BOW WOW hard dog SM28-5073

Let’s spotlight a pivotal album in the Bow Wow discography, “Hard Dog.” Released on April 21, 1981, via SMS Records, this 12-inch vinyl LP (catalog number SM28-5073) marked the band’s seventh studio album and a crucial return to their roots. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Following a period of controversial, pop-oriented albums (“Guarantee,” “Glorious Road”), “Hard Dog” was a powerful declaration. As the title suggests, this album saw Bow Wow shedding the pop ‘kayōkyoku’ stylings and definitively returning to the hard rock and heavy metal sound they had pioneered. The driving force behind the music is often described by fans as “anger,” resulting in a raw, heavy, and aggressive sound.

Produced by the band, “Hard Dog” delivers a potent collection of tracks like the opener “Fugitive,” the blistering “Gonna Be Alright,” and “Breakdown Of The Earth.” It showcases a strong “Western” (洋楽) influence, yet retains a unique character. One interesting holdover from their pop era is the prominent use of falsetto backing vocals, which, when paired with the heavy music, created a distinct Bow Wow trademark.

The album also captures the band’s raw energy, famously including the one-take recording “New Red Boots,” which was reportedly done spontaneously while inebriated and even includes the sound of a mic stand being kicked over.

SM28-5073 is a vital release, representing Bow Wow’s aggressive return to hard rock, setting the stage for their later 80s output, and bridging the gap toward their eventual evolution into Vow Wow. It’s a fan-favorite, raw, and powerful statement.