35th Anniversary Edition
LP Ghostly Ruby & Clear vinyl, Limited Edition, Reissue
BMG (2024) US
Motley Crue's Dr. Feelgood, celebrating its 35th anniversary, remains one of the band's defining moments. Released in 1989 and now reissued on limited ruby red and clear splatter vinyl, this album marked a turning point for the band. With Bob Rock at the production helm, Dr. Feelgood saw Crue embracing a slicker, more polished sound, merging glam and hard rock with commercial appeal. The band, newly sober at the time, delivered some of their tightest performances. Tracks like 'Dr. Feelgood' and 'Kickstart My Heart' show Mick Mars' signature guitar work, with his heavy riffs and use of the Floyd Rose tremolo system adding a ferocious edge. Nikki Sixx's basslines, especially on songs like 'Rattlesnake Shake', have a newfound presence, while Tommy Lee's drums are thunderous, marked by a reverb-heavy snare. Vince Neil's vocals are at their peak, particularly on the power ballad 'Without You' and the infectious 'Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)'. Balancing stadium anthems with emotional depth, the album's success was cemented with five hit singles and it remains a great example of the band's ability to evolve their sound while retaining their hard-edged attitude.