Negoba
Full Drag Glam
Gender bending has always been part of glam, especially in the early 70's. But during the 80's glam revival, the look was more elaborate than truly cross dressing. Well in 1986, Poison emerged with a cover that depicted their members as feminine as anyone had ever done before. It was shocking in it's own way. Their music was a stipped down pop metal and the band was the hot new thing for awhile.
The music is extremely typical, but is certainly played with plenty of attitude and emotion. C.C. Deville plays like he's just learned the guitar but bands on it with plenty of excitement. His solos are basic but serve their role. Bret Michael's vocals are accurate and dramatic. There are plenty of fun party rockers on this album, the obligatory power ballad with the electric solo. The formula was really just getting laid down at this point but this album is one of them that set it in stone.
Poison would tone down the fem look and just go for full frontal showtime on their follow up. Neon lights, flashpots, enormous hair, and more party music. It worked.
When I was 14 I played this disc alot and enjoyed it. I got a lot of flak for owning it later on, but I still have no problem saying it was fun music.
Bottom Line: Band based on visual image has solid debut.