Motley Crue, the legendary rock band that emerged from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene in the 1980s, has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal and glam rock. Their journey, from the raw energy of their debut to the polished pop-metal sound of later years, is a testament to the band's adaptability and enduring appeal. In this article, I'll delve into the 11 heaviest Motley Crue songs, exploring the evolution of their sound and the unique blend of influences that define their music. From the raw, unrepentant anthems to the polished, heavy grooves, these songs showcase the band's ability to capture the essence of their era while pushing the boundaries of heavy metal. So, let's dive into the world of Motley Crue and uncover the stories behind these iconic tracks.
The Evolution of Motley Crue's Sound
Motley Crue's musical journey began with a bang, quite literally, as they burst onto the scene with their debut album, "Too Fast for Love." The band's initial sound was a raw, unfiltered blend of heavy metal, glam rock, power-pop, and punk, which quickly set them apart from their peers. This unique blend of influences was a key factor in their success and helped them establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the emerging glam metal scene.
As the band evolved, they began to incorporate more polished production techniques and a more refined pop-metal sound. This shift was evident on their third album, "Theatre of Pain," which featured a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound. However, even at their most polished, Motley Crue never lost sight of their roots, and they continued to write songs that recalled their nasty, dangerous origins.
The '90s were a challenging period for the band, as lineup changes and a shifting musical climate caused their popularity to dwindle. Despite these challenges, Motley Crue continued to churn out some of their best, heaviest, and weirdest songs, sometimes all at once. This period marked a turning point in the band's history, as they began to shed their glam-metal trappings and embrace a more bonafide heavy metal sound.
The 11 Heaviest Motley Crue Songs
1. "Live Wire" (1981)
The song that launched Motley Crue's career in earnest is also one of the heaviest they ever wrote. "Live Wire" epitomizes the winning combination of punk, metal, and rock 'n' roll that would launch the band to stardom. With its snarling riffs, high-octane drumming, and primitive, punchy production, this song is a testament to the band's early influences and their ability to capture the raw energy of their era.
2. "Bastard" (1983)
"Bastard" is a high-speed, riff-driven metal anthem that sounds like the work of four sleazy street urchins fueled by piss and vinegar. This song represents the best of Motley Crue's musical instincts at the time, with its raw and unrepentant lyrics and powerful riffs. It's a song that embodies the band's early, unfiltered sound and their willingness to push the boundaries of heavy metal.
3. "Red Hot" (1983)
Don't let the glammy, fist-pumping hooks fool you: "Red Hot" can go toe to toe with any song off Metallica's "Kill 'Em All," released the same year. This song showcases the band's ability to blend glam metal and thrash metal, creating a unique sound that appeals to fans of both subgenres. Tommy Lee's monstrous performance, Mick Mars' smoldering riffs, and Vince Neil's punky, piercing vocals come together to create a song that is both catchy and heavy.
4. "Use It or Lose It" (1985)
On their third album, "Theatre of Pain," Motley Crue pivoted hard to frothy pop-metal, but their metallic past reared its head on "Use It or Lose It." This song features relentless double-bass drumming, urgent vocals, choppy riffs, and a blazing solo, showcasing the band's ability to blend their heavier influences with their more mainstream sound.
5. "Smoke the Sky" (1994)
When Motley Crue replaced Vince Neil with John Corabi for their 1994 self-titled album, they shed the last of their glam-metal trappings and became a bonafide heavy metal band. "Smoke the Sky" epitomizes this shift with its gnarled down-tuned riffs, thunderous drumming, and Corabi's raspy howl. The breakdown at 2:12 is the single heaviest moment in Motley's catalog and one of the toughest performances captured by any Sunset Strip band.
6. "Hammered" (1994)
Despite their best efforts to scrub it from their history, Motley Crue's 1994 self-titled album with lead singer John Corabi remains a cult favorite, especially among fans who prefer their heavier side. Corabi's bluesy rasp lent an inherent heaviness to every song on the record, and "Hammered" is a prime example of this. The song's gnarly riffs and knuckle-dragging breakdowns, combined with the venomous lyrics, create a grinding groove metal anthem that is both powerful and memorable.
7. "Let Us Prey" (1997)
"Let Us Prey" is a furious alt-metal stomper full of down-tuned riffs, blistering screams, and honest-to-goodness breakdowns. This song showcases the band's ability to blend their heavier influences with their more experimental sound, creating a song that is both intense and memorable. The raw power of this track is undeniable, and it's a testament to the band's willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of their sound.
8. "Knock 'Em Dead, Kid" (1983)
Nikki Sixx wrote "Knock 'Em Dead, Kid" after getting into a Sunset Strip brawl with a gang of bikers who turned out to be undercover cops. The song's lyrics seethe with fury and bloodlust, matched by tough-as-nails riffs and menacing gang vocals. This song is a powerful testament to the band's early influences and their ability to capture the raw energy of their era, even in the face of adversity.
9. "Shout at the Devil" (1983)
If heavy metal songs are like horror movies, then "Shout at the Devil" is all about the psychological dread that precedes the jump scare. The song unfurls slowly with sinister riffs and defiant gang vocals before the band comes crashing in at full bore. Vince Neil's raw, piercing vocals and the song's lurching, lumbering instrumental create a sense of awe and intensity that is both captivating and memorable.
10. "Dr. Feelgood" (1989)
Motley Crue polished up their sound exponentially on "Dr. Feelgood," shepherded by super-producer Bob Rock. However, they still brought the heavy in spades, especially on the album's massive title track. The song's chugging power-chord riffs and gigantic grooves split the difference between vintage Aerosmith and future Metallica, showcasing the band's ability to blend their heavier influences with their more polished sound.
11. "Wild Side" (1987)
"Wild Side" is a song that captures the band's depravity and desperation in the throes of addiction and dysfunction. Against choppy, percussive riffs and a martial stomp, Vince Neil invokes the Lord's Prayer and exposes the seedy underbelly of the decadent Los Angeles rock scene that birthed (and nearly killed) the band. This song is a powerful testament to the band's ability to blend their heavier influences with their more introspective, emotional sound.
Conclusion
Motley Crue's 11 heaviest songs showcase the band's evolution and their ability to blend their heavier influences with their more polished sound. From the raw, unrepentant anthems to the polished, heavy grooves, these songs are a testament to the band's enduring appeal and their ability to capture the essence of their era. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band's music, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression and remind you of the power and passion that Motley Crue brought to the world of heavy metal and glam rock.
