Sign in Please

by Ed RivadaviaDespite their long-haired, pretty-boy image and the occasional hot guitar solo, Autograph was one of the more mainstream hard rock bands associated with the L.A. metal scene. And though it spawned only one hit (the MTV favorite "Turn Up the Radio"), their 1984 debut, Sign in Please, is a solid collection of hook-heavy tunes. Singer Steve Plunkett has a knack for catchy choruses. He leads the band through a number of memorable melodic rockers, among which "Send Her to Me," "Cloud 10," and "Friday" are clear standouts. "In the Night" is a top-notch power ballad, and while puerile frat-house anthems like "Night Teen & Non-Stop" and "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend Isn't Me" come off rather forced, the band excels at classy, mid-paced rockers such as "Thrill of Love" and "All I'm Gonna Take." Anyone expecting ridiculous aggression should stick with Mötley Crüe, but for those who prefer a sleeker hard rock sound in the vein of Night Ranger, this album will certainly satisfy.