Review Summary: Keep Your Eye On The Mötley
Yes we know about Mötley Crüe the party animals. In 1985 they were top dogs in the glam metal scene following their breakthrough record “Shout at the Devil” and were now enjoying their success.
They were pretty much out of control, topped by singer Vince Neil’s culpable car accident killing friend and fellow musician Razzle Dingley of Hanoi Rocks in December 1984.
The next chapter was “Theatre of Pain” which upped the glam image to an extreme. But what of the actual music? On the surface “Theatre of Pain” is a “Shout at the Devil” Part 2 with the same producer and sonic template.
The first thing that is obvious is the track ordering is plainly erroneous and immediately benefits from a reordering. After listening to this album over and over again I suggest it should start with “Tonight (We Need A Lover)” which ironically autocorrected to “Tonight (We Need A Liver)”. This is a more logical introduction to this sleaze fest with a simple guitar riff and catchy chorus to bring in the masses.
From there, the best rock song on ground needs unleashing. “Keep Your Eye On The Money” has battle hardened guitarist Mick Mars holding court with a grooving series of riffs that buoy the song, which also features a fitting tambourine and drummer Tommy Lee’s signature cow bells. This underrated tune has an infectious momentum and its repetition allows an uncomplicated enjoyment.
“Louder Than Hell” should be third in, and is another exercise in short sharp riffing with Mötley personality permeating through. Yes Vince we like it Louder. “Fight For Your Rights” is next and is again a call to arms for the disaffected youth of mid 80’s LA. Mars treats us to a cool solo which transitions to a very Mötley Crüe bridge and climax before a very unconvincing Fight Fight Fight. To end the first side of the cassette tape, I’ve gone with “Raise Your Hands To Rock”. The reflective storytelling in this song will be later perfected in the Dr Feelgood song “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)”.
Side Two should start with “City Boy Blues” with Mars taking the lead again with riffs and a solo that would’ve bellowed just fine from a convertible Corvette on the Sunset Strip at the time. Into the single cover “Smokin’ In the Boys Room” we go. The personal touches of “my buddies Sixx, Mick and Tom” make it all worthwhile with the guitar solo / sax solo playing off each other, but even so seems an unnecessary inclusion on a Mötley Crüe album.
Deeper into Side Two, “Use It or Lose It” continues the uptempo rock riffs and fast paced vocals with an obligatory solo halfway through. “Save Our Souls” tells of more street tales over a slow burn guitar line but had me looking at the time more than once and is the only genuine filler.
In saying that it must be said the album is completely carried by guitarist Mick Mars and to a lesser extent vocalist Vince Neil who has an undeniable presence and personality that could not be traded for any other frontman in the scene at the time.
Which takes us to the best and most famous song on this album. A song everyone has heard in a bar at some stage. “Home Sweet Home” should be the closer for the simple reason there is nowhere to go after this song. It should close every establishment it’s ever played. A beautiful and heart-warming power ballad that elevates this album probably more than it deserves. That’s enough of writing music, let’s get back to the debauchery.
