POISON – Native Tongue [Japan HR/HM 1000 reissue series] (2018)

Universal Music Japan has started this year a curious but more than welcomed campaign: the reissue of long time out of print albums from their catalog titled ‘HR/HM 1000‘, that meaning Hard Rock / Heavy Metal at the price of 1000 Yen = about 9,5 USD.
And it’s curious because these series focus on the ‘commercially less successful’ albums from each band, which, anyway, were long time out of print.
In the case of POISON‘s “Native Tongue“, the album was quite successful achieving gold status, but of course not platinum as their previous hit makers. However, “Native Tongue” must be Poison’s most creative effort, including in their ranks talented guitarist Richie Kotzen.

Kotzen was hired as the band’s guitarist following the firing of C.C. DeVille in late 1991. Admitted as a full-fledged member rather than a “hired gun”, Kotzen was given considerable creative freedom.
Resultingly, Kotzen’s writing and performing contributions dominated the album, hence, its quality.

By 1992, with the ever so depressing grunge rock being so popular, our beloved ’80s bands had to reinvent themselves. Maybe make more serious music. It really made these bands into better musicians. It showed their versatility.
With Kotzen in the fold, Poison became a bluesier rocking version of themselves. The songs were more diverse with great changes and depth.

After the title track intro, as the band goes into “The Scream” it’s obvious right from the start of the album that this is truly a different band. Producer Richie Zito has done a great job of capturing a great drum sound. To me on this album Rikki Rockett really started to shine. In the past he was more of a show drummer, but on Native Tongue he really shows his ability.

The album’s first single “Stand” is the more commercial tune on the CD, with great guitars, fine vocals and a full choir in the background.
“Stay Alive” is a great rocker, has such a cool vibe, driven by Kotzen’s superb guitar riff. The laid back feel of the song allows Michaels‘ vocals, mixed with Kotzen‘s great harmony vocal parts to be heard perfectly. The vocal in the mid section have a classic Aerosmith type feel.

“Until You Suffer Some (Fire & Ice)” is a really good slow bluesy rock ballad of sorts. What I love about this song is Kotzen’s harmonies that are heard throughout. The mixture of the two vocals really adds to the song. The chemistry of the two is undeniable.
“Body Talk” keeps this train moving. Kotzen starts with a dirty riff that Dall plays off of on the bass, which leads into Michaels smooth vocal approach. Michaels really evolved on this album. There were moments on Flesh & Blood where you could hear him getting slightly bluesier. On this one, he changes his style to fit the song.

“Bring It Home” is one of my favorite tracks on this album. I absolutely love the vocal approach in the verse with Micheals owning the part with the band stopping and starting. Where this song really shines is Kotzen singing the chorus and Michaels singing “Bring It Home” back to him. A dynamic of Poison that has never been seen again.

“7 Days Over You” has an infectious chorus, “Richie’s Acoustic Thang” is a slight interlude that leads into another great track, “Ain’t That The Truth” a grooving rocker where the swagger that Michaels imprints really gives the song a great flavor.
“Strike Up The Band” is another fantastic bluesy hard rocker. This is Poison in 1993. It’s still an anthem, but in a different, mature manner.

“Native Tongue” is mature Poison, and a really good bluesy hard rocking album with melody. At the time, Kotzen was probably exactly what Poison was seeking as they had gradually moved away from their glam metal beginnings and sought to be more musically accepted.
This reissue is not remastered, but this Japanese 2018 release sounds fantastic. It may be the new digital transfer technique – which augment the signal / Dynamic Range – so having this for less than ten bucks is a great deal.
Highly Recommended

Universal Music Japan ～ 【UICY-78676】
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01 – Native Tongue
02 – The Scream
03 – Stand
04 – Stay Alive
05 – Until You Suffer Some (Fire And Ice)
06 – Body Talk
07 – Bring It Home
08 – 7 Days Over You
09 – Richie’s Acoustic Thang
10 – Ain’t That The Truth
11 – Theatre Of The Soul
12 – Strike Up The Band
13 – Ride Child Ride
14 – Blind Faith
15 – Bastard Son Of A Thousand Blues

Bret Michaels – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica
Bobby Dall – Bass, Backing Vocals
Rikki Rockett – Drums, Percussion
Richie Kotzen – Guitar, Piano, Mandolin, Backing Vocals
with:
Jai Winding – Piano (Tracks 3, 11)
Billy Powell – Piano (8, 15)
Mike Finnegan – Organ (5)
‘Tower of Power’ Horn Section (8)
Timothy B. Schmit – Backing Vocals
Tommy Funderburk – Backing Vocals
First AME Church Choir (3)
Shelia E. – Percussion (1, 2)

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-78668
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