"Open Up and Say... Ahh!" is the 2nd studio album by American glam rock band, Poison. It was released in 1988 on Enigma Records and produced by Tom Werman. The line-up for the album was Bret Michaels (vocals), C.C. DeVille (guitar), Bobby Dall (bass) and Rikki Rockett (drums).

Although glam music is heavily influenced by heavy metal, this album is hard rock based. With charismatic vocals, shredding guitar solos, great bass and kicking drums, it is party music at its finest. If you are looking for deep, meaningful songs that will change the political landscape, look elsewhere. These tracks are a celebration of fun, fast women, drinking and having a good time. Although each track is played with a lot of passion, they were never intended to change the world.

The 80s seemed to be an era plagued more than ever by censorship and people wanting to tell the rock industry what they were and were not allowed to do, and seemed to be finding evil in every little detail. The censorship people had problems with the original album cover, causing a censored version to be created to replace it. The original was a picture of the model, Bambi, dressed as a red demon with a Gene Simmonsesque protruding tongue. For some reason, it was seen as too controversial (although it was quite tame in comparison to some other album art). The new, censored version featured banners going across it so they covered all but Bambi's eyes. The 2006 remastered CD featured the original cover.

"Love on the Rocks" starts with a high energy intro of guitar into thundering drums. The fast paced, energy continues through the song. Drinking terms are used as innuendo in this bedroom romp song.

"Nothin' But a Good Time" is a rowdy, rocking reminder to not take life too seriously. Life is meant for good times, sex and rock 'n' roll, according to the lyrics. With an amazing guitar solo from C.C. and the thumping rhythm of drums to get the blood pumping, this one is a party anthem.

"Back to the Rocking Horse" is all about wanting to go back to the simpler, less complicated times of childhood and recapture lost innocence. Life can get you down, and make you jaded after you have seen and done too much. It is a good, solid rocker of a song with a repetitive chorus that makes you want to sing along.

"Good Love" features bluesy harmonica which adds depth to the sound. Certainly more about lust than love, it is a tribute to the wild and crazy lifestyle. I suppose you could say it is a tribute to the lifestyle Poison and other bands of the time were living.

"Tearin' Down the Walls" is a bit of a sing along ode to one night stands. It is easy to get pumped up as you listen, because of the rhythm of the song. While not their best song, in my opinion, it is still fun to listen to.

"Look But You Can't Touch" is the hardest rocking song on the album. A naughty song about seduction, the tables turn and we find out the woman portraying herself as innocent isn't by a long shot. Guitar squeal sound effects when she slaps him, and when he talks about making an illegal move add a fun touch.

"Fallen Angel" is a tribute to all the young girls who gave up everything to move to Hollywood with dreams of being a star, or to any big city with dreams of making a great life, only to find out the streets aren't paved with gold after all, and how disillusioned they can become. C.C.'s guitar work really shines on this one.

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" begins with a desperately sad sigh in the intro. It is a power ballad about lost love, and knowing the precise moment you could have turned things around if only you had made the attempt. The lyrics have an insight, maturity and depth to them that most power ballads of the era didn't. Acoustic guitar makes the song stand out. It has been said that Bret Michaels wrote the song on acoustic guitar at a laundromat.

"Your Mama Don't Dance" is a cover of the Loggins and Messina hit from the 70s. Revamped and heavier than the original, this version has high energy. While the original is a great song, I prefer this one for the heavier sound and far better guitar work.

"Bad to be Good" explores mild anti-social behaviour and tells how you have to be slightly bad sometimes. The song features great guitar and bass all through it. With a fun to sing chorus, it is a catchy song.

In summary, this is a good soundtrack for a party. There are also many high energy songs that would be great to include on a road trip. While none of these songs would ever be considered profound, each and every one of them is fun to listen to, and define some of the greatest party moments. Sometimes you have to shed the chains of the work or school week, cut loose and party. You don't even need the party if you have this album. Listening to it will put you in a good mood. I'd recommend it for anyone who is looking for nothing but a good time.

1. Love on the Rocks
2. Nothin' But a Good Time
3. Back to the Rocking Horse
4. Good Love
5. Tearin' Down the Walls
6. Look But You Can't Touch
7. Fallen Angel
8. Every Rose Has Its Thorn
9. Your Mama Don't Dance
10. Bad to be Good

My rating: 8/10