Living Is A Luxury

For the past week, I've been listening to Vince Neil's first solo effort Exposed. If you don't own this disc, click the link and add to your Amazon cart. This album is a must own for every Motley Crue fan.

Vince recorded Exposed after his split with the world's most notorious rock band. As we know, the remaining members of Motley Crue replaced Vince with John Corabi. Not to be outdone, Vince created a super group of sorts as support musicians. He also enlisted the song writing talents of dynamic duo Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades (Shaw/Blades, Damn Yankees).

Exposed was released in 1993 on the Warner Bros. label and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard chart.

The track listing looks like this:

Look In Her Eyes
Sister Of Pain
Can't Have Your Cake
Fine, Fine Wine
The Edge
Can't Change Me
Set Me Free
Living Is A Luxury
You're Invited (But Your Friend Can't Come)
Gettin' Hard
Forever

Of all the tracks, "Sister of Pain" is the strongest and most Motley-esque. Musicians backing Vince include guitarists Steve Stevens and Dave Marshall, bassist Robbie Crane and drummer Vik Foxx. Steve Stevens really shines on this album, especially during "Sister of Pain." Debut single "You're Invited (But Your Friend Can't Come)" is a fun, upbeat track, but there are better songs on this disc (this track was originally recorded for the Encino Man soundtrack). Check out "Can't Have Your Cake" and "Living is a Luxury." Ballad "Can't Change Me" is good for a spin and proves that Vince really can sing (all nay sayers be damned!).

A little background now on the Vince Neil band. Steve Stevens is an accomplished guitarist that oozes good looks. He's played for Vince and Billy Idol, and has enjoyed a fairly successful solo career. Dave Marshall has played with Fiona and Slaughter and Robbie Crane is best known for his work with Love/Hate. Drummer Vik Foxx was the original drummer for Enuff Z'nuff.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this album a solid 9. Here's a video for the single "Can't Change Me." Enjoy!

Comments

[aXe mAn]

I agree! "Exposed" is a great album!
Vince Neil is one of my favorite vocalists!

[Hard Rock Hideout]

Definitely essential for any Crue fan! Steve Stevens is a superb guitarist.

[Rhodeislandrock]

Thanks, now I have to find it and play the thing to death! I remember this coming out and thinking: "Vince won". Much better than Motley's album with Corabi. I haven't listened to this in years, time for a revisit.

[Christian Graus]

I agree, I just listened to this again the other day . 'Atomic Playboys' is an awesome Steve Stephens album as well. I do like the S/T Motley album, but Vince did a better job of making a 'Motley' album, for sure.

I have the video to Sister of Pain, it came out on a cheap compilation. I wish they'd put his solo songs on the Motley DVD. I have 'You're invited but your friend can't come' as well, on a Korean compilation DVD, but I'd not seen the 'Can't change me' video, so thanks for that.

[Daniel Fernández]

The songs from Exposed are really cool! I have benn a Mötley's fan since I was a kid, then I listen to the Neil solo album and I think is one of the most rocking albums after the split of a band. I am from Guatemala and it was hard for me to get it, but it was until the internet that I could have it. It is a shame that this can of metal is not produced on this days, but it is good to have this forever-living albums so we can enjoy them!!!