| Halfway to Sanity | ||||
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| Studio album by the Ramones | ||||
| Released | September 15, 1987 | |||
| Recorded | April 1987 | |||
| Studio | Intergalactic, New York City | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 29:53 | |||
| Label | Sire | |||
| Producer |
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| Ramones chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Halfway to Sanity | ||||
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Halfway to Sanity is the 10th studio album by the American punk rock band Ramones, and their last album to feature drummer Richie Ramone. It was produced by Daniel Rey and released on September 15, 1987, by Sire Records. Recording sessions began that April at Intergalactic Studios in New York City, with the band recording instruments before vocals in order to learn songs more quickly. It fared well on charts outside the United States, but peaked at No. 172 on the Billboard 200.
The band members disagreed on many things during the album's production, and producer Rey described them as impatient.[citation needed] The band toured the world following the album's release, but certain show dates were cancelled after Richie left the band due to financial conflicts with Johnny. The band hired Blondie drummer Clem Burke (who took the pseudonym "Elvis Ramone") for two shows, until Marky Ramone returned.
Genres varied significantly throughout the album, with some songs showing the influence of hard rock, heavy metal music, and crossover thrash, while others showcased a bubblegum pop sound. Additionally, Joey is heard singing a duet with Blondie vocalist Debbie Harry on "Go Lil' Camaro Go". Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, Stephen Thomas Erlewine later wrote that the album was the last time the band "still sounded like they mattered."[1]