Theatre of Pain, Mötley Crüe’s third album, is arguably marred with Vince Neil’s preceding arrest for drink driving and the manslaughter of Hanoi Rocks’ drummer, Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley. While this tragic event almost saw Mötley Crüe come to an abrupt end, the writing and subsequent recording of Theatre of Pain continued with the album ultimately being dedicated to Razzle.
While the reception to Theatre of Pain has been primarily mixed amongst critics and fans, despite achieving higher sales than Mötley’s previous albums, time has been kind to Theatre of Pain with a pop/rock styling that still sounds rather fresh and not overly reminiscent of the 80s music scene.
This review is based on the Apple Music stream, a non-Apple Digital Master, that is surprisingly mastered rather well, although there are differences that can be heard such as when going from the simply gorgeous Home Sweet Home to the little more muffled Tonight (We Need A Lover). It doesn’t destroy the album experience, but the shifts in mixing and mastering are noticeable between the different songs. Does it need a remaster? Perhaps, but one that approaches the source material with kid gloves for this Deluxe Version that this review is based upon is largely adequate and while there is the occasional sonic aspect that I’d change if given the chance, it is largely enjoyable and not fatiguing to the senses.
City Boy Blues is a solid opener but is a little slow to start. Nevertheless, once Mick Mars’ guitar riff gets the song moving, it isn’t bad.
Smokin’ In The Boys Room is a Brownsville Station cover and is a heavier interpretation than the original. As to which I prefer, I have to say that I like them both equally and really can’t choose. It comes down to how I feel on a particular day. If I want a more relaxed experience, I gravitate towards the Brownsville Station original, but if I want a little more rock and roll in my blues-based-rock music, then it is Mötley Crüe all the way.
Louder Than Hell has a killer presence about it. The drum and bass drive is enveloping and the mix is perfect with Neil’s vocal being a little recessed, thereby allowing the music to be at the forefront of the performance. I love it!
Keep Your Eye On The Money continues with the bolder sound signature and Mick Mars’ guitar licks steal the show. The cowbell, however, is a distraction and to be honest I’m not sure it’s needed.
Home Sweet Home is magnificent. It’s one of the best ballads of the 80s. Pure perfection!
Tonight (We Need A Lover) kicks things up a notch; a great rock and roll tune!
Use It Or Lose It has a killer guitar riff throughout. I think Vince, Tommy, and Nikki are somewhere in the mix, but this is another song where Mick Mars shines.
Save Our Souls is a killer blues-based rock song.
Raise Your Hands To Rock is anthem-infused rock that arguably would be perfect for stadium performances.
Fight For Your Rights is an incredible song and the perfect closer to the original album lineup. If you haven’t already, I suggest you turn the volume up, if for no other reason than Mars’ electrifying solo.
Home Sweet Home (Demo) is an incredible demo and while it isn’t quite as polished as the final album version, it remains pleasurable to listen to.
Smokin’ In The Boys Room (Alternate Guitar Solo-Rough Mix) is a great addition to the Deluxe Version of Theatre of Pain and offers a new perspective; I like it!
City Boy Blues (Demo) I, actually, prefer over the album version.
Home Sweet Home (Instrumental) is stunningly beautiful without the lyrical component as you can really hear every element and Tommy Lee’s drums are spectacular on this song with a perfect recording, pace, mix, and sound signature that sounds deep and fully developed. Yes, I acknowledge this is present on the main album recording as well, but when you strip away the vocal, the instrumental aspects come alive like never before.
Keep Your Eyes On The Money (Demo) isn’t bad, but that backing vocal is simply too much. Yes, I acknowledge that it’s a demo, but I’m glad when they recorded and mixed the final version that this aspect was adjusted.
Tommy’s Drum Piece From Cherokee Studios is a masterpiece and a perfect way to close out the Deluxe Version of Theatre of Pain.
Overall, Theatre of Pain is an incredible album that I thoroughly enjoy from start to finish and while I normally don’t enjoy Deluxe Versions that throw pointless demos, etc, into the album format, I find myself constantly enthralled when listening and while I love the original album tracking, closing out at Fight For Your Rights, Tommy’s Drum Piece From Cherokee Studios is an incredible addition and closer to the album that is sorely missed from the vinyl counterpart; perhaps a reason why I have yet to pick up the vinyl release. Either way, regardless of which version you decide to listen to, this is one album that you must have in your collection.