Artist: Poison 
   Title: Crack A Smile .... And More!
   Label: Capitol Records

One of the first things you'll notice about this album is that it contains 20, yes count them 20! tracks. As well as a whole host of gorgeous new tracks it also includes some very tasty unplugged versions taken from the MTV session which took place in 1990.

In the great glam invasion of the 80's Poison were up there in the top 5 bands, however as things changed in the early 90's Poison decided to bow out in style, like so many other rock legends at that time.

This album shows that Poison have matured and although still full of glam and all the usual thrills that go with it, this time around the songs are much tighter and more musically gifted than those of the past.

There are so many tracks that make this album not only a veritable gem, but should also appear on every rock DJ worth their salts playlist.

There's plenty of tracks to dance to on this album which are equally radio friendly, that they really have no excuse to ignore the band this time around. I'm sure a lot of bands will identify with the tongue in cheek song 'Cover of The Rolling Stone'.

'Tragically Unhip' and 'Do it as I seen on my TV' seem almost like self-confessions where the band is saying 'here we are, this is what makes us the people we are and as long as we're having fun and not hurting anyone does it really matter all that much?'

Two of the most addictive songs from the album are 'Mr Smiley' and 'Best thing you ever Had', both good indications of what the rest of the album has in store. If it's ballads you're after then check out 'Lay your body Down'.

Lets hope this isn't a one hit wonder and that it's the beginning of a new era for rock.

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