You've got to admire Cheap Trick for continuing to release brilliant studio albums, never standing still, always writing different styles, while remaining true to all their original influences. If you're just coming back to the band since their last commercial heyday in the late 80's, this record far surpasses the quality of those efforts in all phases - songwriting, arrangements, and production quality. The album is balanced by a set of heavy rockers led by "Sick Man of Europe" and it's equivalent "Alive", a trio of lush, mid-tempo guitar pop gems, "Times of Our Lives","These Days", and "Miracle", and a couple of dramatic pieces "Everybody Knows" and the Beatlesque psychedelia "Closer". The songs have the energy and vibrancy to keep you wanting more. Their passion and originality has returned with a vengeance. This IS vintage Cheap Trick. A++ grade. This recording shows why after 37 years later, with the original lineup, from arguably the greatest American rock band ever, the mastery of their skills explodes into your ears. Robin Zander's trademark voice soars and drags you along for the emotional ride, and Rick Nielson energizes you with a guitar riff that gets stuck in your head. You can't stop listening. It's an extremely rare combination: musical genius, adrenaline, a tempered bit of insanity, ageless passion for making music, and consummate professionalism. There's a reason why these guys have been together for so long and are still going strong today. We know it's not about making money or trying to be more famous, that's what makes this special. That's why, like me, all rock and roll fans should consider Cheap Trick a National Treasure. The diversity of the CD offers something for new listeners and old fans alike. If you go on your own musical beachcombing expedition and search for the hidden treasures, I'm sure you will find at least one or two gems that are sonically golden to your ears.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
