AMG Review of Lock 'n Load

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

No Cure for Cancer captured Denis Leary the phenomenon but Lock 'n Load captures Denis Leary the comedian, and it's a record that captures him at his best. Leary's relentless rants may seem like a gimmick to undiscerning ears, but they tend to obscure a viciously clever satirical wit. Few comedians during the '90s were as political or accurate as Leary -- in fact, his set pieces of the time often seemed more like bitterly funny social comedy than routines. Throughout Lock 'n Load, he takes on targets ranging from the Catholic Church and politicians to microbrews and Hanson, and mercilessly tears them down with his sharp, profane wit. It's an excellent display of his powers.