It’s hard to believe at times. That Motley Crue’s debut album came out 41 years ago. Against all odd’s the band rallied together to release their first record on their own label. Entitled ‘Too Fast For Love,’ the album embodied everything that the early Sunset Strip had to offer. And set a standard for what was to become a musical revolution.
Kicking off with the revolutionary ‘Live Wire,’ Motley Crue make their immediate statement. It’s glam, it’s metal, it’s pop, it’s glam metal. Tommy Lee dominates the drums from the get go. Marking him as one of the greatest rock drummers ever. At the ripe old age of 18. ‘Shut Up and Dance’ displays the Crue’s ability to remain heavy, but also have melodic tendencies that would reach the masses. ‘Public Enemy #1’ has some major punk vibes. Creating a sound that would become more prominent in the next decade.
As the album rolls on, ‘Merry Go ‘Round’ offers a monster ballad proto type vibe. With a youthful edge that’s unmatched by any other Motley album. ‘Take Me To The Top’ oozes with heavy as all hell Cheap Trick moods. A complete picture of what the Sunset Strip was turning into in the early 80’s. ‘Piece Of Your Action’ served as one the early signature live tracks. And it’s no wonder. With it’s kick ass bridge, riff and groove. It earworms the listener into headbanging bliss. ‘Starry Eyes’ is another originator on the 80’s ballad. The title track hits with signature punk intensity. While ‘On With the Show’ lyrically harkens back to Nikki Sixx’s teenage years.
When the band remastered their albums, ‘Too Fast For Love’ got some great treatment. Including three unreleased, yet legendary Crue tracks from the earliest demos. ‘Toast of the Town’ is ripe with youthful energy. While ‘Tonight’ brings out more Cheap Trick influence. The album closes out with ‘Stick To Your Guns.’ The first song that The Crue wrote. And frankly, it’s got everything that they stand for in it. A beefy low end riff from Mick. Monsterous intro groove from Tommy. Punk like drive from Nikki. And melodic excellence from Vince. With themes of ‘never giving up’ and ‘always be yourself,’ ‘Stick To Your Guns’ is ultimate Crue. And makes an early statement.
‘Too Fast For Love’ is a spitfire of an album. Loaded with youthful vigor and testosterone. A unique album combining the power pop of Cheap Trick. With the metal core of Judas Priest. The sound would evolve. Spurring a slew of look and sound a likes (some more successful than others). Starting a scene that dominated the radio waves and charts for a decade. Hats off to ‘Too Fast For Love.’ Love it, live it, crank it. What are some of your favorite tracks on the album?
