Tuff “What Comes Around Goes Around” – Hard Rock Masterpiece Rediscovered
Buckle up, rock ‘n’ roll renegades, because What Comes Around Goes Around by Tuff is a rollercoaster of glam-metal glory that kickstarted a whirlwind of excitement in 1991.
With the irresistible smash hit “I Hate Kissing You Goodbye” soaring to #3 on MTV’s legendary Dial MTV, this album shot off the shelves like a cannonball.
Fronted by the irrepressible Stevie Rachelle, Tuff, comprised of Jorge DeSaint on strings, later to be food entrepreneur Todd Chaisson on the bass, and Michael Lean keeping the rhythm alive, stormed the scene under the watchful eye of Grammy-winning producer Howard Benson.
Benson, in awe of the band’s relentless dedication and musical prowess, drenched the album in his magic. Listen closely to the layers of sound contained within a tight pocket.
In the realm of hard rock lore, this album became a holy grail, pursued fervently by collectors and fans. Online auctions bore witness to bidding wars, with CDs commanding princely sums of over $100 and vinyl fetching upwards of $200. Now, that’s the kind of treasure that gets hearts racing.
It has recently been remastered and re-released in all common formats. The vinyl sounds great.
The first single and main anthem of the album, “I Hate Kissing You Goodbye,” became a siren call for fans, seducing MTV and snagging a spot on their charts. But this album was more than a one-hit wonder; it packed a punch with tracks like “So Many Seasons” and “All New Generation,” making it a feast for the senses.
And let’s not forget the wilder side of the coin, where Tuff unleashed tracks like “Ruck A Pit Bridge,” “Spit Like This,” and “Good Guys Wear Black.” This wasn’t your thinking man’s rock ‘n’ roll drenched in societal commentary (i.e no “Edison’s Medicine”); this was a raucous, high-octane, and undeniably fun gem.
Had fate aligned differently, placing this album in the sonic playground of 1988 or 1989, we might have seen it bask in the glory it truly deserved. But hey, what’s a good rock ‘n’ roll tale without a dash of “what if”?”
What Comes Around Goes Around remains a time capsule of unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll energy, standing tall even after 30 years, ready to rumble with the best of them like Poison’s “Open Up And Say…Ahh!” or Warrant’s “Cherry Pie.”
It’s a legendary release, and a damn good time that refuses to be forgotten.
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What Comes Around Goes Around reviews:
“Tuff’s debut is a full-throttle blast of 80s hard rock, overflowing with catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and shredding guitars. ‘Ruck a Pit Bridge’ and ‘The All New Generation’ are anthems in the making, showcasing the band’s knack for crafting arena-ready rock with a pop sensibility.” – The Cassette Chronicles
“While firmly rooted in the glam metal scene, Tuff injects a dose of punk energy into their sound on ‘What Comes Around Goes Around.’ The album is a non-stop party, fueled by big riffs, singalong choruses, and Stevie Rachelle’s charismatic vocals. Highlights include the sleazy ‘I Hate Kissing You Goodbye’ and the power ballad ‘So Many Seasons.'” – Hair Metal Mansion
“‘What Comes Around Goes Around’ is a solid debut that captures the essence of the glam metal era. Tuff delivers a collection of catchy and energetic tunes that are sure to please fans of bands like Poison, Warrant, and Skid Row. While not groundbreaking, the album is a fun and enjoyable listen that showcases the band’s potential.” – Amazon customer review
