"Overnight Sensation" is the thirteenth studio album by the British rock band Motörhead, released on October 15, 1996, via Steamhammer. This album marks a significant transition for the band as it features their classic three-piece lineup—Lemmy Kilmister on bass and vocals, Phil Campbell on guitar, and Mikkey Dee on drums—following the departure of guitarist Würzel (Michael Burston) in 1995. It's also the first album since Another Perfect Day (1983) to revert to this classic format.
Produced by Howard Benson, Overnight Sensation was crafted in a relatively short time frame, with about four weeks dedicated to writing and two months for recording. Despite being a three-piece, the band’s sound on this album is heavier than on their previous effort, Sacrifice. Lemmy reflected on the dynamics of returning to a trio, noting that while it felt similar to working as a four-piece, guitarist Phil Campbell experienced added pressure as the sole guitarist. He performed admirably, while Mikkey Dee continued to impress by completing his drum tracks in just one day.
The album features a rare outside songwriting credit from Magnus Axx of Swedish Erotica, who contributed to the song "Civil War." This album is also notable for its cover art, which includes a photo of the band for the first time since Ace of Spades (1980). Interestingly, the cover features Lemmy without his signature mutton chops, which he would regrow in 2001.
Lemmy praised the album in the 2004 documentary The Guts and the Glory, expressing satisfaction with its quality. Drummer Mikkey Dee noted that Würzel’s departure had an impact on the songwriting, highlighting the unique contributions Würzel made to the band’s sound.
Overall, Overnight Sensation is regarded as a strong entry in Motörhead's discography, showcasing their enduring rock power and adaptability in the face of lineup changes.
