'Collage' is an album of b-sides and alternate versions released to coincide with Ratt’s reformation in 1997 after a five-year hiatus. The production and sound vary from song to song as expected when you compile songs from different eras, so I’m not going to be picky about that. I will say that there’s a reason that most of these songs were b-sides and/or alternate versions: for the most part, they’re not that great. "Steel River" is heavy, and sounds good, and the demo version of "Top Secret" is energetic, raw, and quite good actually. "Ratt Madness," despite its lame title, is fast and pretty good. Too many songs, however, are too laid back and forgettable: "Dr. Rock," "Diamond Time Again," "Hold Tight," "I Want it All," and "Take it Anyway" all fit this bill.
There’s a remake of the Arcade song "Mother Blues" which isn’t too bad, but the slide guitar doesn’t make it different enough from the original to merit inclusion on this disk. The "Fonic Mix LP" version of "Lovin’ You’s a Dirty Job" is an overlong, techno version of the song that is sorely misplaced here. It’s truly a lousy track and it closes out the album in terrible fashion. This album is really only for die-hard Ratt fans.

TRACK LIST:
1. Steel River
2. Dr. Rock
3. Diamond Time Again
4. Ratt Madness
5. Hold Tight
6. I Want it All
7. Mother Blues
8. Top Secret
9. Take it Anyway
10. Lovin' You

Review by Jon Paine