[1] Many songs on the album incorporate a lyrical theme of the United States facing dangers of cultural decay and implosion.

[1] Slash and Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses fame were featured on the album as songwriters and performers.

[4] The song "Livin' on the Edge of the Night" was released before the album as a soundtrack for the hit movie Black Rain starring Michael Douglas and Andy García.

[5] The album gave Pop some of his strongest reviews since his David Bowie collaborations,[citation needed] and "Candy", with the B-52's vocalist Kate Pierson, became his first MTV hit.

"Butt Town" received high praise from the MTV animated duo Beavis and Butt-Head; the latter stated, "This song has the best lyrics I've ever heard.