Poison, emerging from the vibrant Los Angeles glam-rock scene of the 1980s, wasn’t just about flamboyant visuals; they delivered substantial commercial success, solidifying their place in music history with unforgettable songs. Bathed in the quintessential aura of the era – think Aqua Net, shimmering scarves, and striking makeup – Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett epitomized the Sunset Strip’s allure, rocketing to global fame and selling over 40 million records. Their music became synonymous with the good times and rebellious spirit of a generation.
The signature Poison songs that dominated the late ’80s, like “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Unskinny Bop,” were the ultimate pop-metal party anthems. They were infectious, fueled by suggestive lyrics, catchy guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and Bret Michaels’s charismatic vocals. As the band evolved into the 1990s with Flesh & Blood, a shift in musical texture began. Guitarists Richie Kotzen and Blues Saraceno brought in bluesier influences on albums like Native Tongue and Crack a Smile… and More!, stepping in after DeVille’s departure in 1991. Despite these later explorations, it’s 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!, that continues to define Poison for many fans. The original lineup has reunited multiple times, most recently touring North America with Def Leppard, proving their enduring appeal.
Let’s delve into ten Poison songs that truly exemplify their impact and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. These tracks are not just songs; they are anthems that capture the spirit of a generation and the enduring appeal of glam metal.
10. Poison – “SexyBack”
In 2007, Poison surprised fans with Poison’d, an album of covers that showcased their versatility and musical taste. Among the eclectic choices was a rendition of Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” a bold departure from their typical glam metal sound. This unexpected cover proved to be a surprisingly good fit within Poison’s repertoire. C.C. DeVille’s guitar work seamlessly replaced the original robotic synths (with a hint of cowbell adding a playful touch?), while the song’s inherent call-and-response chorus remained, delivering an entertaining and uniquely Poison-esque twist to a modern pop hit. It highlighted their ability to adapt and inject their personality into diverse musical styles.
9. Poison – “Nothin’ but a Good Time”
“Nothin’ but a Good Time” is Poison’s quintessential blue-collar anthem, resonating with anyone working hard and seeking release. The song’s simple yet poignant message celebrates the escape found in music, drinks, and camaraderie after a grueling day. The music video vividly portrays this, featuring a sweaty dishwasher symbolizing the everyday grind. Bret Michaels’s lyrics, “I raise a toast to all of us/Who are breakin’ our backs every day,” perfectly encapsulate this sentiment. The chorus, declaring, “If wanting the good life is such a crime/Lord, then put me away,” becomes a rebellious cry for the right to enjoy life amidst the hardships, making it a timeless working-class favorite and one of the band’s most relatable songs.
8. Poison – “I Won’t Forget You”
Every glam metal album of the era seemed to require a power ballad, and “I Won’t Forget You” from Look What the Cat Dragged In was Poison’s contribution. While perhaps not as celebrated as some of their other hits, it served its purpose as the album’s obligatory heartfelt moment. Driven by acoustic guitars and sincere vocals, the song explores a softer side of the band. Despite the album’s overall focus on partying and fleeting encounters, “I Won’t Forget You” attempts to convey a sense of longing for a special someone left behind. Although the sentimentality might be seen as somewhat formulaic, akin to a “99-cent greeting card,” it offered a contrast to the album’s more raucous tracks and showcased the band’s ability to handle a ballad, however straightforward.
7. Poison – “Fallen Angel”
“Fallen Angel” presents a cautionary narrative, a departure from Poison’s usual party-centric themes. The song tells the story of a young woman who comes to Los Angeles chasing dreams of fame, only to lose her innocence in the process. This theme likely resonated with the band’s own experiences on the Sunset Strip, witnessing countless individuals drawn to the glam metal scene with similar aspirations. Despite the somber subject matter – the pitfalls of the fast life – the song maintains an upbeat tempo and is infused with Poison’s signature cheerful gang vocals, creating an interesting juxtaposition between lyrical content and musical delivery. It’s a reminder that even within the seemingly carefree world of glam metal, there were real-life stories of ambition and its potential downsides.
6. Poison – “Your Mama Don’t Dance”
Poison injected fresh energy into Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” featured on Open Up and Say… Ahh!. They transformed the original rebel sock-hop tune into a high-octane glam metal anthem. By increasing the tempo, adding electrifying guitar riffs, and infusing it with their signature exuberance, Poison made the song their own. The track, which humorously recounts getting caught seeking romance at a drive-in, is delivered with a live recording feel, perfectly capturing the band’s energetic stage presence and their ability to revitalize a classic song for a new generation of rock fans. This cover became a staple in their live shows, showcasing their versatility beyond their original compositions.
5. Poison – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” marked a significant step forward for Poison in terms of songwriting maturity and chart success. This ballad, also from Open Up and Say… Ahh!, stands as a genuinely melancholic serenade about heartbreak, earning the band their only Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single. It surpasses “I Won’t Forget You” in emotional depth, hinting at deeper pain beneath the surface glamor. The song’s vulnerability and relatable theme of love gone wrong resonated widely, proving that Poison could connect with audiences on a more emotional level. Its success demonstrated their range and ability to craft songs that were both commercially appealing and emotionally resonant.
4. Poison – “Something to Believe In”
“Something to Believe In” from Flesh and Blood is arguably Poison’s most introspective and thought-provoking song. This piano-driven ballad delves into themes of faith and crisis, exploring personal and global tragedies. Bret Michaels touches upon heavy subjects like traumatized Vietnam veterans, social inequality, and personal loss, referencing the sudden death of his bodyguard on Christmas Eve. C.C. DeVille’s emotive guitar solo further amplifies the song’s somber and reflective mood. Reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100, “Something to Believe In” showed a different side of Poison, proving they could tackle serious topics and connect with listeners on a deeper, more meaningful level, beyond the party anthems they were known for.
3. Poison – “What I Like About You”
The lead single from Poison’d, “What I Like About You,” is a faithful and energetic cover of The Romantics’ 1980 hit. Poison’s rendition is a note-for-note recreation, complete with the harmonica solo and catchy handclaps of the original pop-rock track. This cover choice, and its high ranking here, highlights an essential element of Poison’s musicality. Stripped of the elaborate 80s production that characterized their earlier work, “What I Like About You” reveals Poison as a genuinely competent and enjoyable rock and roll band at their core. It underscores their solid musicianship and ability to deliver pure, unadulterated good-time rock music, even when covering material outside their glam metal comfort zone.
2. Poison – “Look What the Cat Dragged In”
The title track from Poison’s debut album, “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” is a raw and unapologetic anthem of hedonism. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of non-stop partying and excess: “I went to bed too late and got up too soon/My poor head’s still spinning from too much booze.” The song captures the chaotic energy of a lifestyle fueled by late nights and indulgence. The rapid tempo and frenetic energy of the track reflect the desperation inherent in the cycle of “sin after sin,” as Michaels sings. It’s a quintessential glam metal track that encapsulates the band’s early image and their embrace of a lifestyle of excess and rebellion, solidifying their place in the 80s rock scene.
1. Poison – “Talk Dirty to Me”
“Talk Dirty to Me” reigns supreme as the ultimate Poison anthem. C.C. DeVille’s iconic guitar intro sets the stage for a song that epitomizes youthful exuberance and lustful bravado. The song’s opening line, “C.C., pick up that guitar and talk to me!” is instantly recognizable and iconic. No other Poison song embodies the spirit of being young, carefree, and romantically adventurous with such swagger and playful confidence. “Talk Dirty to Me” is pure, unadulterated fun, capturing the thrill of the chase and the excitement of forbidden encounters. Its themes of sneaking around for romance in basements, bushes, and back seats are universally relatable to the teenage experience of sexual frustration and exploration. Complete with Bret Michaels’s signature “Whoooooo!” at the end, “Talk Dirty to Me” is the quintessential glam-rock guilty pleasure and Poison’s most iconic and celebrated song.
