There is no doubt that the strength of the album comes from the opening two tracks. “Wild Side” is one of their best opening songs, getting you in the right mood from the very beginning. This is followed by the title track, which is also at the right tempo with great singalong vocals.
This album is probably the epitome of their ‘hair metal’ roots. Most of the songs bop along at the same beat, with a good mix of heavier and lighter tunes. All are upbeat, which keeps the album moving along smoothly. Tommy’s drumming is just as brilliant as it always was in the 1980’s. Both Mick Mars and Nikki Sixx sound great, while Vince Neil’s vocals are quite superb here, some of his best work.
It doesn’t get bogged down in the middle, which some albums of this genre can do. From “Dancing On Glass” to the slightly goofier “Bad Boy Boogie”, the harder “Five Years Dead” and “All In The Name Of…” to “Sumthin’ For Nothing”, these are the kind of tracks that Motley Crue can claim as their best – hard edged rock that can appeal to all markets.
It can’t all be perfect I guess, and that something is one song that I’m sure most Crue fans love, but which I detest – the power ballad. “You’re All I Need” is another detestable version of this rabid disease that haunt so many great metal bands. I know some people love them, and I know that most Mötley Crüe albums contain at least one – some of them are done well and I can handle. However, this one is so sugary and overdone that I could quite easily just vomit when I hear it. A real shame, given that the lyrics are not all that they seem, and not what you expect from a power ballad.
After the mismatch that was Theater of Pain this was an excellent follow-up, reinforcing Mötley Crüe's status in the world of heavy metal. This album ranks among their best three that they have released, and is a must listen for all fans out there.
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