during the recording of the album the band committed itself to sobriety, with a strict regimen of no drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, red meat or caffeine. the band worked with a physical trainer each morning, and took vitamin pills to keep their bodies nourished. although there were occasional slips off the wagon, the members were determined to repeat the success of "dr. feelgood". the recording sessions proved to be fruitful, with a total of 24 songs written and recorded over the 10-month recording span.