Generation Swine
The final Elektra release featuring Vince Neil and Tommy Lee before the band's split.
Generation Swine marks the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, released on June 24, 1997. It signifies a major turning point: the return of lead singer Vince Neil after his last appearance on 1991's Decade of Decadence and the final record featuring drummer Tommy Lee until Saints of Los Angeles in 2008. As the band's last release on Elektra Records, the album derives its name and title track from Hunter S. Thompson's Generation of Swine. Musically, it represents a departure from tradition, experimenting with electronica and alternative rock while drawing heavy influence from Cheap Trick, even as original guitarist Mick Mars saw his contributions largely discarded by producer Scott Humphrey.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Mötley Crüe
- Released
- 24 June 1997
- Recorded
- 1995–1997
- Genre
- Alternative metal
- alternative rock
- industrial rock
- Label
- Elektra
- Producer
- Scott Humphrey
- Nikki Sixx
- Tommy Lee
Lore & Background
Following the commercial disappointment of their self-titled album, Mötley Crüe faced immense pressure from Elektra executives to regain their 1980s success. Frustrated by tour sales failures, the band fired longtime manager Doug Thaler and producer Bob Rock, hiring Allen Kovac instead. Initially, they worked with vocalist John Corabi on a project titled Personality #9. However, Warner Bros. CEO Doug Morris insisted they reunite with Vince Neil, arguing Corabi wasn't a "star." While bassist Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee initially refused, Elektra CEO Sylvia Rhone convinced them to proceed with Corabi. The recording process quickly descended into chaos under new producer Scott Humphrey, who clashed with the band and reduced Mick Mars's role significantly. Mars later called this period his only regret as a member, noting that uncredited session musicians replaced him. Corabi eventually quit due to the pressure, opening the door for Neil's return to finish the album.
Reader's Guide
"Afraid" was released as the first single, featuring Hustler publisher Larry Flynt in its video and reaching #10 on the US mainstream rock charts. The second single, "Beauty," reached number 37, while "Glitter" also saw a release. To promote the album, Skeleteens Beverages created "Motley Brue," a blue soda intended to turn drinkers' urine green, featuring lyrics from the album on the bottle labels. The Japanese edition included "Song to Slit Your Wrist By" by Sixx's solo project 58. Generation Swine debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, selling over 80,500 copies in its first week and earning Gold certification from the RIAA on August 27, 1997. However, it ultimately sold only about 306,000 copies in the U.S., failing to restore the band's former commercial stature. The album received mixed reviews; Stephen Thomas Erlewine called it an "embarrassment," while others praised its experimental nature and Nikki Sixx's songwriting. Vince Neil later stated in 2008 that the record was "terrible" due to too much experimenting.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Find Myself | Sixx, Mick Mars, Tommy Lee | 2:51 |
| 2 | Afraid | 4:07 | |
| 3 | Flush | Sixx, Lee, John Corabi | 5:03 |
| 4 | Generation Swine | Sixx, Lee | 4:39 |
| 5 | Confessions | Lee, Mars | 4:21 |
| 6 | Beauty | Sixx, Scott Humphrey, Lee | 3:47 |
| 7 | Glitter | Sixx, Bryan Adams, Humphrey, Adams | 5:00 |
| 8 | Anybody Out There? | Sixx, Lee | 1:50 |
| 9 | Let Us Prey | Sixx, Corabi | 4:22 |
| 10 | Rocketship | 2:05 | |
| 11 | A Rat Like Me | 4:13 | |
| 12 | Shout at the Devil '97 | 3:43 | |
| 13 | Brandon | Lee | 3:25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the music sound different?
Musically, the group stepped away from their classic heavy metal roots to experiment with electronica beats and alternative rock textures.
Is this the last album on Elektra?
Yes, Generation Swine stands as Mötley Crüe's concluding project under their long-standing contract with Elektra Records.
More in Albums & Discography
Related in Motley Crue
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in Motley Crue
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced