MUSIC REVIEW: MÖTLEY CRÜE – The Dirt Soundtrack

Label: Masters 2000, Inc. / Eleven Seven Music

Release Date: March 22, 2019

Rating: 98%

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Mötley Crüe’s The Dirt has been in the coming for so long most fans wondered if it was ever coming out.  The movie and accompanying soundtrack dropped March 22, 2019 and while there is a lot of chatter about the movie all over the internet, I have opted to keep my opinions related to the movie to myself and simply review the soundtrack… specifically the new tracks.  Let’s be honest, this disc is essentially a greatest hits disc from the bands inception through the Dr. Feelgood era, so every song is a rock classic that will please every Crüe fan and leave them wondering why some songs have been included and others skipped, but that is also a discussion for another day – we all have our favorite songs by our favorite artists and that is what makes us a killer rock and metal collective in that we can agree on one thing – Mötley Crüe helped change the game and the four new tracks on this disc are no different.  The title track and first track released, “The Dirt (Est. 1981)” is a killer slice of rock and roll that blends classic Mötley with modern rock and even tosses in a fun rap from one of the movie’s stars Machine Gun Kelly.  The guitar solo is killer on the bridge and the rhythm of the track is classic.  Does this sound like 1981 Mötley Crüe? Nope – but it shouldn’t.  As witnessed in the book (which I read) and the movie, these guys have been trough a lot and their sound has morphed as they have grown – and this song is living proof of that growth.  “Ride With The Devil” is the most diverse of the tracks recorded for this disc and to celebrate the movie.  This song delivers a cleaner and more polished Mötley Crüe sound with an different swagger and vibe than most songs from their catalog, but it somehow fits right in, even though it is different sonically, until the bridge kicks in, that is… the song delivers snippets of a “Kickstart My Heart” vibe before trapsing back into the polished groove.  “Crash And Burn” brings the heavier Crüe vibe to the party and swirls in some heavy handed bottom end from Tommy and Nikki on the drums and bass respectively.  Mick even lends some vocals to this track… listen carefully for his leads on guitar and vocals!  The recording of this track enhanced the classic sound of the band and helped it permeate the songs fabric.  The most confusing track is the cover the band opted for on this collection.  Keep in mind, they have covered Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock” and The Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy In The U.K.” and pulled them off… could they possibly do the same with a pop rock classic?  We find out soon enough, as they tackle Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” and I have to admit that while it took me a spin or two to adjust, I think the guys put the Mötley stamp on this killer track and pulled it off.  The guitars are cool and the vocals convey the rock quotient of this song with that Vince Neil vocal we are all accustomed to.  Keep in mind, Bob Rock lent guitars and vocals to these tracks as did John 5.  We aren’t sure how much is Mick and how much isn’t, but at the end of the day, do we really care which solo was played by who as long as Mötley Crüe is cranking out new material and covers?  I thought not…

Tracklisting: The Dirt (Est. 1981) – Red Hot – On With The Show-  Live Wire – Merry-Go-Round – Take Me To The Top – Piece Of Your Action – Shout At The Devil – Looks That Kill – Too Young To Fall In Love – Home Sweet Home – Girls, Girls, Girls – Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.) – Kickstart My Heart – Dr. Feelgood – Ride With The Devil – Crash And Burn – Like A Virgin

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Category: CD Reviews