Nikki Sixx has been talking about his book ‘The Heroin Diaries’ for almost as long as Axl Rose has been wittering on about ‘Chinese Democracy’, so it’s nice to see a release date finally given. This is the accompanying ‘soundtrack’ to the book, and Sixx has been joined by DJ Ashba (Ex-Beautiful Creatures), and James Michael, who Nikki has collaborated with in the past for both Motley Crue, Meatloaf, and others.

For a subject matter that is all about Nikki, it seems quite strange that James Michael appears to have done at least as much, if not in fact more, of the writing on this album. From previous songs he has written with Nikki, such as ‘Rest In Pieces’ by Saliva, it’s clear he writes very melodic tunes. Tracks such as ‘Permission’ and ‘Accidents Can Happen’ are almost like power ballads, and it’s the slower songs like those that I enjoy the most on the album.

First single ‘Life Is Beautiful’ does take things up a notch, and it’s a standard rock song – nothing particularly memorable, but enjoyable nonetheless. ‘Pray For Me’ is in a similar vein, and strangely, reminded me of The Killers in terms of the vocals and the chorus. Perhaps they just don’t rock enough as we might expect from Sixx, but with the album being about drug addiction, it was never going to contain party tracks that the Crue are most famous for.

James Michael takes up vocal duties on the album, and he has a very good voice that do the songs justice. In fact, if the album had simply focused on his singing I think it would have been better. Throughout the record there are spoken-word parts from Nikki. Supposedly he is reading excerpts from his diaries, but on occasion, such as on the otherwise very good ‘Girl With Golden Eyes’, it just comes across as a tad corny. He talks about his “fucked up childhood” and how he was a “troubled teen”. This may be the case, but I personally think that he should have just let the music do the talking. Some of the lyrics are just a bit too earnest for me; although I’m sure many will love them and be able to identify with songs about fathers who neglect their kids.

To be honest, Nikki Sixx could release an album of himself singing in the shower and I would probably still buy it. ‘The Heroin Diaries’ is overall an enjoyable record, but it’s not quite the rock concept album that it has been portrayed as at times. I think it should be taken for what it is – simply an album full of fairly good tunes that you’ll spin once in a while when the notion takes you.

It’s admirable that Nikki is actually putting out new music, rather than appearing on cheesy reality TV shows, or playing gigs in hick towns with members of Slaughter (yes, Tommy and Vince, I’m referring to YOU), but at the end of the day, the Brides Of Destruction showed that Nikki’s side projects just don’t sell that well, even though they may deserve to, and the typical fan will probably shun this in favour of waiting for the next Motley Crue album. It’s a shame, as I think the ‘Heroin Diaries’ deserves a shot.

6.5/10. Or perhaps 6.6 would be more appropriate.
Suzie