The 11 Heaviest Motley Crue Songs: A Deep Dive into the Band's Heaviest Moments
Motley Crue, the legendary LA rock band, has captivated fans with their unique blend of heavy metal, glam rock, power-pop, and punk. Their journey through the '80s and '90s saw them evolve from a sleazy, decadent act to a polished pop-metal sensation, while still retaining their raw, heavy roots. This article explores the 11 heaviest Motley Crue songs, delving into their musical evolution and the impact of their diverse influences.
The Evolution of Heaviness
Motley Crue's musical journey is a fascinating one, marked by a shift from their early, raw, and unrepentant style to a more polished, pop-metal sound. This evolution is evident in their albums, with 'Shout at the Devil' showcasing their heaviest moments, while 'Theatre of Pain' and 'Girls, Girls, Girls' saw them pivot towards a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound. Despite this shift, they never fully abandoned their heavier side, as evidenced by songs like 'Bastard' and 'Hammered'.
The Heaviest Songs
- Bastard (Shout at the Devil, 1983)
This high-speed, riff-driven metal anthem is a testament to Motley Crue's early musical instincts. With its raw and unrepentant lyrics, it captures the band's sleazy street urchin persona, fueled by piss and vinegar. The song's aggressive nature and intense vocals showcase the band's willingness to embrace their worst lyrical impulses.
- Dr. Feelgood (Dr. Feelgood, 1989)
Produced by Bob Rock, 'Dr. Feelgood' polished Motley Crue's sound exponentially. The title track is a powerful example of this evolution, blending vintage Aerosmith and future Metallica influences. The chugging power-chord riffs and gigantic grooves showcase the band's ability to create heavy, yet accessible music.
- Hammered (Motley Crue, 1994)
The 1994 self-titled album, featuring lead singer John Corabi, remains a cult favorite among fans who prefer their heavier side. Corabi's bluesy rasp, combined with gnarly riffs and knuckle-dragging breakdowns, creates a recipe for success. The venomous lyrics add another layer of heaviness to the grinding groove metal anthem.
- Knock 'Em Dead, Kid (Shout at the Devil)
Written by Nikki Sixx after a brawl with undercover cops, this song seethes with fury and bloodlust. The lyrics, tough-as-nails riffs, and menacing gang vocals reflect the band's rebellious spirit and their willingness to embrace their darker impulses.
- Let Us Prey (Generation Swine, 1997)
Despite the album's genre-hopping mess, 'Let Us Prey' stands out as a raw, powerful alt-metal stomper. Down-tuned riffs, blistering screams, and honest-to-goodness breakdowns showcase the band's ability to create intense, heavy music, even when their musical direction was uncertain.
- Live Wire (Too Fast for Love, 1981)
This song, which launched Motley Crue's career, is one of their heaviest. With snarling riffs, high-octane drumming, and primitive production, it epitomizes the winning combination of punk, metal, and rock 'n' roll. It's a testament to the band's early, raw sound and their ability to create catchy, heavy music.
- Red Hot (Shout at the Devil)
Tommy Lee's monstrous performance on this song showcases the band's ability to blend glammy, fist-pumping hooks with heavy, thrash metal influences. The song's dual nature, combining the band's early, sleazy style with heavier elements, is a fascinating example of their musical evolution.
- Shout at the Devil (Shout at the Devil)
This song is a psychological horror movie, with sinister riffs and defiant gang vocals building tension before the band's full-bore assault. Vince Neil's raw, piercing vocals add to the song's intensity, creating a powerful and awe-inspiring experience.
- Smoke the Sky (Motley Crue)
With John Corabi on vocals, 'Smoke the Sky' epitomizes the band's shift towards a more heavy metal sound. The song's gnarled down-tuned riffs, thunderous drumming, and Corabi's raspy howl create a tough, heavy performance. The breakdown at 2:12 is a standout moment in Motley Crue's catalog.
- Use It or Lose It (Theatre of Pain, 1985)
Despite their pivot towards pop-metal, 'Use It or Lose It' retains their metallic past. The song features relentless double-bass drumming, urgent vocals, choppy riffs, and a blazing solo, showcasing the band's ability to create heavy, yet catchy music.
- Wild Side (Girls, Girls, Girls, 1987)
This song exposes the seedy underbelly of the decadent Los Angeles rock scene. Vince Neil's invocation of the Lord's Prayer, against choppy, percussive riffs and a martial stomp, creates a powerful and desperate atmosphere. It's a testament to the band's ability to capture the raw, addictive nature of their era.
Conclusion
Motley Crue's 11 heaviest songs showcase their musical evolution, from their early, raw, and unrepentant style to their polished, pop-metal sound. These songs are a testament to the band's ability to create heavy, yet accessible music, and their willingness to embrace their diverse influences. As fans, we can appreciate the band's journey and the impact of these songs on the heavy metal and rock 'n' roll scenes.
