"Open Up and Say Ahh": A Comprehensive Guide to Poison's Classic Album

Introduction

Released in 1986, Poison's debut album "Open Up and Say Ahh" became an instant sensation, cementing the band's status as one of the greatest hair metal bands of all time. The album's catchy melodies, infectious hooks, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics resonated with fans worldwide, propelling it to sell over 5 million copies in the United States alone.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the album's history, its impact on the music industry, and its enduring legacy. We will explore the album's songwriting, production, and marketing, and provide expert analysis of its critical and commercial success.

Songwriting and Production

Lyrical Themes

Poison's lyrics on "Open Up and Say Ahh" are a mix of hard-rocking anthems, comedic escapades, and romantic ballads. Songs like "Talk Dirty to Me" and "I Wanna Be with You" showcase the band's knack for crafting catchy, sexually charged lyrics that appealed to teenage audiences. On the other hand, tracks like "Something to Believe In" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" reveal a more introspective side of the band, exploring themes of loneliness and heartbreak.

Musical Style

Musically, "Open Up and Say Ahh" is a prime example of 1980s hair metal. The album features high-octane guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and pounding drums. The band's sound was heavily influenced by bands like Def Leppard and Van Halen, but they also incorporated elements of pop, glam rock, and even country music.

Production Values

The album was produced by Tom Werman, known for his work with Mötley Crüe and Dokken. Werman's production style gave the album a polished, radio-friendly sound that helped propel it to commercial success. The album's guitars are crisp and distorted, the drums are thunderous, and the vocals are layered and treated with reverb.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing Campaign

The marketing campaign for "Open Up and Say Ahh" was nothing short of brilliant. The band's record label, Enigma Records, invested heavily in advertising, placing billboards and magazine ads featuring the band's iconic logo and suggestive lyrics. The band also embarked on a high-profile tour with Bon Jovi and Warrant, further solidifying their status as a rising star.

Music Videos

In the MTV era, music videos were essential for promoting albums. Poison's videos for "Talk Dirty to Me" and "I Wanna Be with You" were instant hits, receiving heavy airplay and helping to introduce the band to a wider audience. The videos' racy content and humor appealed to the MTV generation, solidifying the band's reputation as a fun and energetic live act.

Critical and Commercial Success

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "Open Up and Say Ahh" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the band's catchy songwriting and radio-friendly production, while others criticized the album's lack of originality and substance. However, the album's commercial success more than made up for its mixed critical reception.

Commercial Success

The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and remained in the top 40 for over a year. It spawned four top-10 singles, including the number-one hit "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." The album's success catapulted Poison to the forefront of the hair metal movement and helped establish them as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s.

Impact on the Music Industry

Hair Metal Movement

"Open Up and Say Ahh" played a significant role in the rise of the hair metal movement. The album's success gave other bands in the genre, such as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Mötley Crüe, the confidence to pursue a similar sound. It also helped to popularize the genre's signature style, characterized by big hair, flashy clothing, and anthemic rock songs.

Mainstream Appeal

Hair metal bands like Poison had a major impact on mainstream culture. Their albums were played on radio and MTV, and their concerts were attended by millions of fans. The genre's popularity helped to bridge the gap between hard rock and pop music, making it more acceptable to a wider audience.

Enduring Legacy

Legacy

Over three decades after its release, "Open Up and Say Ahh" remains a landmark album in the hair metal genre. Its catchy songs, witty lyrics, and infectious energy continue to resonate with fans worldwide. The album has been reissued and remastered several times, and it has inspired countless other bands to pursue a similar sound.

Essential Tracks

Here are some of the essential tracks from "Open Up and Say Ahh":

1. Talk Dirty to Me

2. I Wanna Be with You

3. Every Rose Has Its Thorn

4. Cry Tough

5. Look But Don't Touch

Useful Tables

Worldwide Album Sales:

Comparison of Original and Remastered Versions:

Humorous Stories

The Time Bret Michaels Lost His Pants:

During a concert in the 1980s, lead singer Bret Michaels lost his pants while performing "Talk Dirty to Me." The crowd roared with laughter as he scrambled to cover himself with a towel. Michaels later joked that it was "the best wardrobe malfunction of my career."

The Time CC DeVille Was Arrested for Dognapping:

Guitarist CC DeVille was arrested in 1989 for allegedly dognapping a poodle from a woman in a hotel lobby. DeVille claimed the dog was a stray, but he was still charged with a misdemeanor. The incident became tabloid fodder, further cementing the band's reputation as wild and unpredictable.

The Time Poison Opened for Bon Jovi on a Unicycle:

In the early days of their career, Poison opened for Bon Jovi on a unicycle. The band's performance was so energetic that they caused the stage to collapse, sending instruments and band members flying. The incident became a legendary tale in rock and roll history.

Step-by-Step Approach to Appreciating "Open Up and Say Ahh"

1. Listen to the album in its entirety. Start with the opening track and listen to each song in order. This will give you a sense of the album's overall flow and atmosphere.
2. Read the lyrics. Pay attention to the band's clever and often humorous wordplay.
3. Watch the music videos. The videos for "Talk Dirty to Me" and "I Wanna Be with You" are essential viewing for any fan of the album.
4. Attend a Poison concert. If you have the opportunity, see Poison live. Their high-energy performances are a sight to behold.
5. Talk to other fans. Discuss the album with friends, family members, or fellow music enthusiasts. Sharing your thoughts and insights can deepen your appreciation for the album.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Catchy songs with infectious hooks
• Humorous and witty lyrics
• High-energy production values
• Classic hair metal sound

Cons:

• Some critics find the lyrics too simplistic or juvenile
• The album's formulaic nature can become repetitive
• The production values can be dated by today's standards

Conclusion

"Open Up and Say Ahh" is more than just a classic hair metal album; it is a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide. Its catchy songs, clever lyrics, and infectious energy have made it one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band's music, "Open Up and Say Ahh" is an album that deserves a place in your collection.