Extreme
came into its own on the concept album
Pornograffitti
, with the band's strongest set of songs and an intellectual theme revolving around the struggle for genuine love and romance in a sleazy, decadent society full of greed and corruption. The band shows a strong desire to experiment and push the boundaries of the
pop-metal
format, adding a funky horn section on
"Get the Funk Out"
and displaying progressive compositional leanings throughout, and virtuoso
Nuno Bettencourt
puts down his guitar for the enjoyable pseudo-
lounge
piano
ballad
of
"When I First Kissed You."
But of course, the album is best known for its two acoustic-guitar-only hits, the number one
"More Than Words"
and the equally fine full-band rocker
"Hole Hearted."
Other highlights include
"Decadence Dance"
and
"Song for Love."
[A Deluxe Edition added a second disc of edits and remixes.] ~ Steve Huey