10 Hyped Hard Rock Albums That Weren't Worth The Wait

Back in '97, Generation Swine disappointed Crüe fans after the promise of vocalist Vince Neil's return to the band failed to deliver. But this was just one in a string of misfires inspired by the boys' turbulent lives and in-band tensions, and was followed by another dud in 2000's New Tattoo, which saw the departure of long-time drummer Tommy Lee.

For the next half decade or so, the group went their separate ways, until reports surfaced in 2004 that bassist Nikki Sixx and Neil were recording together again. By Christmas a reunion tour was on the cards, bringing together the four original members and putting them back where they belong: on the road.

A further four years of hype followed, involving world tours, autobiographies, side-projects and the band suing their ex-manager for good measure, all while their much-anticipated new album brewed beneath the surface.

But 2008's Saints Of Los Angeles was not the resurgence of the '80s hard rockers we had hoped for. Opening on a decent commercial high, the record gradually descended the charts, falling foul of reviewers and fans alike.

Afflicted by uninspiring riffs, misogynistic lyrics and flat, ugly vocals from Neil, Saints Of Los Angeles is forgettable at best and morally and musically repugnant at its worst. Motherf*cker Of The Year is an anthem of sorts, but the rest of the record is worse than anything the Crüe produced at the height of their infighting and addictions.

Thankfully, we haven't heard any new material from them since.