Poison by Lara Simmons

Poison is an American glam rock band that hit its success during the mid-1980's. During their extremely successful career, they sold 30 million records worldwide and have sold 15 million records in the United States alone. Poison was fortunate enough to have many popular hits and several No. 1's. The band's break through debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In was released in 1986. Poison hit their peak with the second album, Open Up and Say... Ahh!, which became the band's most successful album.

Poison's first album Look What the Cat Dragged In, originally only had one single, "Cry Tough." However, this album had tremendous success and had three chart topper hits: "Talk Dirty to Me", "I Want Action", and "I Won't Forget You." Poison became a huge success on MTV as well.

"Talk Dirty to Me." 

Dan Marsicano wrote about Poison's fame in one article saying, "the band packed stadium worldwide and seemed to get more and more popular as time went on."

Poison's second album, Open Up and Say... Ahh!, and peaked at No. 2 on the American charts and sold 8 million copies. This album included the bands biggest hit "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," as well as other hits like: "Nothin' but a Good Time," and "Fallen Angel."

 "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."

Steve Peake wrote in one article, "Though the band released only two albums within the decade, frequent hair metal whipping boys Poison actually released a fair amount of serviceable rock music during that time. While certainly not every track was a keeper, the group's best offerings delivered solid songwriting, big hooks and respectable riffage often worthy of the group's intense popularity at the time. Here's a look at seven of Poison's best songs, both familiar and underappreciated."

In 1990. their third album, Flesh & Blood, that included three gold singles: "Unskinny Bop," "Ride the Wind," and "Something to Believe In." The video of "Flesh & Blood (Sacrifice)" was banned from MTV due to its explicit nature, but did surface later.

 "Something to Believe In."

Poison was a very popular and influencial band in the 1980's. Their rebel music was a well played anthem during the rebellious era of the 80's. Their music is still popular today and takes us back to a time where rock and roll music pushed all boundaries and rules.

                                                       Work Cited

Marsicano, Dan. "Poison Profile." About.com Heavy Metal. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://heavymetal.about.com/od/poison/p/poison.htm>.

Peake, Steve. "Top 7 Poison Songs of The '80s." About.com 80s Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://80music.about.com/od/artistskp/tp/toppoisonsongs.htm>.