The first album for 'Raven' on a major record label and they do the unthinkable- sell out, It's hard to believe that the 'Gallagher' brothers plus 'Wacko' could play anything except ripping NWOBHM, but what's exhibited here is just a shadow of former glories. Thankfully the music is still identifiable as 'Raven' but just a lot tamer, 'John' still manages to get in the trademark screams, but the song writing is pretty dire and all told, will have most 'Raven' fans digging out their copies of 'Rock Until you Drop'.

First up is the title track 'Stay Hard' and as with a few tracks present, there's potential shown, in this case the guitaring and rhythm are especially strong, regrettably through the lyrics are incredibly repetitive and weak, to make this the first of many throwaway efforts. Further into commercial territory is 'When the Going Gets Tough', a simplistic track that relies heavily on the big chorus, unfortunately the chorus in question is so blatant it's frightening, the only noteworthy feature is 'Mark Gallagher's' guitar solo. Improvements are made with the slightly rawer 'On and On', which holds a nice flow throughout and is graced by a well sung chorus and some sweet fret work. It's back to the dross again with the uneven rocker 'Get it Right', a directionless song, that's weakly penned and totally dull, there is a late pick up with strong vocal and guitar work, but by then it's too late. Following in similar fashion is 'Restless Child' a short track which fails to attain my interest and overall is a mediocre offering, especially by 'Raven's' previous standards. The semi decent but weakly penned rocker 'Power and Glory' follows, while 'Pray for Sun' is a slow tempo effort, that doesn't suit 'John's' vocals and comes off pretty awful. Vast improvements are made with the quality rocker 'Hard Ride', but even this is a reworking, first featured on their debut, that said the guitar work has a different feel but overall still isn't as raw as the original. Next up is 'Extract the Action' and overlooking the previous cut, is the strongest track penned for this album and brings back memories of classic 'Raven' and comes complete with lively rhythm and powerful 'John Gallagher' vocals. Lastly we are gifted the instrumental 'Bottom Line' which displays plenty of potential in the old school manner, but the horn section sounds completely out of place and ultimately descends into another disappointing effort.

The Mayhem re-release makes up for the fact there are no liner notes! by including two bonus tracks, both of which are good enough to have made it onto the album proper. First up is 'Gimme Just a Little', a pulsating rocker that while simplistic is an enjoyable affair, the second 'Do or Die' is in the classic 'Raven' NWOBHM vein, brisk, uncompromising and thoroughly agreeable.

I don't think you will find any positives reviews for 'Stay Hard' and while all groups go through bad patches, it's the way 'Raven' sold out that's the biggest disappointment of all.