Opener "Cry Tough" is still a live staple today. Like countless Poison songs, it's about persevering in the face of what life throws at you. Is the song cheesy? Yes! Is it fun? Yes. A great song that shows that pop metal was not all bad at times. Huge hit "I Want Action" is next. Not a big fan of this song, it reminds me of Kiss' "Rock n Roll All Nite", a very repetitive party pop anthem that lacks any taste. Poison have always been known for their ballads, and "I Won't Forget You" is one of the biggies by the band. Very high-school dance, the song is sweet, nostalgic, but quite trite and musically simple. Guitarist C.C. DeVille has always been criticized for his lack of musical ability, and this song shows why he gets this reputation. "Solos" are very sanitized and simple on this song, basically neutered when compared to even Bon Jovi's Ritchie Sambora.
"Play Dirty" is the epitome of the glam metal sound in 1986. Metallic and digital sounding guitars with excessive whammy bar action sit atop thin drums and sleazy lyrics about what else? Screwing! But then again, if you listen to Poison, I assume it is not for their lyrical "depth". Not a good song, quite average. The best song on the album comes next, "Look What the Cat Dragged In" is a killer song (yes, I said it!). Despite underwhelming "solos", the song has a lot of swagger, wicked drums from Rikki Rockett (underrated drummer!), and very confessional and autobiographical lyrics about the excesses of a glam metal bands in the 1980s. Another big hit comes in next, "Talk Dirty to Me" is one of Poison's most enduring songs. It endures because of its timelessness, like the Ramones (did I just compare Poison to the Ramones? Yes I did, live with it!), the simple structure, universal lyrics, and everyman musical quality add to its charm. I love this song, and I don't care who knows it!
"Want Some, Need Some" brings up the rear. Another song about longing and lusting, it is musically very similar to "Cry Tough". Honestly, I don't really listen to this song and find it boring and too similar to the "big" songs on the album. Not terrible, but not a classic. "Blame It on You" is another dud on this album. Despite catching group choruses, gritty guitars, a decent solo, and very clear-sounding drums, the song really feels rushed and lyrics are pretty freakin lame, even for Poison. Skip it. "#1 Bad Boy" has always been one of my fav Poison songs. Basically Poison trying to be "Ratt", the song feels a little forced and out of character for guys who were wearing more eyeliner than Liz Taylor. But the song works, guitars are the some of the heaviest Poison ever recorded, the drums pound, and Brett Michaels proves his worth by delivering one of his best vocals to date. Great song. The album closes with "Let Me Go to the Show", the obligatory anti-parents/authority song on any 1980s metal album. Been there, done that. Yawn.
"Look What the Cat Dragged In" is my favorite Poison album by far. They sound hungry, lacking a certain degree of musical chops and lyrical depth, but making up for it by pouring their hearts out for all to see on stage. Poison is still a great live band, and I always feel happy to have seen them after I leave the show. While they may not be musical Svengalis, they touch you in the most important place, your heart.
Rating-8/10
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