Mötley Crüe, the infamous band from Los Angeles, California, is synonymous with the ’80s glam metal scene. Their reputation precedes them, with tales of their debauchery and excess as legendary as the songs they penned.
Born into the hedonistic heart of LA’s Sunset Strip, Mötley Crüe redefined the boundaries of rock music and earned a coveted place in its annals.
Their journey, marked by artistic evolution, personal battles, and an unyielding dedication to their craft, has captivated audiences for decades. This article aims to explore that journey through 15 of their standout songs.
These tracks not only defined the band’s musical legacy but also captured the zeitgeist of their era, leaving an unyielding imprint on rock and roll.
Here Come’s The Noise: Motley Crue’s Best Songs.
Counting down from the top. Turn the volume up loud and let the hair hang down for these ones.
1. “Live Wire” – Too Fast for Love, 1981
“Live Wire”, Mötley Crüe’s debut single from their first album Too Fast for Love, set the tone for what the band would be renowned for, being energetic, raw, and uncompromisingly loud. This track was their first foray into the music world, displaying a level of talent and confidence not often seen in debut releases.
The power and precision of Nikki Sixx’s bass line, the frenetic energy of Tommy Lee’s drumming, Mick Mars’ searing guitar work, and the gritty charm of Vince Neil’s vocals all combined to create a song that was both catchy and representative of the band’s raw sound. “Live Wire” was a bold proclamation that the Mötley Crüe were here to stay.
2. “Shout at the Devil” – Shout at the Devil, 1983
“Shout at the Devil”, the title track from their second album, is arguably one of Mötley Crüe’s most iconic songs. It was a defiant anthem of rebellion that resonated with their fan base, casting them as the voice of disenchanted youth.
Despite its somewhat controversial (at the time) title, “Shout at the Devil” was less about literal devil worship and more a call to resist societal norms and stand against manipulation by those in power. With powerful riffs and heavy drumming combined with ominous choral backgrounds, the song was a force to be reckoned with and solidified Mötley Crüe’s status in the hard rock genre.
3. “Looks That Kill” – Shout at the Devil, 1983
“Looks That Kill”, another standout track from Shout at the Devil, epitomizes Mötley Crüe’s seductive appeal. The song masterfully blends a dangerous sense of allure with unapologetic aggression, making it an iconic representation of the glam metal era.
From Vince Neil’s electrifying vocals and Mick Mars’ edgy guitar riffs to Nikki Sixx’s catchy bass lines and Tommy Lee’s thunderous drumming, every element of “Looks That Kill” screams Mötley Crüe. Its release marked a turning point in the band’s career, catapulting them into the spotlight and solidifying their status as rock music’s bad boys.
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4. “Too Young to Fall in Love”, Shout at the Devil, 1983
“Too Young to Fall in Love”, also from the Shout at the Devil album, is a slightly softer offering from Mötley Crüe that nonetheless retains their trademark edginess. The song explores the universal theme of youthful resistance to falling in love, delivered through the band’s characteristic hard-rocking style.
Vince Neil’s vocal performance stands out in this track, capturing the spirit of rebellion and independence. With Mick Mars’ sharp guitar work, Nikki Sixx’s melodious bass line, and Tommy Lee’s dynamic drumming, “Too Young to Fall in Love” serves as a powerful reminder of Mötley Crüe’s musical versatility and emotional depth.
5. “Home Sweet Home”, Theatre of Pain, 1985
“Home Sweet Home”, from their third studio album Theatre of Pain, is a poignant exploration of life on the road and the longing for home. This power ballad was a departure from Mötley Crüe’s typically raucous style, demonstrating the band’s ability to diversify their sound while maintaining their distinctive rock edge.
Tommy Lee’s beautiful piano intro sets the stage for Vince Neil’s heartfelt vocals, with the song eventually building to a crescendo featuring Mick Mars’ emotive guitar solo. “Home Sweet Home” left a lasting impact, effectively pioneering the trend of power ballads within the heavy metal genre.
6. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room”, Theatre of Pain, 1985
Originally a Brownsville Station song, Mötley Crüe’s rendition of “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” brought a dose of 80’s glam metal to the rebellious high school anthem. Found on their third album, Theatre of Pain, the track showcases the band’s talent for turning classic rock songs into something distinctly Mötley.
With Vince Neil’s compelling vocals, Nikki Sixx’s addictive bassline, and Mick Mars’ fiery guitar solos, the band brought a fresh, energetic interpretation to the song. Tommy Lee’s energetic drumming drives the rhythm forward, providing the perfect backbone for this hard-hitting track. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” serves as a nostalgic tribute to teenage rebellion, a theme that resonated deeply with the band’s audience.
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7. “Girls, Girls, Girls”, Girls, Girls, Girls, 1987
“Girls, Girls, Girls” is the title track of Mötley Crüe’s fourth studio album and is a quintessential anthem of the band’s notorious lifestyle. Featuring rousing guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Vince Neil’s gritty vocals, this song is an unapologetic celebration of the band’s rock and roll lifestyle.
This track illustrates Mötley Crüe’s carefree spirit and unrelenting pursuit of pleasure. With its evocative lyrics and infectious melody, “Girls, Girls, Girls” is a vivid encapsulation of the band’s hedonistic heyday. The track became an anthem for fans, embodying the wild, free-spirited ethos of 80s rock and roll.
8. “Wild Side”, Girls, Girls, Girls, 1987
“Wild Side”, another track from Girls, Girls, Girls, sees Mötley Crüe delving into the darker aspects of their lifestyle. It’s a heavier track with an edgy vibe, reflecting the band’s awareness of the flip side of their hard-partying ways.
This song is marked by its muscular rhythms, sinewy guitar riffs, and Neil’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, it showcases a more introspective side of the band, revealing their understanding of the potentially destructive elements of their lifestyle. “Wild Side” is a testament to Mötley Crüe’s ability to infuse their music with substance, even amidst the debauchery.
9. “Dr. Feelgood”, Dr. Feelgood, 1989
“Dr. Feelgood” serves as the title track of Mötley Crüe’s fifth studio album and stands as one of the band’s biggest hits. The song showcases a matured Mötley Crüe, delivering powerful social commentary wrapped in their signature high-energy sound.
Featuring an unforgettable guitar riff from Mick Mars and solid vocal work from Vince Neil, “Dr. Feelgood” is a potent critique of drug dealing and addiction. The song’s music and message resonate deeply, representing the band’s evolution while staying true to their rock roots. Its strong reception demonstrated the band’s ability to tackle serious issues while still delivering the rock anthems their fans loved.
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10. “Kickstart My Heart”, Dr. Feelgood, 1989
“Kickstart My Heart”, also from the Dr. Feelgood album, is a high-octane track inspired by Nikki Sixx’s infamous near-death experience. The song encapsulates Mötley Crüe’s tenacity and their determination to keep pushing boundaries.
With blistering guitar solos, intense drumming, and Neil’s high-energy vocals, “Kickstart My Heart” is a heart-pounding tribute to the band’s relentless spirit. It’s a hard-hitting, electrifying song that serves as a potent reminder of the band’s musical prowess and their unwavering zest for life.
11. “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)”, Dr. Feelgood, 1989
“Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” is another highlight from the Dr. Feelgood album. The song showcases Mötley Crüe’s ability to combine melodic hooks with their harder rock sound, producing a memorable and catchy tune.
Despite the breakup theme, there’s a certain playfulness in the lyrics and melody, brought to life by Vince Neil’s strong vocal performance. The dynamic interplay of Mick Mars’ guitar work and Nikki Sixx’s steady bass, all underpinned by Tommy Lee’s drums, gives the song a balanced, well-rounded sound. It’s a song that proves Mötley Crüe could deliver hard-hitting music with a sense of humor and a catchy refrain.
12. “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)”, Dr. Feelgood, 1989
“Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)” from the Dr. Feelgood album is a high-energy track with a catchy chorus and potent lyrical content. It showcases Mötley Crüe’s ability to address taboo subjects with their trademark combination of audacity and insight.
Vince Neil’s vocals provide a smooth contrast to Mick Mars’ driving guitar riffs, while Nikki Sixx’s bassline and Tommy Lee’s energetic drumming provide a rock-solid foundation. It’s an addictive song that stands as a testament to Mötley Crüe’s musical growth and their ability to craft powerful, engaging music.
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13. “Primal Scream”, Decade of Decadence, 1991
“Primal Scream”, from their compilation album Decade of Decadence, is a sonic exploration of the band’s edgier side. With raw, powerful vocals and intensely hard-hitting instrumentals, the track delivers a sound that’s distinctly Mötley Crüe.
With a potent mix of Mick Mars’ intense guitar work, Nikki Sixx’s robust bass lines, Tommy Lee’s dynamic drumming, and Vince Neil’s commanding vocals, “Primal Scream” is an unapologetically loud, forceful song. Its aggressive tone and intense energy highlight the band’s ability to create music that’s as compelling as it is heavy.
14. “Hooligan’s Holiday”, Mötley Crüe, 1994
“Hooligan’s Holiday”, from the self-titled 1994 album, marked a new era for Mötley Crüe with John Corabi on vocals. The track served to introduce fans to the band’s new sound, a little darker and more grunge-inspired than their glam metal heyday.
Despite the significant lineup change, “Hooligan’s Holiday” maintained the Crüe’s spirit of rebelliousness and their knack for creating memorable rock anthems. The song’s driving rhythm, gritty vocals, and compelling guitar work made it a standout track, demonstrating the band’s resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
15. “Saints of Los Angeles”, Saints of Los Angeles, 2008
The title track of their 2008 album, “Saints of Los Angeles”, represents Mötley Crüe’s triumphant return with their original line-up. It’s a fierce, punchy song that celebrates the band’s tumultuous journey and unwavering spirit.
With its strong, catchy chorus, powerful guitar riffs, and thundering rhythm section, “Saints of Los Angeles” encapsulates the band’s enduring appeal. Vince Neil’s iconic vocals, combined with the rock-solid musicianship of Mars, Sixx, and Lee, create a track that fits comfortably alongside the band’s most beloved anthems. It’s a fitting homage to their journey and a powerful statement of their enduring legacy.
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Final Thoughts On Motley Crue’s Best Songs
Mötley Crüe’s influence extends far beyond the ’80s glam metal scene from which they were born. Their music, charged with raw energy and lyrical depth, explored themes of rebellion, desire, and the bittersweet realities of life.
Today, their songs continue to resonate, serving as timeless reminders of a bygone era and the band that dared to defy expectations.
From their raucous anthems to their poignant ballads, Mötley Crüe’s music encapsulates the spirit of rock and roll. They were the voice of a generation, the soundtrack to countless memories, and the embodiment of the wild, untamed heart of rock music.
The band’s enduring appeal is a testament to their talent, their authenticity, and their unapologetic embrace of the rock and roll lifestyle.
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