8. ...And Mötley Crüe Is A Seriously Underrated Album
OK, so it doesn't match up to the bona fide classic period from Too Fast... to Dr. Feelgood. But the only Mötley Crüe album without Vince Neil is still a damn fine rock record - and it would be considered as such if it had been released under any other name than that of the Crüe. The problem is that it doesn't really sound like a Crüe album. It certainly isn't the same collection of huge riffs, anthemic choruses and stadium-killing solos that Dr. Feelgood was, and fans rejected it because of its difference from that huge album. But unlike, say, Generation Swine, which lazily tries to borrow from musical trends of the time (rap-rock, industrial metal, alternative rock), the band's eponymous record is the most "classic" style album that they've ever released. John Corabi's vocals are technically superb - arguably better than anything Neil ever put out - and some of the dual guitar work is incredible. Hooligan's Holiday and the stand-out Misunderstood are stunning songs even in a back catalogue of stunning songs. Some of the tracks don't work so well, and there is a "same-y" feel to much of the album (it's probably not catchy enough, really), but had they put this out under a different monicker it probably would have been more widely celebrated - especially if the studio had backed it more than they did. Go back and check out this album if it's been pushed aside in favour of the more famous five earlier releases and the reunion record Saints Of Los Angeles (forget about Generation Swine and New Tattoo though...). It just might surprise you.
