Underrated Albums: Pornograffitti

Extreme's 1990 album, Pornograffitti is known for the success of two ballads, both top five hits. The first being the touching acoustic number, "More Than Words". The second is the folk infused "Hole Hearted", which to me is actually a better song than "More Than Words". However, Pornograffitti has much more to offer listeners than a couple ballads. It's an entertaining album filled with funk-fused hard rock and a perfect combination of thought provoking and simply fun lyrics.

Let me start with one of the forgotten singles from the album, "Get the Funk Out". This song had moderate success on rock radio, but was ignored in all other outlets including MTV which rarely played the video. (Yes boys and girls, MTV used to play music videos.) "Funk" brings together 90s hard rock with a horn section to create something that must be played loudly at every opportunity. Primarily, "Get the Funk Out" is a political/social message. I've always thought the Libertarian Party should adopt this as an unofficial anthem. The lyrics are very appropriate:

"You're all invited to the party but you know you didn't have to come. No rotten apple is going to spoil my funk."

And then the chorus: "If you don't like what you see here, get the funk out. We won't try to force feed you, get the funk out."

This song could also be an anthem for the rock and roll crowd as well. As most rock and roll fans will tell you, we don't care what you listen to. Just don't tread on our turf and start any shit.



"Decadence Dance" is not so much political but rather an observation of America and the obsessive need to one up the neighbors or a family member. It's about wanting more and refusing to draw a line or say enough is enough. This track also highlights the guitar work of Nuno Bettencourt, one of hard rock's most underrated guitarists.

The fun side of Extreme shows up on Pornograffitti on tracks such as "Lil Jack Horny" and "Suzi (Wants Her All Day What?)". But let's start with "Jack".

The coolest thing about "Lil Jack Horny" is guest musician Dweezil Zappa showing off his axe grinding skills. The song itself is cheesy but considering the era, it fits right in with all other sexually charged rock songs. "Suzi" is a different story. This time around, the lyrics are done right and when vocalist Gary Cherone yells "Suzi wants her all day sucker", there is no doubt as to what he is referring. "Suzi" indeed does not go with subtle.

"Sweet and sour a bitter tasting treat; It's the only flavor I think she likes to, she likes to eat."

Speaking of Gary Cherone, let's face it, he is a poor man's Mike Patton. Now don't take that as me insulting or disrespecting Cherone (or Patton for that matter). Gary Cherone is an adequate vocalist. You can clearly hear he is having fun with the songs, especially tracks which allow him to ham it up a bit. That being said, I believe he is better suited for ballads rather than hard rocking songs. (This is also evident on Pornograffitti's other ballad "When I First Kissed You".) But keep in mind, Cherone recorded one album as the vocalist for Van Halen. So obviously he is not without talent.

"When I'm President" sounds like a title which would be very political. However, this is pure, over-the-top satire complete with a references to Alice Cooper's "Elected". It's one of my favorite tracks on Pornograffitti for that reason. And this track is great for the Mike Patton comparison as Cherone goes through it with a rap-rock style of vocals.

I can't figure out if the album's title track is a joke or a big middle finger, especially with Cherone screaming the word "sex" repeatedly. I mean it's a song from a 90s rock band about how sex is everywhere you look.

If you own a copy of Pornograffitti, please dust it off and give it another listen. If you don't own it, I'm sure many used CD stores would have it available for a very reasonable price. And there's always iTunes. This is an album that went double platinum based on the strength of two ballads. Just imagine what it could have been had more rockers been paying attention.

Thanks again for reading. I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to do so. And as always, if you cannot be a poet, be the poem.


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A quickie

Coming this weekend, a look back at an album that deserves to be known for more than a ballad.

RIP James Gandolfini.

Do you believe what happened to Michael Hastings was really an accident?

Fuck you, Lil' Wayne.


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