Sixx A.M. – Modern Vintage (2014) Album Review
In the last quarter of 2014, specifically in October, the third album by the legendary trio known as Sixx A.M. was released. Unlike their previous two albums, which were accompanied by books of the same name, this time Modern Vintage arrives straight from the hands of these masters, focused primarily on their musical skill and creativity.
For those encountering this band for the first time, it’s worth mentioning that Sixx A.M. consists of bassist, visionary, and legend of the L.A. Sunset Strip rock scene—Motley Crue’s indisputable leader and a man who once came back from the dead—none other than Mr. Nikki Sixx. Alongside him is guitarist DJ Ashba, Sixx’s right-hand man, founder of the phenomenal (though unfortunately now defunct) band Beautiful Creatures, a would-be guitarist for another of Sixx’s projects, Brides of Destruction, from the mid-2000s, and currently one of three guitarists for what is still called Guns N’ Roses. Completing the trio is James Michael, a man with a “phenomenally perfect” voice, who, interestingly, has produced and engineered more albums in his career than he has sung on.
Back in 2007, when Sixx A.M. first emerged, it was clear they were something new, fresh, and extraordinary. Supported by occasional drummers like Glen Sobel (2007), Tony Palermo (2008, 2012), and studio rhythm machines, Sixx A.M. was primarily a “side project”—a kind of creative release for Sixx away from Motley Crue. Their live performances were rare: a mini Crue Fest tour in 2008 and a 2012 performance at the Golden Gods Awards were the only live appearances during their first seven years. However, with the release of Modern Vintage, the band also announced their first full-fledged tour, set to begin in April 2015. This time, they were joined by Black Label Society drummer Jeff Fabb, aiming to offer their fans something truly new.
Modern Vintage, following its predecessors The Heroin Diaries (2007) and This Is Gonna Hurt (2011), was released in October 2014, but unlike the earlier albums, it wasn’t tied to a book that served as the foundation for its songs. The opening track, “Stars,” proves this perfectly. For the first time in a Sixx A.M. song, the topic is none other than love—a subject the band had never touched before. Anyone familiar with the books accompanying the previous albums would know they delved deeply into themes like Sixx’s harrowing battle with heroin addiction or a grotesque perception of reality. In contrast, “Stars” is a unique musical piece by Sixx A.M., opening with DJ Ashba’s riffs reminiscent of his Beautiful Creatures days, with an impactful and powerful chorus where James Michael sounds consistently excellent. Undoubtedly, it’s a perfect opener and one of the best tracks on the album.
Next comes “Gotta Get It Right,” presented to the public as the album’s first single. It leans heavily toward a pop sound—a bold change of direction that may elicit mixed feelings from fans. Some might criticize it, wondering why the band chose this path, while others might welcome it as a refreshing break from their previously darker approach. The following track, “Relief,” returns to Sixx A.M.’s recognizable modern-rock style—a song that would fit seamlessly on any of their earlier albums.
The fourth track, “Get Ya Some,” takes another experimental turn, beginning with a flamenco intro that transitions into a pop-rock-R&B style—a surprising and rather strange choice for a band like Sixx A.M. It could be argued that they’ve gone too far this time.
The fifth song, “Let’s Go,” stands out with its darker tone, reminiscent of tracks from their debut album while also carrying a slight Motley Crue vibe—unsurprising given Nikki Sixx’s involvement. It’s an excellent, energetic, and anthemic piece that ranks among the album’s highlights. Just when the listener feels back on track with “true” Sixx A.M., the band veers off course again with the cover song “Drive.” Originally performed by pop band The Cars, this track is the first and only cover in Sixx A.M.’s repertoire. It’s hard to understand why they chose to cover and record this, as it bears almost no resemblance to the original and stands as one of the weakest tracks in the band’s career so far.
The pattern of alternating between strong and peculiar songs continues. After the underwhelming cover, the energetic “Give Me A Love” follows—a solid rock piece with hints of Guns N’ Roses, simple lyrics, and effective guitar riffs. Next is “Hyperventilate,” which breaks away from the hot-and-cold approach. It exudes a glam rock vibe reminiscent of ’80s bands and a Queen-like seriousness, making it one of the album’s standout tracks.
As the album nears its end, the ninth track, “High On The Music,” slows things down. It features a catchy melody and “woo-woo” choruses that are memorable and enjoyable. However, the song feels overproduced, with many layered elements best appreciated on headphones or high-quality speakers. Following this is “Miracle,” a disco-rock piece evocative of ’70s sounds. This experiment works well, making it a successful venture into new territory.
The final track on the standard edition, “Before It Is Over,” is a cheerful, almost country-style song. Fans lucky enough to get the Deluxe Edition will also enjoy bonus tracks, including acoustic versions of album songs and “Let It Haunt You (So Beautiful).”
Modern Vintage: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Modern Vintage evokes mixed opinions and reviews. On one hand, some may be disappointed by the album’s extensive experimentation and departure from the band’s established sound. On the other hand, this willingness to push boundaries and explore new directions is commendable. It’s clear that Sixx A.M. still sees itself as a project rather than a fully functional band.
With a U.S. tour in April 2015 and a show in Tokyo in February, the band has plans to finally give their fans a proper live experience. However, the future of Sixx A.M. depends heavily on the availability of its members. James Michael, though busy with his production work, seems the most flexible. DJ Ashba, heavily involved with Guns N’ Roses, faces constraints from the band’s relentless touring schedule. Meanwhile, Nikki Sixx, with Motley Crue’s supposed final tour wrapping up in 2015, might have more time to dedicate to Sixx A.M.—unless, of course, the Crue stages a reunion in the future.
For now, fans can enjoy the music and hope for more live performances. As for Sixx A.M., time will tell whether this band will evolve into something more permanent or remain a side project.
Sign Up For Regular Updates From Junkyard World
