Album Information Section
Album Title: Open Up and Say… Ahh!
Artist: Poison
Original Release Date: May 3, 1988
Label: Unknown Label
Genres: Glam Metal, Hard Rock
- 1. Love on the Rocks (3:34)
- 2. Nothin’ but a Good Time (3:45)
- 3. Back to the Rocking Horse (3:36)
- 4. Good Love (2:52)
- 5. Tearin’ Down the Walls (3:51)
- 6. Look but You Can’t Touch (3:26)
- 7. Fallen Angel (3:59)
- 8. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (4:20)
- 9. Your Mama Don’t Dance (3:01)
- 10. Bad to Be Good (4:04)
Recording Information
Open Up and Say… Ahh! was recorded at the famed Cherokee Studios located in Los Angeles, California. The recording sessions took place in 1987, a period characterized by the band’s rise to fame. The album was produced by the renowned Bruce Fairbairn, whose work with other acts in the genre solidified his reputation. The engineering responsibilities were handled by Mike Fraser, who utilized a mix of analog and digital recording techniques that were prevalent in the late ’80s.
Notably, the album features the use of state-of-the-art equipment for the time, including the use of a Fairchild compressor for vocals and guitars, which lent a polished sound to the final product. One interesting production note is that the band was known for their energetic live performances, and this album aimed to capture that spirit, resulting in a sound that was both polished yet brimming with raw energy.
Band Context
At the time of the album’s release, Poison was riding a wave of success from their debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In, which had established them as a leading act in the glam metal scene. The band’s lineup during this recording consisted of Bret Michaels (lead vocals, guitar), C.C. DeVille (lead guitar), Bobby Dall (bass), and Rikki Rockett (drums). Their flamboyant style and catchy hooks made them a staple on MTV, which was instrumental in promoting their image and music.
Prior to Open Up and Say… Ahh!, the band had enjoyed commercial success, but they were also dealing with the pressures of fame and the music industry’s demands. The period leading up to this album was marked by internal conflicts, particularly concerning the band’s direction and C.C. DeVille’s struggles with substance abuse, which would later affect their dynamic. However, the camaraderie in the band during the recording sessions produced a cohesive album that resonated with fans.
Track Commentary
Open Up and Say… Ahh! features a blend of catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, hallmarks of Poison’s signature sound. The opening track, “Love on the Rocks,” sets the tone with its upbeat rhythm and engaging melodies. The standout hit from the album, “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” became an anthem for the party lifestyle that defined the glam metal era, receiving considerable airplay and chart success.
Other notable tracks include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” a power ballad that showcases Bret Michaels’ emotive vocal delivery and became one of Poison’s most enduring songs. Its poignant lyrics and acoustic arrangement contrasted sharply with the band’s typical hard rock sound, allowing them to reach a broader audience. “Fallen Angel” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance” also received significant attention, with the former addressing themes of lost innocence and the latter delivering a fun, lively rock vibe that resonated with fans.
The album was met with largely positive critical reception upon its release, praised for its catchy songwriting and energetic performances. Today, Open Up and Say… Ahh! is often regarded as a classic within the glam metal genre, solidifying Poison’s place in rock history and leaving a legacy that continues to influence new generations of musicians.
