Look What the Cat Dragged In was the debut album of American hair metal band Poison.

The record, which was released on August 2, 1986 on the Enigma label of Capitol Records, spawned the hits "Talk Dirty to Me", "I Want Action", and "I Won't Forget You".

Musical style

The album's style is often described as "hair metal" or "glam rock" and was strongly influenced by East-Coast bands such as KISS and early Aerosmith. It is a sound dominated by simple distorted power chords and catchy melodies.

Production and marketing

The album was recorded at Music Grinder Studios, in Los Angeles, California with producer Ric Browde. The record was completed in 12 days for a cost of $US23,000.

The front cover of the album featured the members of Poison at their most "glam", with each sporting excessive make-up, thick girlish hair, and the pouting "kiss" pose which was to become a Poison trademark.

Songs

The album’s themes are ambition ("Cry Tough"), sex ("I Want Action"), lack of sex ("Blame It On You"), love lost ("I Won’t Forget You"), love never had ("Want Some, Need Some"), and, most importantly, anti-social behavior ("No. 1 Bad Boy", "Look What the Cat Dragged In", "Let Me Go to The Show" and "Play Dirty").

The hit song "Talk Dirty to Me" was written by guitarist C.C. DeVille prior to his joining the band. DeVille played it to Bret Michaels, Rikki Rockett and Bobby Dall during his audition for the role as the band's guitarist.

Track Listing

1. Cry Tough
2. I Want Action
3. I Won't Forget You
4. Play Dirty
5. Look What The Cat Dragged In
6. Talk Dirty To Me
7. Want Some, Need Some
8. Blame It On You
9. #1 Bad Boy
10. Let Me Go To The Show
11. I Can't Believe This Song Made the Album

References

• Classic Rock Revisited Interview with Bret Michaels Retrived January 19, 2005.