This Time

The song "This Time" by Y&T from their 1984 album In Rock We Trust is a powerful ballad that showcases the band's ability to blend emotional depth with their signature hard rock sound. In a 2005 interview with Classic Rock magazine, frontman Dave Meniketti reflected on the album's creation, noting that collaborating with external songwriter Geoffrey Leib was a new experience for the band. This collaboration helped craft tracks like "This Time," which balances heartfelt lyrics with melodic guitar work. Meniketti mentioned that the band aimed to create a "deep record" with In Rock We Trust, and "This Time" stands out as a fan favorite for its introspective tone. On Y&T's official Facebook page, fans often share memories of hearing the song live, with one post from a 2023 concert review describing it as a "soul-stirring moment" that had the crowd singing along. The song's quiet build into a soaring chorus, as noted in a 2024 review on Crooked Wanderer, exemplifies Y&T's knack for blending heavy and melodic elements, making it a staple in their live sets.

While specific anecdotes about "This Time" are scarce in interviews, the album In Rock We Trust marked a pivotal moment for Y&T, as it became their highest-charting release, reaching No. 46 on the Billboard 200 and selling nearly 450,000 copies. A post on X from July 2020 celebrated the album’s release anniversary, highlighting its impact on the 1980s hard rock scene. Fans on the Y&T Facemelting Fanpages site have praised "This Time" for its emotional resonance, with one user calling it "the perfect slow-burn ballad for road trips." The song’s inclusion on the album, which was remastered and re-released in 2006 with bonus tracks like "Go for the Throat," underscores its enduring appeal. Y&T’s ability to craft such tracks helped them stand out during a competitive era, even if, as Meniketti lamented in a Louder interview, the band never achieved the mainstream success they deserved.

Y&T, originally known as Yesterday & Today, began their journey in 1972 in Oakland, California, as a cover band formed by Leonard Haze, Bob Gardner, and Wayne Stitzer. Dave Meniketti joined as guitarist that same year, bringing his powerful vocals and lead guitar skills to the group. By 1974, the classic lineup, including Phil Kennemore on bass and Joey Alves on rhythm guitar, was solidified. According to the band’s biography on their official website, they started jamming original material, drawing inspiration from the San Francisco Bay Area’s vibrant music scene. Their early gigs around California earned them a loyal following, and by 1976, they secured a deal with London Records, releasing two albums as Yesterday & Today. The band shortened their name to Y&T in 1980 after signing with A&M Records, a move inspired by fans chanting "Y&T" during encores, as Meniketti recalled in multiple interviews. This transition marked their shift to a harder-edged sound, with albums like Earthshaker (1981) and Black Tiger (1982) establishing them as pioneers of American hard rock and heavy metal.

Despite critical acclaim, Y&T faced challenges breaking into the mainstream. Their early albums on London Records suffered when the label phased out rock music, leaving their 1978 album Struck Down without promotion, as Meniketti noted in a 2024 Louder feature. However, their relentless touring, opening for acts like AC/DC, Kiss, and Ozzy Osbourne, built a dedicated fanbase, especially in Europe and Japan. The band’s Instagram account often shares throwback photos from these tours, capturing their high-energy performances. By the time In Rock We Trust was released, Y&T was a seasoned act, having played major festivals like the 1984 Monsters of Rock at Donington Park. Today, Meniketti is the only original member still performing, joined by John Nymann, Aaron Leigh, and Mike Vanderhule, as detailed on the Y&T Fans Facebook group, where fans celebrate the band’s legacy and share concert updates.

For more on Y&T, visit their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or connect with fans at Y&T Facemelting Fanpages and the Y&T Fans Facebook group. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks updated on the band’s ongoing tours and legacy, ensuring the spirit of Y&T’s music lives on.