Artist: Dead or Alive Album: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know.

Year: 1986
Duration: 0:0-1

Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know: A Critical Review of Dead or Alive's Album

Dead or Alive is a British new wave band founded in 1980 by its lead singer and songwriter Pete Burns. They are known for their flamboyant appearance and energetic performances, combined with catchy synth-pop and dance-pop music. One of their albums that marked a milestone in their career was their third studio album, Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know. It was released in 1986 by Epic Records and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, who were famous for their work with Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, and Bananarama. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into this album, explore its music genre, highlight the best songs, evaluate the most innovative parts, and offer a critical review.

Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know showcases Dead or Alive's strengths in creating a lively and infectious pop sound infused with electronic beats. The album inherits the music genre of new wave by paying homage to the 80s synth-pop style that defined the era. At the same time, it also incorporates elements of Hi-NRG, a music subgenre that emphasizes a fast-paced tempo and energetic rhythms. This mix results in an upbeat and joyful sound that invites listeners to dance and move their bodies.

The album's best songs are undoubtedly Brand New Lover and Something in My House. Both tracks topped the UK charts and became international hits. Brand New Lover features a pulsating bassline and catchy hooks, while Something in My House has an infectious melody and explosive chorus that perfectly showcase Pete Burns' distinctive vocal style. Another notable track is Hooked on Love, which offers a more sensual and romantic tone that breaks away from the album's overall fast-paced tempo.

One of the most innovative parts of Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know is the use of exotic sounds and musical instruments in some of the songs. For instance, My Heart Goes Bang features a Caribbean-inspired beat, complete with steel drum sounds, creating a unique and memorable rhythm that stands out from the rest of the album. Similarly, Then There Was You incorporates Chinese-style synthesizers and otherworldly effects that create a mysterious and dreamy atmosphere.

Despite its overall success and positive reception, Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know also received criticism for being too formulaic and lacking sonic diversity. Some reviewers argued that the album relied too much on the same sound and structure, making it difficult to distinguish one song from another. Additionally, some critics suggested that the lyrics were too shallow and lacked depth, focusing more on superficial themes like sex, love, and partying.

Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know is a thrilling album that epitomizes Dead or Alive's signature style and musical prowess. It showcases their ability to create catchy and fun pop songs infused with electronic beats, while also incorporating elements of new wave and Hi-NRG. The album's best songs, Brand New Lover and Something in My House, are undeniable pop classics that continue to dominate dance floors around the world. At the same time, the album also offers some innovative and experimental tracks that break away from the conventional pop mold and showcase Dead or Alive's creativity and diversity. While some critics may argue that the album lacks sonic depth and originality, there's no denying that it remains a classic and influential album that continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike.