MOTLEY CRUE - THEATRE OF PAIN

[RJhog (Admin)]

Theatre Of Pain was released on June 21, 1985.  It was Motley Crue's highest charting album to date, topping out at number 3.  At 4 X Platinum and with a top 20 single (Smokin' In The Boys Room), it stepped away from the more raw, heavier sound of the first two albums, to a more polished, glam rock sound.  At the time I loved it, but over time it has lost some luster for sure.  I still think side one is pretty good, but side two just has not held up.  What do you think?

1. Shout At The Devil

2. Too Fast For Love

3. Theatre Of Pain

[Scott]

I liked this at the time of release, probably more than I should have but oh well.. You're 100% right now.... It's half good

[Niels (Mod)]

I bought Shout At The Devil in 1983-84, hated it, saw this one in the shops, but resisted buying it. I think it got a lousy review in Kerrang! I bought Ratts "new" album instead, but it wasn't much better. What a load of crap-music (Mötley and Ratt)

[Scandal 2000]

I like Motley Crue but this is easily the worst album they ever did in my opinion.

[Lance Hanna]

Visually they went glam with this album, and musically they introduced the acoustic guitar and piano to the MTV era of "hair bands." The production on this album is weak, but the songs are pretty decent. I think it's odd that they chose to cover Smoking in the Boys Room AND make it the first single. They've continued to play this live throughout their career, and personally, I think it's weak compared to Louder than Hell, Use it or Lose it, or Raise Your Hands to Rock. Home Sweet Home from this album is obviously a classic that opened up the doors for ballad to be part of the "formula" for this genre.