I have always loved throwback music. From 90’s hip hop to 70’s disco. All types of music have spoken to me in a way. But no band has stuck out to me like Motley Crue has, and their ability to be heavy, fast, and loud. But also be able to tone it down for slower and softer songs. Recently I was able to attend the Motley Crue concert at the Minnesota State Fair.

Today I will review the 1989 smash hit album Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue. The album came out on August 28, 1989. This was the band’s first and only album to hit number one on the billboard hot 100, and it stayed on the billboard 200 charts for 109 weeks.

“T.n.T (Terror’n TinselTown)” – 7/10

Although “T.n.T (Terror’n TinselTown)” is only 45 seconds long and is not really a song, it gives you a look as to what this album has in store. It has screeching car brakes, police sirens,  a dispatch call, and a great guitar transition into one of the most recognizable songs in heavy metal history, “Dr. Feelgood.”

“Dr. Feelgood” – 9/10

This song is a perfect way to start out this album. The opening riff is so recognizable and is played perfectly by guitarist Mick Mars. It talks about a drug dealer in Hollywood, paying off cops and doing anything he can in order to make it to the top. The “Dr. Feelgood” character is a made up person created by the band to represent their ongoing struggle with drugs and alcohol, this was also the first album they created while every member was sober.

“Slice Of Your Pie”- 5/10

One of their lesser known songs, “Slice Of Your Pie” is a slower but catchy tune. Being on such a famous album, it is easily drowned out by the other, more famous tracks. This song goes all over the place with speed, and is not very consistent. I like this song, but they should have released it as a single because it would have probably done better on the charts.

“Rattlesnake Shake” – 7/10

This song uses a lot of new instruments not played by Motley Crue as often. It uses elements such as cow bells, whistles, and a keyboard. The opening riff is catchy and can get people moving. This track discusses the way a girl dances and moves like a rattlesnake. Overall, a good tune.

“Kickstart My Heart” – 10/10

This song is outstanding. It begins with an unmatched riff and remains fast throughout the whole song. This song talks about doing edgy stuff to get your heart racing. The title, “Kickstart My Heart” comes from basses Nikki Sixx overdosing and dying, the paramedics used two shots of adrenaline to revive him, thus kickstarting his heart. Halfway through the song, it slows down for about a minute. But after it kicks right back up and ends with guitarist Mick Mars using a voice box to mix his voice into his guitar and making an unforgettable sound.

“Without You” – 9/10

The song “Without You” is written by Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars but is about drummer Tommy Lee and his girlfriend at the time Heather Locklear. This is the first ballad of the album and is a good one. It talks about a relationship that recently shattered and someone is longing for their lost partner. Singer Vince Neil really makes you believe that he is going through a heartbreak.

“Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S)” – 9/10

This track starts out with a quick riff and remains that way for the rest of the song. It talks about a load of different relationships that all have a common theme, they end. Throughout the song, Vince Neil sings about going around the world and every relationship being the same, sparking the title, “Same Ol’ Situation.”

“Sticky Sweet” – 7/10

Although lesser known, this song deserves some praise. It is a great song to get people riled up. It talks about a girl going out with one of the band members. She has a strong and outgoing personality that makes their partner go crazy. The guitar riff played throughout is very catchy and the band simultaneously singing, “Sticky Sweet” is sure to be stuck in your head after listening. If you are uncomfortable, this song has explicit content.

“She Goes Down” – 6/10

This track is about a girl that songwriter and bassist Nikki Sixx met in Hollywood. It talks about their experiences together and spending time together. It is good but gets repetitive with the band signing the title a total of 28 times. If you are uncomfortable, this song has explicit content.

“Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” – 8/10

“Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” is the second ballad on the album and is a great listen. It speaks of two people in a relationship growing up and drifting away from each other. Vince Neil claims that he does not want his partner to be mad with what is happening and just wants to be on good terms with her.

“Time For Change” – 7/10

“Time For Change” is the final song on the album and is also a ballad. It talks about how the band members are growing out of their youth. Vince Neil sings about all the stuff they got into together and how it is now time to grow up. This album is also the first one they made after going through rehab. So this is also the band trying to step away from drugs and alcohol all-together.

~Overall Rating~

9.6/10

I really like this album and all the songs in it. While listening I start to fully understand all the lyrics and I believe that Dr. Feelgood is and will go down as one of the best rock albums of all time.