Negoba
The Crue in Transition
I was not a huge fan of Motley Crue during their early phase. The devil worshipping, stripped down metal was not my style in those days, and now I can appreciate some of the riffs but a lot of it just seems very rough. Theater of Pain was the album that saw the Crue turn away from the W.A.S.P. / Accept early 80's style of metal and help establish the standard for glam. This was the album that saw me hop aboard, and I consider this album and Girls Girls Girls to be their peak.
Though Vince Neil's distinctive voice is the signature of Motley Crue, I have always loved the huge tone of Mick Mars. To me, he's combined chops, taste, attitude, and a great love of the sound of the instrument. Up until the point Bob Rock took over, I really enjoyed the sound of the guitars and up until Feelgood they sounded better with each album.
Though this album has the hits "Home Sweet Home" and "Smokin' in the Boys Room," the original rockers aren't quite as strong as on the following album. The band is still finding their footing in a new arena, while maintaining their identity. It's an area where many bands failed and ultimately so follows the Crue. But at this point in their career, the best is yet to come.
Bottom Line: Classic Glam Metal Album