"Dr. Feelgood" is Mötley Crüe's only gold single in the U.S. In 2009, it was ranked the 15th greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1.[5]
Theme and musical style
The tune explores the intersection of the LA Sunset Strip scene and drugs, depicting a drug dealer. This track marks a departure from the band's earlier musical style, introducing a funk rock groove and more sophisticated lyrics that deviate from their previous straightforward riffing and simpler lyrical approach.[6]
Critical reception
Upon release, David Giles of British magazine Music Week left a mixed review of the single. He called the song "almost funky furore, at the point where metal meets boogie" but "where the sound should be huge and fulsome, it is disappointingly trebly."[7]
Commercial performance
Released in 1989 as the album's first single, "Dr. Feelgood" became Mötley Crüe's first American Top Ten hit, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 28, 1989. It is their highest ranked single to this day.[8] In November 1989, the single was certified Gold by the RIAA for more than 500,000 units shipped in the United States.[9]
