'Too Fast For Love' is about as perfect as it gets for a metal album originally released in 1981. I only wished I had discovered it when it originally came out rather than after 'Shout At The Devil' was released on the market. Growing up in the Midwest, I didn't hear about Mötley Crüe until they performed at the US Festival in May 1983 and then subsequently released 'Shout'. 'Shout' hooked me onto this band, but 'Too Fast' nailed it down.

The Crüe has been one of my favorite bands ever since, and much of that had to do the countless nights hanging out with friends, jamming to the Crüe and memorizing all their lyrics. When I got this, I remember not ever hearing anything quite like it. It was raw. It was loud. And it was melodic. This album was an example of the budding Hollywood metal scene on the brink of explosion. And explode it did. First out was Quiet Riot, then the Crüe and Ratt. Then a procession of many more copycat bands followed.

The opening cut, "Live Wire", is the strongest song on this record and is still much a part of the Crüe's current setlist. It's classic Crüe all the way with Vince Neil's squealing vocals over Mick Mars driving guitar riffs and Tommy Lee's smashing drums. And don't forget Nikki Sixx's songwriting that gave Mötley Crüe its catchy hooks. To me, I can't think of a better example of early 80's pop metal. It was fresh and unrefined; 'Too Fast' captured who and what Mötley were at the time.

There's nothing I dislike about this record other than I wish it were longer! I love all the tracks on it esp. "Come On And Dance", a grooving metal stomper, and "Take Me To The Top", where Vince's singing really takes off. One of my all-time favorite Crüe tracks is "Starry Eyes" which is so beautiful in its simplicity. Overall, this still remains as my second favorite Crüe album after 'Shout'.

I can't imagine anyone who loves 80's metal that wouldn't have this CD in his or her collection. In 1999, Mötley Crüe remastered and re-released their entire back catalog, so if you don't have this album yet, now is the time to get it. Also the new version contains four additional tracks! This is a fun record that highlights the best of what Mötley is - a loud, raw rock & roll band. If you want to see where the 80's Glam metal began, this is the record to get. Early 80's metal doesn't get much better than this!

1. Live Wire
2. Come On And Dance
3. Public Enemy #1
4. Merry-Go-Round
5. Take Me To The Top
6. Piece Of Your Action
7. Starry Eyes
8. Too Fast For Love
9. On With The Show
Bonus Tracks on Remastered Version:
10. Toast Of The Town (Unreleased Track)
11. Tonight (Unreleased Track)
12. Too Fast For Love (Alternate Intro)
13. Stick To Your Guns (Unreleased Track)



Recommended: Yes