Big Talk with Chris and Gregg

Ep. 124 Mr. Big - Lean Into It - Review & Reaction Released in March 1991, Lean Into It is Mr. Big’s second studio album and the record that catapulted the band into international fame. Blending technical musicianship with radio-ready hooks, it showcased the supergroup’s lineup of Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums). The album became a land...

Ep. 123 Van Halen - Diver Down - Review & Reaction!   Van Halen’s Diver Down, released in April 1982, stands as one of the band’s more polarizing records—both celebrated for its playful, party-rock vibe and criticized for its heavy reliance on cover songs. Clocking in at just over 31 minutes, the album blends original material with a series of classic rock and pop covers, showcasing the band’s...

Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!   When Appetite for Destruction dropped in 1987, it didn't exactly fly off the shelves...... At first. Released on July 21, 1987, "Appetite" didn't enter the top 50 on the Billboard album charts until Jan 16, 1988. Shortly after this, it exploded like a Molotov cocktail into a music scene that had grown too comfortable with g...

Ep. 121 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Review & Reaction! Released in 1983, Rebel Yell solidified Billy Idol as a dominant force in 1980s rock, blending punk attitude with new wave and hard rock elements. The album, produced by Keith Forsey, was a commercial success and a defining work of the era, showcasing Idol’s signature sneer, Steve Stevens’ virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of high-energy anthem...

Ep. 120 Black Sabbath - Master of Reality - Review & Reaction! Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality, released in 1971, is a landmark album in heavy metal history. It took the band’s signature doom-laden sound to a new level, emphasizing slower, heavier, and more menacing riffs. This album was crucial in shaping the doom, sludge, and stoner metal subgenres, influencing countless bands like Sleep,...

Ep. 119 Ratt – Out of the Cellar - Review & Reaction Ratt’s Out of the Cellar is one of the defining albums of the glam metal movement of the 1980s. Released on February 17, 1984, the album solidified Ratt as one of the premier acts in the Los Angeles hard rock scene. With its mix of sleazy, bluesy riffs, catchy melodies, and a slick production courtesy of Beau Hill, Out of the Cellar played a...

Ep. 118 White Lion - Big Game - Review & Reaction! The Lost Episode This episode, thought to be lost forever, was recently rediscovered in the dank basement of the Big Talk Studio. It has been pieced together to as close to its original form as possible , as parts of it were too damaged to retore......Enjoy! White Lion’s third studio album, Big Game, released in 1989, followed the success of t...

Ep. 117 Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - Review & Reaction!   Bon Jovi's self-titled debut album, released on January 21, 1984, marked the beginning of the band's journey to rock stardom. Though it wasn't an immediate blockbuster, it laid a solid foundation for their later success and showcased the band's raw talent and potential. The album blends hard rock and pop-metal elements, establishing Bon Jovi's...

Ep. 116 Poison - Flesh N Blood - Review & Reaction! Released on June 21, 1990, Poison's third studio album, "Flesh & Blood," is a quintessential glam metal record that showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and a touch of bluesy grit. The album marked a significant point in Poison's career, both in terms of musical evolution and commercial success. It reache...

Ep. 115 Mötley Crüe - Theater of Pain - Reaction & Review!   Mötley Crüe's "Theater of Pain" is a significant album in the band's discography, marking a shift towards a more glam metal sound and away from the raw edge of their earlier work. Released in 1985, it showcased the band's ability to blend hard rock with catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, influencing the glam metal scene of the mid-'...

Ep. 114 Overkill - Years of Decay - Review  & Reaction! Overkill's "The Years of Decay", released in 1989, is considered a classic in the thrash metal genre. Its blend of aggression, technical skill, and lyrical depth influenced many bands that followed. The album's success helped solidify Overkill's place in the metal pantheon and continues to inspire new generations of metal musicians.

Ep. 113 Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying - Review & Reaction! Released in 1986, Megadeth's "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" is a cornerstone of thrash metal, showcasing the band's technical prowess, socio-political lyrics, and Dave Mustaine's distinctive snarling vocals. This album played a pivotal role in defining the thrash genre and influenced countless metal bands that followed...

Ep. 112 Testament - The New Order - Review & Reaction Testament's "The New Order" album is a thrash metal masterpiece that solidified their place in the pantheon of heavy metal legends. Released in 1988, it was a defining moment for the band and the genre as a whole, showcasing their technical prowess, intense energy, and thought-provoking lyrics. 🤘 The album had a significant influence on th...

We kick off our 3rd annual Heavy May-tal Month with an absolute classic! "Pantera's 'Cowboys from Hell' album is an absolute powerhouse of metal mayhem 🤘. Released in 1990, it marked a pivotal moment not only for the band but for the entire genre of heavy metal. Phil Anselmo's aggressive yet melodic vocals cut through the mix, delivering intense lyrics with raw emotion. Dimebag Darrell's guitar r...

Ep. 110 Van Halen - 1984 -- Review & Reaction! 🎸 Van Halen's "1984" Album Review 🎸 Step into the time machine and journey back in time with Van Halen's groundbreaking album, "1984"! Join us as we dive deep into each track, exploring the electrifying guitar riffs of Eddie Van Halen, the pulsating rhythms of Alex Van Halen & Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth's unparalleled vocals. Releas...

Ep. 109 Damn Yankees Self Titled Debut - Review & Reaction! 🎸🔥 Welcome to our latest episode, where we're diving deep into the rock supergroup sensation Damn Yankees and their electrifying self-titled debut album, "Damn Yankees"! 🌟 Released in 1990, this album burst onto the scene, delivering a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and a touch of AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) that still resonates wi...

Ep. 108 The Top 10 WWE Intercontinental Title Matches at WrestleMania   In this electrifying episode of The Big Talk Podcast, your hosts, Chris and Gregg, dive deep into the heart and soul of WrestleMania - the Intercontinental Championship matches that have left an indelible mark on the legacy of The Showcase of the Immortals. With a passion for the squared circle, they embark on a thrilling jour...

Welcome to the ultimate breakdown of Judas Priest's electrifying album "Invincible Shield." Dive into the raw power of heavy metal with this iconic release as we explore its dynamic tracks, thunderous riffs, and unforgettable melodies. Join us as we dissect each song, uncovering the album's themes, and discussing its impact on the metal genre. Don't miss out on this epic journey through the realms...

Ep. 106 Avenged Sevenfold - "City of Evil" Album Review & Reaction! 🎸 Unleash the sonic fury with Avenged Sevenfold's iconic masterpiece, "City of Evil"! 🤘 Dive into this electrifying review to discover why this album has become a timeless classic in the realm of metal. 🔥 Album Overview: "City of Evil" catapults listeners into a sonic adventure where blistering guitar solos, powerful vocals...

Ep. 105 Black N' Blue's - Without Love - Review & Reaction!   Black 'N Blue's "Without Love" is a hard rock gem that encapsulates the essence of the genre during the mid-1980s. Released in 1985, this album marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, showcasing their ability to blend melodic hooks with gritty, anthemic rock. The album kicks off with the energetic "Rockin' on Heaven's Door" &a...

Ep. 104 Extreme - Extreme II: Pornograffitti - Review and Reaction!   Extreme's "Pornograffitti" is a groundbreaking album that seamlessly blends hard rock, funk, and glam metal, showcasing the band's exceptional musicianship and eclectic style. Released in 1990, the album gained widespread acclaim for its virtuoso guitar work, powerful vocals, and socially conscious lyrics. At the heart of "Porno...

Ep. 103 Valentines Day Playlist - CONCEPT PLAYLIST - Gregg's Episode   Just in time for Valentines Day!! Gregg unleashes his playlist for 2024. Where every song has a story, and every story has a song..... In a way that only Gregg can deliver! 1. "Don't Walk Away" - Danger Danger 2. "Just Another Night" - Wildside 3. "Mine" - Bulletboys 4. "Strength" - Enuff Z'Nuff 5. "I Love You" - Tesla 6. "Stor...

Ep. 102 Valentines Day Playlist - "LOVE" SONGS - Chris's Edition This episode is all about love.... Literally! This year Chris made his Valentines Day playlist all about songs that have the word "Love" in the title. We got everything here: Rock, Rap, Yacht Rock, and R&B... It's all here. So all you Lovers & Lovers In Training get ready...… To Feel The Love! 1. "Love Bites" - Def Leppard 2....

Ep. 101 Extreme's Self-Titled Debut Album! - Review & Reaction! Step back in time to the late '80s with Extreme's self-titled debut album, a musical journey that seamlessly blends hard rock with funk and showcases the band's virtuosity and raw energy. Released in 1989, this album marked the beginning of Extreme's career, setting the stage for their unique sound and paving the way for their lat...

Ep. 100 Warrants Classic Album, "Cherry Pie" Welcome to the world of glam metal as Warrant takes center stage with their iconic album, "Cherry Pie." Released in 1990, this album encapsulates the essence of the genre, delivering a high-energy, feel-good experience that defined the era. "Cherry Pie" is a sonic journey that showcases Warrant's signature blend of catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and u...