Since forming in 1985, Faster “Pussycat” has released six studio albums and become one of the most respected glam metal bands worldwide. The band’s name alone helped them establish a reputation as a group with an interesting and risqué sound and image. Their sound is unique, often described as ‘glitter-glam trash,’ which is a label that frontman Taime Downe has openly embraced. The band’s most commercially successful album was 1989’s “Wake Me When It’s Over” and spawned the hit singles ‘House of Pain’ and ‘Smooth Up in Ya.’ It even yielded a Grammy nomination. Other albums followed in the years, but glam metal’s popularity was beginning to fade. The band has since released three new albums between 2001 and 2012, showing their constant desire to tour. The band’s most recent album is 2012’s “Rockaholic.” Here are the 10 best Faster Pussycat songs of all-time:

10. Nola (2021)

“Nola” is a track from the album “Nola,” released in 2021. The name Nola is short for New Orleans, and this song describes the themes of drinking and women associated with the city. Like most Faster Pussycat songs, there’s a heavy emphasis on partying, and the lyrics are somewhat explicit. The song features a catchy riff, making it easy to listen to, regardless of your mood. Of course, there’s also the music video, which shows the band playing in an underground bar with scantily-clad girls hanging around their cars outside. “Nola” was one of three singles released from “Nola,” following “Get Naked” and “Fantasy Girl.” This was one of the more popular singles from this album, but it didn’t perform as well on the charts as previous hits like “House of Pain” or their cover of The Rolling Stones’ song, “Paint It, Black.”

9. Nonstop to Nowhere (1992)

“Nonstop to Nowhere” is a track from the album “Whipped!” released in 1992. This song has a great rock riff, which separates it from most other songs by Faster Pussycat. This track features pretty heavy lyrics with the theme of life on the road being played out in detail. One of two singles released from “Whipped!” following “Rip & Tear.” The music video for the song features a parody of the “Beverly Hills 90210” program and depicts George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. The song marks Pussycat’s successful single, peaking at #86 on the US charts.

8. Don’t Change That Song (1987)

In 1989, Faster Pussycat released their debut album. Also, in that year, they hit #1 on the Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart with a cover of Tommy James’ “I Want You to Rock Me,” which is still a staple at live shows today. The original version of “Don’t Change That Song” can be found on their 1987 EP, released in 1988. It’s a staple of the band’s live shows to this day and makes appearances on compilations such as “Hair of the Dog: Tribute to Nazareth,” “Back from the Dead,” and “The Ultimate Collection.”

7. Where There’s a Whip, There’s a Way(1989)

Originally, “Where There’s a Whip There’s a Way” was released as the b-side to Faster Pussycat’s first single, “Bathroom Wall,” in 1987. Although not as popular as its predecessor, it still hit #8 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and stayed there for six weeks. It was later re-recorded and included on the 1989 album “Wake Me When It’s Over.”

6. Babylon (1987)

In 1987, Faster Pussycat released their debut album on Capitol Records. “Babylon” is a mix of hard rock and glam metal that was included as a bonus track on the cassette release of the album. The song became a staple in the band’s live shows, even more than “Don’t Change That Song.” It was later re-recorded and included on the 1989 album “Wake Me When It’s Over.”

5. Poison Ivy (1989)

“Poison Ivy” was originally released as the b-side to “Bathroom Wall” in 1987, having never appeared on any of their previous releases. It’s a mix of hard rock and glam metal and includes a saxophone solo, played by Carl Fisher. Though not as popular as some of their other singles, it has become a staple in the band’s live sets to this day.

4. Slip of the Tongue (1989)

“Slip of the Tongue” was released in 1989 when Faster Pussycat performed it live on “MTV Unplugged.” It also appeared on their second studio album, “Wake Me When It’s Over,” which peaked at #76 on the Billboard 200. The original song was later re-recorded for the “Take a Bite” release.

3. You’re so Vain (2000)

Originally written and recorded by Carly Simon, “You’re So Vain” was covered by Faster Pussycat in 2000. Although the band had not released an album since 1989, they were still very popular, with several Greatest Hits Compilations under their belt. This song’s cover became one of their biggest hits to date, peaking at #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart.

2. Bathroom Wall (1987)

“Bathroom Wall” was released in 1987, when Faster Pussycat performed it live on “MTV Unplugged.” That same year, it also appeared on their debut album. The song’s original version was later re-recorded for the 1989 album, “Wake Me When It’s Over.” “Bathroom Wall” is a staple in the band’s live sets to this day and has even been included on several greatest hits compilations.

1. House of Pain (1989)

The opening track from Faster Pussycat’s 1989 album, “Wake Me When It’s Over,” peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200 and is a staple of their live sets to this day. This cover of an old Irish folk song was originally recorded by The Dubliners in 1965 and has been covered by many bands throughout the years. It’s included in several greatest hits compilations and is the band’s most recognizable song. Originally, “House of Pain” was released as a single in 1989. It became one of their biggest hits to date, peaking at #39 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song’s original version was later re-recorded for the “Take a Bite” release.

Conclusion

Although Faster Pussycat is most well-known for its singles, most of which have appeared on several greatest hits compilations throughout the years, a few songs by the band have gone either unnoticed or forgotten. The list above includes some of these songs, all of which are staples in the band’s live sets to this day.

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