Classic Album Review: "Dr. Feelgood" by Motley Crue

Release Date: September 1st, 1989
Producer: Bob Rock

What a great album. This 1989 classic offering from L.A. headbangers, Motley Crue, will always be regarded by music critics and fans as being Mötley Crüe's strongest and bestselling album. Not only did this album debut at #1 on the Billboard charts, but it was the first album to be recorded in a sober state.

In 2009, after celebrating it's 20th Anniversary of release, Dr. Feelgood has sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone. Mind you, the album was also reissued and mastered in May. The album sure had a run for its money; "Dr. Feelgood" and "Kickstart My Heart" were both nominated for Grammy awards for Best Hard Rock Performance and the song "Dr. Feelgood" was ranked #15 on VH1 Greatest Hard Rock Songs and #41 on VH1's 100 Greatest '80s Songs. Oh yeah!

Also, let's bring our most discussed producer, Bob Rock! Wow, he pops up everywhere. Bob did a great production job on this record, providing the album with a shiny and vibrant sound which were obsolete from the band's previous albums. The instrumentation on this album is fantastic. Mick Mars and Nikki Sixx are great song-writers and it shows through unforgettable riffs like "Kickstart My Heart", "Dr. Feelgood", and "Rattlesnake Shake." Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee's rhythm section is tight and perfect, Mick's solos are rockin' and Vince's vocals are epic.

The lyrics in this album seem to fall into various categories;
Sex ("Sticky Sweet", "She Goes Down", "Rattlesnake Shake")
Relationships/Love ("Without You", "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)")
Drugs ("Dr. Feelgood", "Kickstart My Heart") Plus, we all know the story behind "Kickstart My Heart" right? Well, if you don't, Nikki Sixx died from a drug overdose and was luckily revived by two adrenaline shots to the heart.

Your speakers will thank you for putting on this record. Make sure to pick up a copy of the digitally re-mastered version of "Dr. Feelgood." Grab a few drinks, call some friends and blare this record. Rock and f*ckin' roll baby!

Rating: 4/5

Track-listing:

1. T'N'T
2. Dr. Feelgood ***
3. Slice Of Your Pie
4. Rattlesnake Shake ***
5. Kickstart My Heart ***
6. Without You
7. Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.) ***
8. Sticky Sweet
9. She Goes Down
10. Don't Go Away (Just Go Away) ***
11. Time For Change