross-dressing uncle who inadvertently witnesses the band performing in the family's attic and enthusiastically joins in. The video's lighthearted and memorable nature contributed to the song's widespread appeal.

Legacy: "Round and Round" has endured as a classic rock staple and continues to be featured on radio stations and in popular culture. Its influence can be heard in the works of numerous subsequent hard rock and metal bands. The song is frequently included on "best of" lists of 1980s rock anthems and remains a popular choice for cover bands. It solidified Ratt's place in rock history and remains a defining song of the glam metal era.