Flesh & Blood cover

Flesh & Blood

Poison

Album 1990

About this album

Sound: "A vibrant fusion of glam rock bravado and hard-hitting melodies, packed with anthemic choruses and playful lyrics."

Where they were

Released in January 1990, 'Flesh & Blood' was Poison's fourth studio album, following their commercial peak with 'Open Up and Say... Ahh!' in 1988. At this point, the band faced increasing competition in the glam metal scene while aiming to evolve their sound and maintain relevance among shifting musical trends.

Why it matters

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Poison's enduring popularity despite a decline in glam metal's mainstream appeal. It produced hit singles like 'Unskinny Bop,' which received heavy radio play and solidified the band's presence in rock music during the early '90s.

Essential tracks

  • "Unskinny Bop" — This track captures the quintessential Poison sound with its catchy hooks and fun lyrics, embodying the band's signature glam rock style.
  • "(Flesh & Blood) Sacrifice" — A deeper exploration of themes related to love and struggle, this song highlights the band's emotional range beyond their party anthem reputation.
  • "Something to Believe In" — This power ballad stands out for its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, contrasting with the more upbeat tracks while resonating with listeners seeking depth.
  • "Ride the Wind" — With its anthemic chorus and driving guitar riffs, this track exemplifies the energetic spirit that characterized much of Poison's early work.

Release Date

January 1, 1990

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Strange Days of Uncle Jack 1:40
  2. 2 Valley of Lost Souls 3:58
  3. 3 (Flesh & Blood) Sacrifice 4:40
  4. 4 Swampjuice (Soul‐O) 1:25
  5. 5 Unskinny Bop 3:48
  6. 6 Let It Play 4:21
  7. 7 Life Goes On 4:47
  8. 8 Come Hell or High Water 5:02
  9. 9 Ride the Wind 3:51
  10. 10 Don’t Give Up an Inch 3:43
  11. 11 Something to Believe In 5:28
  12. 12 Ball and Chain 4:23
  13. 13 Life Loves a Tragedy 5:14
  14. 14 Poor Boy Blues 5:19