The Top 6 Albums That Vince Neil Listed As His Favorites

Vince Neil picks his favorite albums of all time. Vince Neil is a famous singer who adds different vocal parts to his songs for bands like Mötley Crüe, solo projects, and collaborations. In this article, we will detail the 6 albums Vince Neil picked as his favorite.

His full name is Vincent Neil Wharton, an American musician born on February 8, 1961. He was the lead singer of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe from their inception in 1981 until his retirement in 1992. Neil rejoined the band in 1996 and remained with them until its departure in 2015 and then again during the band’s 2018 transformation ahead. Neil has recorded three studio albums as a solo artist, the most recent of which, Tattoos & Tequila, was released in 2010.

From the intensity of “Kickstart My Heart” to the catchy melodies of “Girls, Girls, Girls,” his vocals encapsulate the band’s wild and rebellious mood. Mötley Crüe’s performances have become unforgettable due to his skills to connect with people on an emotional level.

Neil’s journey, however, has not been without difficulties. His leaving from Mötley Crüe in the early 1990s and following solo attempts marked a moment of transformation. Despite these changes, his enthusiasm for music remained unwavering. His ultimate reunion with the band and participation in their iconic “The Final Tour” showed his continuing friendship with his bandmates and the fans who have backed him.

Neil has recently launched solo projects and followed interests other than music. His career, defined by victories and losses, reflects the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle – a rollercoaster of highs and lows that has formed his identity as an artist and a man. If you want to check Mötley Crüe‘s story you can watch The Dirt movie based on their rise and becoming an internationally famous metal music band. 

Vince Neil’s Favorite Albums of All Time

Mötley Crüe‘s frontman Vince Neil has shared his respect for the other music bands. And Neil picks his favorite albums of all time. Regardless, he also listens to different genres, but he loves classic rock and heavy metal bands especially those who show their influence on him. 

Which music albums does Vince Neil listen to?

• Girls, Girls, Girls – Mötley Crüe (1987)
• Rocks – Aerosmith (1976)
• Cosmo’s Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1970)
• Any Album by Journey
• Endless Summer – The Beach Boys (1974)
• Back in Black – AC/DC (1980)

In a new interview with AXS TV’s Stranded program and fan Q&A sessions, Mötley Crüe‘s frontman Vince Neil shared the top 6 albums of all time. Check out Vince Neil‘s favorite albums below!

1. Girls, Girls, Girls – Mötley Crüe (1987)

Mötley Crüe‘s 1987 album “Girls, Girls, Girls” is the turning point of the band’s glam metal era. “Girls, Girls, Girls” is a time capsule of the wild and rebellious attitude of the 1980s. 

“Girls, Girls, Girls,” the album’s title tune, quickly sets the tone with its bouncy beat and catchy chorus. Thematically focused on nightlife and the appeal of strip clubs, the song embodies the glam metal image of the time, merging provocative lyrics with powerful riffs and Vince Neil’s attractive vocals.

“Wild Side” explores the rock and roll underworld more deeply, touching on themes of danger and insanity. The song’s rough guitar work and booming drumming provide a musical backdrop that matches the harsh lyrics wonderfully.

Among several songs, “You’re All I Need” is a melancholy power ballad showing Mötley Crüe’s capacity to portray passion and sensitivity. This single deepens the album by exposing a gentler side amid the mayhem.

Tom Werman’s production of the record maintains a mix between refined sound and pure energy. “Girls, Girls, Girls” captures a bygone period. The album’s cover, which features a seductive picture of a woman’s shape, is representative of the glam metal scene’s strong and provocative aesthetic.

While some reviewers say that the album’s lyrical material may be interpreted as objectifying women, placing ” Girls, Girls, Girls” within the context of the 1980s cultural scene is crucial. 

Vince Neil talks about why he likes “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Mötley Crüe as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ of course! (By the way, you said you saw Lita Ford open for me; wow that was some time ago, does that make us old now?).”

2. Rocks – Aerosmith (1976)

Aerosmith‘s “Rocks” album, released in 1976, is regarded as a critical effort to establish the band’s image as a rock and roll powerhouse. “Rocks” is a journey that grabs the core of the 1970s rock scene while maintaining an ongoing relevance that connects with viewers today.

“Back in the Saddle,” the album’s first track, is a thundering assertion of Aerosmith’s return to form. The riff-driven intensity of the music and Steven Tyler’s unique vocals quickly show that the band is back with a passion.

“Last Child” and “Combination” include addictive beats and sophisticated guitar work from Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. The explosive interplay between these two guitarists is a cornerstone of Aerosmith’s style, and “Rocks” shows it.

Aerosmith’s songwriting talent is also evident in the album’s successes. “Walk This Way,” with its famous riff and irresistible chorus, became a rock staple still heard today. In the 1980s, the song’s collaboration with rap band Run-D.M.C. further added to its cross-genre popularity.

Among the bombastic rockers, “Rocks” also demonstrates Aerosmith’s diversity with songs such as “Home Tonight” and “Nobody’s Fault.”

“Rocks” portrays the simplicity and authenticity of Aerosmith’s live performances while preserving a sophisticated studio sheen, thanks to Jack Douglas’ production.

Vince Neil reveals why he likes “Rocks” by Aerosmith as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“The Rocks album has a lot of great hits on it. A lot of people don’t know that album very well, but I listen to it all the time.

I remember going surfing down at the beach when I lived in California and listening to that album all the way to the beach and all the way back.”

3. Cosmo’s Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1970)

“Cosmo’s Factory,” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, is a classic testament to the band’s musical skill and influence. This album illustrates CCR’s unique skills to blend rootsy rock, blues, and folk influences into a timeless and evocative sound. “Cosmo’s Factory” solidifies the band’s place as American rock music giants with big singles and deep cuts.

“Ramble Tamble,” the album’s opening tune, immediately establishes the tone with its driving beat and John Fogerty’s voice. The legendary rendition of “Travelin’ Band,” a rollicking anthem that epitomizes the spirit of American rock and roll, comes next.

“Cosmo’s Factory” is jam-packed with singles that have become classic rock radio mainstays. “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Up Around the Bend” are classic instances of Fogerty’s songwriting brilliance, combining catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics about change and hope.

The album’s highlight is the 11-minute jam “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” showing CCR’s ability to push their sound beyond typical song formats. This performance of the Motown song is a notable point in the band’s repertoire, thanks to the band’s distinctive swampy groove and Fogerty’s emotional delivery.

While the album is most recognized for its singles, “Cosmo’s Factory” also has gems such as “Long As I Can See the Light” and “Lookin’ Out My Back Door.” These songs showcase Fogerty’s ability to infuse emotional resonance into even the most clear melodies, creating an intimate connection with fans.

The album, produced by John Fogerty himself, retains a raw and organic character that allows the band’s instruments to shine.

Vince Neil tells why he likes “Cosmo’s Factory” by Creedence Clearwater Revival as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“I love Creedence, I always have. My dad turned me onto ’em, and I love those guys. John Fogerty’s a great singer, and they’re a lot of fun to listen to.”

4. Any Album by Journey

Journey‘s discography has undeniably affected the rock genre, from humble beginnings in the 1970s to becoming a global phenomenon in the 1980s.

“Journey” (1975), the band’s self-titled debut album, introduced their blend of progressive and hard rock influences. Tracks such as “Of a Lifetime” demonstrated their instrumental virtuosity and experimental approach, laying the groundwork for what would come.

Journey’s breakthrough came with the addition of vocalist Steve Perry on “Infinity” (1978). This album signaled a transition toward a more radio-friendly sound, with songs like “Wheel in the Sky” and “Lights” becoming favorites.

“Escape” (1981) was the album that catapulted Journey to superstardom. The album’s lead single, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” has become a generational hymn. This album cemented their standing as arena rock titans, with classics like “Open Arms” and “Who’s Crying Now” demonstrating their ability to craft powerful ballads.

“Frontiers” (1983) extended the band’s chart-topping run with successes such as “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Faithfully.” Journey’s polished sound and Perry’s expressive vocals were epitomized on the album, which became a fixture of ’80s radio.

The band’s lineup changed throughout the years, yet they continued to create albums like “Raised on Radio” (1986) and “Trial by Fire” (1996). These albums showcased Journey’s versatility and enduring songwriting.

Journey returned in the 2000s after a break with new lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, releasing albums such as “Revelation” (2008) and “Eclipse” (2011). These albums showed how the band’s spirit endured even as they entered a new era.

Vince Neil describes why he likes any album by Journey as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“I would take one of the Journey albums. Any one of them, they’re all amazing. Journey never put out a bad album, so I would take any one of those.”

5. Endless Summer – The Beach Boys (1974)

The Beach Boys‘ 1974 album “Endless Summer” is a classic collection demonstrating the band’s sun-soaked style and ongoing influence on mainstream music. The album, a nostalgic retrospective of their most memorable successes from the early ’60s, combines surf rock, pop melodies, and lush vocal harmonies that define The Beach Boys’ signature sound.

The album includes a collection of the band’s chart-topping hits and fan favorites, illustrating their musical progression during the 1960s.

Songs like “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “California Girls,” and “Help Me, Rhonda” exemplify The Beach Boys’ ability to capture the spirit of America’s West Coast and its beach culture. The inclusion of songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” from their seminal “Pet Sounds” album highlights the band’s artistic progress and exploration beyond their surf rock roots.

“Endless Summer” also provides a glimpse into the band’s exploration of rock and roll oldies, as they cover Chuck Berry’s “Rock and Roll Music.”

Produced in response to a renewed interest in The Beach Boys’ music in the 1970s, “Endless Summer” reignited the band’s success and introduced its timeless sound to a new generation of fans.

Vince Neil explains why he likes “Endless Summer” by The Beach Boys as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“If I’m laying on the beach somewhere by myself. I’m gonna listen to Endless Summer.”

6. Back in Black – AC/DC (1980)

“Back in Black” album by AC/DC is a rock and roll masterpiece that has left an unforgettable impression on the music world. This record is a victorious comeback for the band after tragedy and an essential point in hard rock history. “Back in Black” is a timeless classic that resonates with generations of rock fans thanks to its famous riffs, blazing energy, and uncompromising attitude.

“Hells Bells,” the album’s opening track, immediately establishes the tone with its foreboding bell toll and thunderous guitar riff. The song respects AC/DC’s founding vocalist, Bon Scott, and serves as a sad beginning to the album.

Tracks like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Shoot to Thrill” show AC/DC’s unique groove throughout the album, with Malcolm and Angus Young’s guitar work producing a sonic environment that’s both heavy and addictive.

“Back in Black” isn’t only about the most significant songs; it’s also about the deep cuts that contribute to the album’s longevity. Tracks such as “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” and “Let Me Put My Love Into You” keep the album’s high-energy mood while delving into various aspects of the rock genre.

The album, produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, has a clean and polished sound that improves the band’s raw intensity without losing its authenticity.

“Back in Black” has become one of the best-selling albums of all time in the four decades since its publication, a tribute to its enduring popularity. It had an incalculable influence on following generations of rock bands, and its songs are still played on stages and radio stations worldwide.

Vince Neil mentions why he likes “Back in Black” by AC/DB as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“There’s nothing but hits on that record, and I love AC/DC. We’ve toured with them before, they’re great guys, a lot of fun. I like remembering those memories.”

What are your thoughts on Mötley Crüe‘s frontman Vince Neil‘s favorite albums of all time? Let us know in the comment section!