The Greatest Album Is...Crack A Smile

Every band that has been around for a while and released great records runs into this debate; what is their greatest album? The greatest album is… is a column dedicated to tackling that age old question. What is the greatest album recorded by Poison? Join with us now as the question is answered and arguments are made that the greatest Poison album is Crack A Smile.  

When Poison went to record their fifth studio album, Crack A Smile, they were at a crossroads. Long gone was original guitarist C.C. DeVille. His replacement, Richie Kotzen had been fired from the band after it was discovered he was having an affair with drummer Rikki Rockett’s fiancé. Blues Saraceno came in and took over lead guitar duties. Glam was a dying musical genre, and while their previous album Native Tongue had decent sales numbers, they paled in comparison to the first three Poison records. The band had also changed their musical style from glam slam party jams, to socio-political blues rock. It was a huge change that fans had a hard time accepting. So, when Poison went into the studio to record Crack A Smile everything was conspiring against them. They had to make a hit record or their career could be over.

There are very few Poison fans that would choose Crack A Smile as the band’s greatest album. It wasn’t recorded with beloved guitarist C.C. DeVille. It was released five years after it was finished and the band had moved on from those songs. There are no concert staples contained on the record because none of the songs have ever been played live. It’s hard for fans to even know this album, let alone embrace it as the best. Yet, once the album has been consumed a few times, the beauty of the record clearly comes into focus.

Crack A Smile showed that Poison was going back to their party style of glam metal, leaving the seriousness of Native Tongue in the past. Returning to their roots paid big dividends musically. Poison was loose and fun on this record, having a party with their music, and they produced songs that are as classic as any material from their first three records. Except for the cover of the Dr. Hook hit “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” the entire band wrote every song for this release together. And it is that band unity that makes these songs so strong, focused, and fun.

Sexually charged fantasy songs are plentiful with “Best Thing You Ever Had,” “Shut Up, Make Love,” “Baby Gets Around A Bit,” and “Sexual Thing.” All these songs focus on the theme of being used just for sex and that is not portrayed as a negative. It’s taken more tongue in cheek and shows the humorous side of a man being used just for his body. Every boy’s fantasy. Poison hit the mark with songs like these and if Crack A Smile was released in 1987 these all would have been top ten hits.  

Power ballads are also accounted for with “Be The One,” and “Lay Your Body Down.” Poison reminds everyone how power ballads are done with both these songs. They are magnificent beauties that show the ability to write majestic slow jams. And while neither song is as grand as “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” both are amazing in their own right.

“Lay Your Body Down” was even released on the band’s greatest hits record, which ironically came out before Crack A Smile. “Lay Your Body Down” is the stronger of the two with some of the best lyrics the band has ever crafted. The opening lines of “I spend my life waiting for that famous final scene…I believe you know the one…where she falls in love with me” are just fantastic! It’s great artistic writing, painting a scene and setting up the rest of what is to come. “Lay Your Body Down” could give “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” a challenge for best Poison ballad. And while it probably wouldn’t win it would be a close race. “Lay Your Body Down” is stunning.

One of Poison’s best songs is also included on Crack A Smile. “No Ring, No Gets” is a tremendous, light hearted, humorous track that has fun with a serious topic. Blues Saraceno shows off his skills with the solo and the beat of this tune make it a great sing along song. “No Ring, No Gets” would have been a huge concert staple if it was recorded at a different time in the bands career. As it is, Poison should consider adding this gem to their set for upcoming tours. Even the fans who don’t know the song would fall in love with it after one listen.

Crack A Smile is the best work Poison ever recorded and that level of talent would carry over for the studio songs that were included on Power To The People. Even with a new guitarist, Poison was at the top of the mountain with Crack A Smile. If this album had been released at an earlier time in the band’s career it would be as beloved as their first three records are. Unfortunately, Crack A Smile suffered from poor timing and genre preference changes. Thus, it is a record that not a lot of fans know about, and the ones that do are die-hards only. The casual fan has never heard Crack A Smile and that’s the real shame.

The greatest album is…Crack A Smile.

Vital Statistics

Release Date: March 14, 2000

Produced By: John Purdell and Duane Baron

RIAA Sales: Did not receive certification

Peak Position on the US Charts: 131

The album was recorded in 1994 and 1995 but put “on hold” by Capitol records. It would finally be released in 2000 with bonus tracks, due to fan demand.

“Sexual Thing” and “Lay Your Body Down” were previously released on Poison’s greatest hits album.

No song from this record has ever been played live by Poison.

Singles

Shut Up, Make Love

Be the One

Track Listing

Best Thing You Ever Had

Shut Up, Make Love

Baby Gets Around A Bit

Cover of the Rolling Stone

Be The One

Mr. Smiley

Sexual Thing

Lay Your Body Down

No Ring, No Gets

That’s the Way I Like It

Tragically Unhip

Doin’ As I See on My TV

Band Members

Bret Michaels – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards

Rikki Rockett -drums, percussion

Bobby Dall – bass, backing vocals

Blues Saraceno – lead guitar, piano, backing vocals

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - LOST Finale Edition

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of the ABC show, LOST. I’ve been a watcher since day one and was a fanatic by the fourth episode. I have come back for every episode since. I own the first five seasons on DVD and when this final season comes out, I will own that too.

Sunday night (May 23rd), ABC will air the final episode of the show. For six years I have followed every action these characters have made. I’ve spent endless hours discussing, debating, analyzing, theorizing, and trying to figure out what’s going to happen next. Some of the plots I nailed, but most of them I was off on (way off in some cases). Whether I was right or wrong didn’t matter. What mattered was the fact that I spent so much time theorizing and analyzing a television show. It was pure enjoyment, and it maximized the entertainment value.

I’m going to watch the final episode with mixed feelings. I know that I will watch it again (I’ve seen ever episode of this show at least three times, most of them more than that), but you can only see it for the first time once. This season hasn’t been the best for LOST. That could be due to the fact that it’s the end, but it could also be the direction the show is moving in. However, every finale has been mind-blowing fantastic entertainment, and I expect that this one will be no different. ABC will also be airing a 2-hour special prior to the season finale, giving me 4.5 hours of LOST. Add in a Jimmy Kimmel LOST special following the season finale and you get 5.5 hours of LOST finale. Monday is going to be a wee bit rough for your cousin Ryo.

And while I was contemplating how this show is going to end, here’s what rocked this week:

Dave Matthews Band Not Touring For 2011
After touring consecutively for 20 years in a row (is that a record?), DMB will take a much needed break from the road in 2011. This summer’s tour will be the last time we see the band live until 2012. Personally, I think it’s great that they’re taking a break, as long as it’s just that… a break. No permanent hiatus, please. This summer’s tour dates are included in the link.

Axl Rose Battling Irving Azoff
A lot of talk, talk, talk. I don’t know who to believe here. Axl is notorious for misremembering the truth and Irving Azoff is a greedy corporate pig. Just shut up and tour the US already. Or go back in the studio and record Chinese Democracy II so we can have it by Christmas…2021.

Bret Michael’s Reality Star…?
Allyson over at Bring Back Glam! wants to know why Bret Michaels needs to do a reality show. I think it’s because he craves relevance. His band, Poison, is not putting out any new material, and as much as the fans love him, his solo material is not going to sell like gangbusters. Bret needs to feel important and worshipped – VH1 TV gives him that. The same way Family Jewels gives it to Gene Simmons and The Osbournes gave it to Ozzy.

Rest In Peace – Ronnie James Dio
We close on a sad note. As I am sure most of you know, Ronnie James Dio passed away from stomach cancer last weekend. His music, his message, and his metal will be missed.

For more metal horns, updated news, concert reviews, and partying like an 80s glam child, you should follow me on Twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Mother's Day Edition

This Sunday (May 9th) is Mother’s Day here in the US. It’s a day to reflect and remember Mom for all the wonderful things she has done. First and foremost she gave birth to us. In my case, my mother put up with a lot when I was a youth, especially in my teenage years. No matter the situation however, Mom was always there for me.

Mom got me into music in a big, big way (http://rockandrollguru.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-it-all-began.html) and I’ll always be grateful for that. I will be sure to call her for Mother’s Day (she lives in Florida and I’m in New Jersey, so taking her to brunch is not possible) and I sent a card (w/ gift) in the mail. Take a moment to remember Mom this weekend. Call her, send a card, clean her yard, whatever. Just take a moment to say thanks, Mom. She’ll appreciate it.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Bret Michaels Out Of The Hospital
Taking a major turn toward full recovery, Bret Michaels has been released from the hospital. This is fantastic news. I was very worried for a while, but fortunately Bret was able to pull through and doctors say he is going to be just fine. He may even be back out on the road sooner than we think. I just hope he chooses not to rush his recovery and allows himself the time to rest that he needs.

The Rolling Stone Staff Are Now Blogging
Just released this week, some of your favorite staff writers from Rolling Stone magazine will be blogging regularly for all to enjoy. Rolling Stone.com has totally remade their website and this was a big part of the re-launch. Perhaps they were a little worried that Cousin Ryo was taking some of their market share.

Pearl Jam Offering Lots Of Goodies This Summer
Has it really been ten years since Pearl Jam started their bootleg offerings? Wow! What excites me most about this article, however, is that Pearl Jam will finally be releasing the final shows from the Spectrum (from October of 2009). I’ve heard bootleg copies of these shows, but to have an official box set release has me salivating.

For more news, reviews, commentary, quips, and shenanigans, you should follow me on Twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Home Repairs Edition

Mrs. Vie and I have been living through some home repair for the last two weeks. A good friend of your cousin Ryo has been working on the house. Painting, new lighting, and new flooring have all been taking place these past two weeks. It’s been a challenge living through the repairs. Doors and handrails are constantly off and not where they belong. The floor has been nothing but plywood for the past two days. It’s rough, but when it is all finished, it is going to look gorgeous. That is going to make Cathy and I very happy. With a little luck, everything will be complete next week. I have my fingers crossed, because I would like to have my house back.

And while I was dealing with the constant thumping of hammers and nails, here’s what rocked this week:

Bret Michaels Hospitalized
We start on a sad note and with a prayer of hope for Bret Michaels. About a week ago he was rushed to the hospital with what turned out to be a brain hemorrhage. He has undergone emergency surgery and is in stable, condition. Doctors are very hopeful for a full recovery.

Growing up, Poison was one of my favorite bands, and they got me through some difficult times in my life. They also are responsible for a lot of joy in my life. In high school, I even performed in the lip synch as Bret Michaels. I am hoping that Bret will make a full recovery, but a surgery of this nature is very serious.

Here’s some news and commentary on Bret (from a couple of my favorite sites):

http://hardrockhideout.com/2010/04/27/bret-michaels-medical-update

http://www.bringbackglam.com/journal/2010/4/28/regarding-bret-michaels-were-being-watched.html


The Carnival Of Madness Tour
A brand new travelling hard rock tour has been announced! Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Chevelle, Sevendust, and 10 Years are teaming up to bring you the Carnival of Madness tour. With tickets starting at only $20, how can you not attend this show?

Ozzy Osbourne’s New Album – Cover Art
The cover art for Ozzy’s new CD (due on June 15th) has been released. It looks pretty cool to me. I will admit, I’m liking the new song, Scream, a lot. A real lot. This may be the first Ozzy album on a long time that I pick up.

A Nostalgic Review of Ace Frehley’s 1978 Solo Album
Heavy Metal Addiction posted this review of Ace’s first solo album. I know you can find a review of this album just about anywhere, but I like the nostalgic touch that HMA put on the review. I can relate to a lot of it, especially spending hours in a record store educating myself about music. This is a fun (and fond) read. Enjoy!

For more news, quips, head banging, and air guitar fun, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie