Emerging from the dazzling chaos of the 1980s Los Angeles glam rock scene, Poison wasn’t just another band with big hair and flashy clothes; they were a commercial powerhouse whose music left an indelible mark. Bathed in the glow of hairspray, adorned with glitter, and sporting striking makeup, Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett were the faces of a movement that conquered the Sunset Strip and then the world. Selling over 40 million records, Poison’s songs became the soundtrack for a generation seeking good times and rock ‘n’ roll thrills.
The early Poison Songs, the ones that propelled them to fame in the late 80s, were the epitome of pop-metal party anthems. Tracks like “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Unskinny Bop” were brimming with playful come-ons, catchy guitar riffs, solid drum beats, and Bret Michaels’ signature flirtatious vocals. As the band evolved into the 1990s with the album Flesh & Blood, a shift began. With guitarists Richie Kotzen and Blues Saraceno stepping in, the band explored bluesier textures on albums like Native Tongue and Crack a Smile… and More!. Yet, it’s undeniable that the raw, over-the-top energy of their first two albums, 1986’s Look What the Cat Dragged In and 1988’s Open Up and Say… Ahh!, remains their most iconic work. The original lineup has reunited multiple times since, most recently touring North America with Def Leppard, proving the enduring appeal of those classic Poison songs.
10. Poison – “SexyBack”
After achieving top 10 Billboard Hot 100 success in 1989 with their cover of Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” Poison surprised fans in 2007 with Poison’d, an entire album of covers. Among the eclectic choices was Justin Timberlake’s, Timbaland’s, and Nate “Danja” Hills’ hit “SexyBack,” a decidedly modern track that, surprisingly, found a comfortable place within Poison’s repertoire. C.C. DeVille’s guitar steps in for the original robotic synths, adding a signature rock edge, and the song’s call-and-response chorus remains as infectious as ever. This unexpected cover highlighted Poison’s ability to adapt and inject their glam metal spirit into diverse musical landscapes, proving that even a contemporary pop hit could be transformed into a quintessential Poison song.
9. Poison – “Nothin’ but a Good Time”
“Nothin’ but a Good Time” is Poison’s blue-collar anthem, a straightforward celebration of escapism and the working class spirit. It perfectly captures the desire to break free from the daily grind, a sentiment universally relatable. The song acknowledges the hard work – “bustin’ your hump like the sweaty dishwasher” depicted in the music video – and positions the pursuit of “booze, music and women” not just as indulgence, but as a form of survival, a necessary release. Bret Michaels’ rallying cry, “I raise a toast to all of us/Who are breakin’ our backs every day,” resonates deeply, declaring, “If wanting the good life is such a crime/Lord, then put me away.” This Poison song is more than just a party track; it’s an ode to the hardworking individuals seeking moments of joy amidst life’s pressures.
8. Poison – “I Won’t Forget You”
Every glam metal album of the era needed a power ballad, and for Look What the Cat Dragged In, that ballad was “I Won’t Forget You.” It stands apart from the album’s usual celebratory sleaze, offering a moment of supposed vulnerability. Built around acoustic guitars and heartfelt vocals, the lyrics express a longing for a special girl back home amidst the temptations of the road. While lyrically simple – perhaps as profound as “a 99-cent greeting card” – the song’s earnest delivery resonated with audiences. “I Won’t Forget You” provides a glimpse of sentimentality beneath the surface of Poison’s party-hard image, suggesting that even amidst fleeting encounters, memories of deeper connections linger. It’s a classic example of a Poison song that balances their rock energy with softer, emotional undertones.
7. Poison – “Fallen Angel”
“Fallen Angel” delivers a cautionary tale, a narrative about the pitfalls of chasing dreams in the dazzling but often harsh environment of Los Angeles. The song likely draws from Poison’s own observations of countless young women who flocked to LA, hoping to become part of the glam rock scene, often as “arm candy” for bands. Despite the somber theme of innocence lost and the dangers of the fast lane, “Fallen Angel” is delivered with an upbeat tempo and Poison’s signature catchy gang vocals. This juxtaposition of lyrical content and musical style is typical of Poison songs, making even serious themes palatable and engaging. It’s a reminder that even within the seemingly carefree world of glam metal, there were real-life stories of ambition and its consequences.
6. Poison – “Your Mama Don’t Dance”
Poison injected new life into Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” featured on Open Up and Say… Ahh!. They transformed the original rebel sock-hop tune, which humorously laments getting caught seeking romance at the drive-in, into a high-energy rock anthem. Poison amplified the tempo, added electric guitar flourishes, and infused it with their signature exuberant performance style. The live recording setting of Poison’s version perfectly captures the band’s energetic delivery and their sheer enjoyment of playing the song. This cover is a testament to Poison’s ability to take a song from a different genre and make it distinctly their own, turning it into a quintessential Poison song with their glam metal stamp.
5. Poison – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” represents Poison’s balladry at its finest, both in terms of songwriting and commercial success. This genuinely melancholic song about heartbreak, also from Open Up and Say… Ahh!, became the band’s only Hot 100 No. 1 hit. It possesses a sincerity that surpasses “I Won’t Forget You,” hinting at deeper emotional currents beneath Poison’s often flamboyant exterior. The song’s vulnerability resonated with a wide audience, proving that Poison songs could explore genuine emotion without sacrificing their signature appeal. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” remains one of their most enduring and beloved tracks, showcasing the band’s range and songwriting maturity.
4. Poison – “Something to Believe In”
“Something to Believe In,” a piano-driven ballad from Flesh and Blood, marked a departure for Poison, delving into more introspective and socially conscious themes. Bret Michaels sings about personal and broader tragedies, referencing traumatized Vietnam veterans, social inequality, and the sudden loss of his bodyguard on Christmas Eve. The song tackles themes of faith and hope in the face of adversity, a stark contrast to their earlier party anthems. C.C. DeVille’s emotive guitar solo further enhances the song’s poignant mood. Reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100, “Something to Believe In” demonstrated Poison’s ability to evolve musically and lyrically, creating Poison songs that addressed more serious subjects and resonated with a deeper emotional resonance.
3. Poison – “What I Like About You”
The lead single from Poison’d is a faithful, energetic rendition of The Romantics’ 1980 pop-rock hit, “What I Like About You.” Poison’s version is a note-for-note recreation, complete with the harmonica solo and catchy handclaps, showcasing their appreciation for classic rock and pop influences. This track ranks higher than some of their more famous original songs because it reveals Poison’s core musicality. Stripped of the typical 80s production excesses that define much of their earlier work, “What I Like About You” highlights Poison as a genuinely competent and entertaining rock and roll band at their heart. It’s a testament to their musical foundations and their ability to deliver a pure, unadulterated good-time rock song.
2. Poison – “Look What the Cat Dragged In”
The title track of Poison’s debut album, “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” is a raw and unapologetic anthem of hedonism. Bret Michaels vividly describes the consequences of a life lived on the edge: “I went to bed too late and got up too soon/My poor head’s still spinning from too much booze.” The song details the chaotic lifestyle of endless partying and fleeting relationships, symbolized by the “two ladies who are in his ‘no-tell, hotel, motel bed’.” The song’s rapid tempo and driving energy amplify the sense of desperation and the relentless cycle of “sin after sin.” “Look What the Cat Dragged In” is a quintessential Poison song, embodying the band’s early image and their embrace of a wild, unrestrained lifestyle.
1. Poison – “Talk Dirty to Me”
“C.C., pick up that guitar and talk to me!” No other Poison song encapsulates youthful exuberance, rebelliousness, and raw sexuality with such confidence and swagger as “Talk Dirty to Me.” It is the ultimate Poison anthem, outrageously fun and instantly infectious. The song perfectly captures the teenage pursuit of forbidden romance, the thrill of sneaking around “in basements, bushes, and back seats” in search of excitement and satisfaction. “Talk Dirty to Me” is the quintessential glam-rock guilty pleasure, complete with Bret Michaels’ iconic “Whoooooo!” at the song’s close. It remains Poison’s signature track, the song that defines their early sound and continues to ignite audiences with its unrestrained energy and playful attitude, solidifying its place as the number one Poison song.
