Poison. Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Rikki Rockett, and Bobby Dall first burst onto the scene in 1986 with the album Look What The Cat Dragged In. Judging by the album cover America thought they were women. There was more makeup than a high school prom. Maybe that’s part of the look they were going for. They created a niche in the music industry by giving the world a look, a sound, and an attitude that was perfect for the era. Here are my top 10 favorite Poison songs.
10) Lay Your Body Down. This track, a new song off their Greatest Hits 1986-’96 album was a late addition to the Poison discography. It could have been released in the 1980s because it is a straight forward love song about the pleasures of being with that special someone, or at least that special someone of the night. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what makes Poison Poison.
9) Stand. This song, from the 1993 Native Tongue album, was a departure from their signature sound. It had more of a bluesy feel to it. Not a bad thing, but maybe not the best career decision for Poison. Ritchie Kotzen, guitarist who briefly replaced C.C., was spot on perfect with his licks here, but the party mentality was lacking. Still, a great song.
8) Let It Play. From 1990’s Flesh & Blood, this underrated gem is a little known song to those who aren’t die hard fans. It is just pure relaxation and happiness through Bret’s repeated mantra, “When I hear the music…” It can uplift your spirits in an instant.
7) Back To The Rocking Horse. Off 1988’s Open Up And Say…Ahh, this tune is more of the same that we expect, and demand, from Poison. They never fail to deliver. When you take into consideration that they only had a handful of records released, and you see just how much great music they have, it makes you wonder what could have happened if the lame grunge music scene had never occurred.
6) Unskinny Bop. Quite possibly the most original metaphor for sex that has ever been created. The riff is classic C.C., and very impressive at that. Much more complex than most riffs you will ever hear. This song is just a total free for all.
5) Ride The Wind. This song is a tribute to Poison’s third favorite passion (behind music and women) riding motorcycles. Poison earned themselves some street cred with this tune from the Flesh & Blood album. Forever will this song be played at every motorcycle convention in the universe. And it should be.
4) Strange Days of Uncle Jack/Valley of Lost Souls. Strange Days is the lead-in intro to Valley. Strange Days is just a bunch of messages left by Rikki’s Uncle Jack. So cool. Valley of Lost Souls has a perfect lead-in and a perfect intro. Such an undervalued song. It is must hear music.
3) Talk Dirty To Me. Off the 1986 Look What The Cat Dragged In album, this was the song that first introduced Poison to America. It was an instant smash. It was controversial, by 1987’s standards, but it was a song that was released at the right time and place. Try not to sing along to it. You will.
2) Something To Believe In. This song is a personal tale of misery and hope from Bret. When listening to it you simply must pay attention to the lyrics. It speaks of the troubles that people can face, and hopefully overcome, in their lives. The part about the suicidal Vietnam vet is poignant, emotional, and not a political statement. It brings tears to the eyes. When he bares his soul and sings about his best friend, you see a new side to Bret Michaels. We all need something to believe in. Exactly what that something is, is up to us individually.
1) Nothin’ But A Good Time. After song number two, we need this, their best, to take us to the happier times of growing up. If there is anything that Poison stood for in the 80s, it is summed up perfectly on this track. As great as the song is, watching the video takes it to the next level. The video is an explosion of color and attitude. They are definitely channeling some inner Van Halen (DLR era) on this one. For an extra added notch of fun try counting how many guitars C.C. plays. I lost track after a dozen. It is pure awesomeness. It is bigger than the band Poison, it has become a staple of the entire glam rock era. Don’t we all just want to have a good time? Poison did it best.
