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Club Ninja

by Blue Öyster Cult

Released: December 10, 1985

Hard rock, pop rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

Club Ninja is the tenth studio album by American hard rock band, Blue Öyster Cult, released in December 1985. The album sees a departure from their traditional sound, embracing a more simplified, commercial style. The album sees the return of founding member Albert Bouchard, who left during the recording of "Fire of Unknown Origin" due to friction with other band members, on just one track.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The rest of the tracks feature the drumming…

The rest of the tracks feature the drumming of Jimmy Wilcox (who also co-wrote several of the songs) and Tommy Zvoncheck on keyboards.

Despite this change up, most of the original…

Despite this change up, most of the original band members - Eric Bloom, Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and Joe Bouchard - still contributed significantly.

One of Club Ninja's standout songs is "Dancin'…

One of Club Ninja's standout songs is "Dancin' in the Ruins," which received decent airplay on MTV and rock radio stations.

Despite the lukewarm reception, Club Ninja is loved…

Despite the lukewarm reception, Club Ninja is loved by the band's dedicated fanbase for its experimentations and deviations from the band's signature sound.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Blue Öyster Cult - Club Ninja

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Then

Reception

It reached No. 66 on the Billboard 200 charts. The album was not as successful as the band's previous releases, as it faced mixed reviews and moderate sales.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

Club Ninja is the tenth studio album by American hard rock band, Blue Öyster Cult, released in December 1985. The album sees a departure from their traditional sound, embracing a more simplified, commercial style. The album was not as successful as the band's previous releases, as it faced mixed reviews and moderate sales. It reached No. 66 on the Billboard 200 charts.

The album sees the return of founding member Albert Bouchard, who left during the recording of "Fire of Unknown Origin" due to friction with other band members, on just one track. The rest of the tracks feature the drumming of Jimmy Wilcox (who also co-wrote several of the songs) and Tommy Zvoncheck on keyboards. Despite this change up, most of the original band members - Eric Bloom, Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and Joe Bouchard - still contributed significantly.

One of Club Ninja's standout songs is "Dancin' in the Ruins," which received decent airplay on MTV and rock radio stations. Despite the lukewarm reception, Club Ninja is loved by the band's dedicated fanbase for its experimentations and deviations from the band's signature sound.