On September 1st, 1989 a definitive rock album was released to the masses. It reached number one, selling over six million copies. Spawning several number one singles. The peak of 80’s hard rock, Motley Crue’s ‘Dr. Feelgood’ still sounds fresh and ambitious to this day.
The dawning of Motley Crue’s sobriety, ‘Dr. Feelgood’ saw the Los Angeles natives leaner, meaner and more badass than ever. Focused and disciplined, ‘Dr. Feelgood’ sees a band at the height of their ability. And it paid off. It was an international smash and for good reason. The production is impeccable. Bob Rock really brought out the best in the band. Which he tends to do. And would do for Metallica in the next 15 months. But for the time being, ‘Dr. Feelgood’ was the standard for commercial hard rock and heavy metal.
The album is loaded with licks. Riff after riff, groove after groove. Kick ass guitar solos and soaring vocals to boot. Complete with a phat ass production that put everyone else to shame. From the albums opening title track, it’s clear, this is a tight musical statement. ‘Slice of Your Pie’ and ‘Rattlesnake Shake’ bring in the full, big riffs that make you want to shake your ass. While the albums centerpiece, ‘Kickstart My Heart’ is enough to fulfill even the toughest headbanging critics. The only misstep is ‘Without You.’ The records’ cheesy ballad. However, it’s made up with the excellent ‘Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away). One of the greatest ballads ever. Both of which are concert staples.
The albums deep cuts: ‘Sticky Sweet,’ ‘She Goes Down’ and the final single ‘Same Ol’ Situation’ make ‘Dr. Feelgood’ a complete album. From top to bottom it’s a masterpiece of hard rock. And one of the only albums that deserves its commercial success. A number one record with countless top ten hits and concert staples, ‘Dr. Feelgood’ stands the test of time. It sees a band at its top form. From the recording through the tour, Motley Crue were at the top of the world. Unfortunately, the immediate success wouldn’t last as the 90’s set in. But the legacy of the album has kept the band relevant for the remaining decades. Well, along with wild antics and sexcapades.
But what ‘Dr. Feelgood’ does is legitimize a band known for their ‘tomfoolery.’ They aren’t just a wild and crazy group. They’re also serious, kick ass hard rock musicians that deserve a place at the hard rock/heavy metal table forever.
