Smooth Up in Ya

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Smooth Up in Ya" by BulletBoys, a staple of the late '80s glam metal scene from their self-titled debut album, BulletBoys. This song, released in 1988, became the band's signature hit, peaking at #23 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and #71 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Musician Wages, frontman Marq Torien described the song as an ode to "carnal desires and the rawness of sex," capturing the band's experiences with groupies and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Its explicit lyrics stirred controversy, leading to bans on some radio stations, but it resonated with fans, cementing its status as a glam metal classic. The music video, featuring the band rocking a smoky club interspersed with cartoonish illustrations, was ranked #10 on Classic Rock's list of "The Top 10 Best Hair Metal Videos." Fun fact: the song popped up in pop culture, notably in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine and HBO's Euphoria, keeping its rebellious spirit alive.

Another tidbit comes from the song's production, helmed by legendary producer Ted Templeman, known for his work with Van Halen. Templeman's touch gave "Smooth Up in Ya" its polished yet gritty edge, with guitarist Mick Sweda's riffs driving the track's infectious energy. Fans on Reddit's r/hairmetal community, where a post about the song garnered 71 votes and lively discussion, praise its unapologetic swagger, with one user calling it a "freakin’ song" that embodies the era's excess. The album's cover art, inspired by Harold E. Edgerton's 1964 photograph ".30 Bullet Piercing an Apple," was a bold visual choice, as noted in a 2020 post by @mitchlafon on X, highlighting the stroboscope technique used to capture motion—a fitting metaphor for the band's explosive debut.

BulletBoys formed in Los Angeles in 1987, rising from the ashes of King Kobra, a band that included vocalist Marq Torien, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Lonnie Vencent. Drummer Jimmy D'Anda rounded out the original lineup, bringing a fresh, youthful energy. Torien, who briefly played in Ratt and jammed with Ozzy Osbourne after Randy Rhoads' passing, brought a charismatic, David Lee Roth-esque flair to the group. As detailed on MelodicRock.com, the trio left King Kobra to pursue a rawer, more dynamic sound. With shrewd management, they avoided the LA club circuit, focusing on songwriting and rehearsals, which caught the attention of Warner Bros. and Templeman. Their debut album, released in 1988, went gold, selling over 500,000 copies, driven by hits like "Smooth Up in Ya" and a cover of The O'Jays' "For the Love of Money."

The band's influences, including AC/DC and Van Halen, shaped their hard-hitting, attitude-driven sound, though some critics, as noted on Wikipedia, debated whether they were unfairly labeled Van Halen clones. Torien's vocal prowess and showmanship, compared to everyone from Roth to Terence Trent D'Arby, set them apart. Over the years, despite numerous lineup changes, Torien remained the constant, leading the band through 11 studio albums, with their latest, From Out of the Skies, dropping in 2018. The original lineup reunited for one-off shows in 2011 and 2019, thrilling fans who still bang their heads to the band's '80s anthems.

For more on BulletBoys, check out their official website at bulletboysofficial.com. Connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into the Zoo Freak vibe by joining the active BulletBoys Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for devotees sharing memories, photos, and tour updates. Another great spot is Hair and Flannel, a fan-driven site celebrating the band's debut album and its lasting impact on the hair metal scene.