1988 Original with inner sleeve. "Instinct," released in 1988, marks a gritty and raw return to form for Iggy Pop, channeling the primal energy that made him an iconic frontman of The Stooges. The album embraces a no-frills rock ethos characterized by powerful guitar riffs and Iggy's distinctive vocal snarl. The production, helmed by Bill Laswell, eschews the gloss of 1980s glam rock in favor of a stripped-down, visceral sound that complements Iggy's feral persona. Notably, the collaboration with ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones injects a punk-infused dynamism into tracks like "Cold Metal," imbuing the album with an aggressive edge that appeals to both purists and new listeners.

However, Christgau might also point out that despite its spirited execution, "Instinct" occasionally wrestles with a lack of thematic cohesion and lyrical depth. The album's relentless pace and raw energy, while invigorating, sometimes overshadow the nuanced songwriting that characterized Iggy's earlier works. While tracks like "High on You" exhibit glimpses of introspective lyricism, the album as a whole tends to lean heavily on its visceral impact rather than substantive narrative.