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Gonna Ball

by Stray Cats

Released: November 28, 1981

Rockabilly, rock and roll

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Gonna Ball" is the second studio album by the American rockabilly band Stray Cats, initially released by Arista Records in the UK in November 1981. However, five tracks from the album—"Baby Blue Eyes", "Little Miss Prissy", "You Don't Believe Me", "Rev It Up and Go", and "Lonely Summer Nights"—were later included on the band's breakthrough American release, "Built for Speed" (1982). The crossover to the American market with "Built for Speed" helped solidify Stray Cats' reputation internationally and cemented their place as key figures in the rockabilly revival movement of the early 1980s.

Inside the Recording

Produced by the band alongside Hein Hoven, the album features a blend of rockabilly and retro rock influences that characterized the Stray Cats' early sound.

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Essential Tracks

Baby Blue Eyes

However, five tracks from the album—"Baby Blue Eyes", "Little Miss Prissy", "You Don't Believe Me", "Rev It Up and Go", and "Lonely Summer Nights"—were later included on the band's breakthrough American release, "Built for Speed" (1982).

Little Miss Prissy

You Don't Believe Me

Among these tracks, "You Don't Believe Me" managed to chart in the UK, peaking at number 57.

Gonna Ball

"Gonna Ball" is the second studio album by the American rockabilly band Stray Cats, initially released by Arista Records in the UK in November 1981.

Rev It up and Go

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Stray Cats - Gonna Ball

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Reception

Despite its critical acclaim and popularity among fans, "Gonna Ball" did not achieve significant chart success in the UK. Among these tracks, "You Don't Believe Me" managed to chart in the UK, peaking at number 57. Despite not achieving mainstream chart success initially, "Gonna Ball" remains an important part of Stray Cats' discography, showcasing their energetic and authentic approach to rockabilly music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Gonna Ball" is the second studio album by the American rockabilly band Stray Cats, initially released by Arista Records in the UK in November 1981. Produced by the band alongside Hein Hoven, the album features a blend of rockabilly and retro rock influences that characterized the Stray Cats' early sound.

Despite its critical acclaim and popularity among fans, "Gonna Ball" did not achieve significant chart success in the UK. However, five tracks from the album—"Baby Blue Eyes", "Little Miss Prissy", "You Don't Believe Me", "Rev It Up and Go", and "Lonely Summer Nights"—were later included on the band's breakthrough American release, "Built for Speed" (1982).

Among these tracks, "You Don't Believe Me" managed to chart in the UK, peaking at number 57. The crossover to the American market with "Built for Speed" helped solidify Stray Cats' reputation internationally and cemented their place as key figures in the rockabilly revival movement of the early 1980s.

Despite not achieving mainstream chart success initially, "Gonna Ball" remains an important part of Stray Cats' discography, showcasing their energetic and authentic approach to rockabilly music.