Cheap Trick – In Another World
(BMG)
Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.
Cheap Trick (yes, that Cheap Trick) are back. With a career spanning over five decades, the rockers from Rockford, Illinois are showing no signs of slowing down, having recently dropped their twentieth album ‘In Another World’.
Having penned some of the most adored and recognisable pop-rock tracks of the 80’s and 90’s, including ‘Dream Police’, ‘I Want You To Want Me’, power-ballad ‘The Flame’, and of course the high-octane ‘Mighty Wings’ from the Top Gun soundtrack, the list goes on. Formed in 1973, and inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, a majority of the band’s original line-up remain, including front man Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Neilson, Tom Peterson on bass, and the more recent addition Daxx Neilson on drums and percussion.
The follow-up on 2017 double-header ‘We’re All Right’ and ‘Christmas Christmas’, ‘In Another World’ is a collection of thirteen formidable tracks that encapsulate a classic Cheap Trick sound. Opening track ‘Here Comes The Summer’ kicks off the album in an upbeat style, heralding the forthcoming warmer months for the northern hemisphere. Second track ‘Quit Waking Me Up’ keeps the pace steady, and at times feels reminiscent of The Beatles with a touch of The Monkees. Following this theme, a cover of John Lennon’s ‘Gimme Some Truth’ is another highlight of the album.
The album has some quieter moments; title track ‘Another World’ slows things down a fraction, and in some ways captures – and resonates – with the upheavals and uncertainties of the here and now… “These are the worst times that we’ve ever had”. Another Beatles-esque track, ‘So It Goes’, scales things back further, with an acoustic guitar accompanied by Zander’s distinctive vocals. Yet this is not a sombre or morose album; far from it. Rather it possesses moments of reflection and introspection, before giving way to catchy hooks and sizzling guitars, and more than one nod to silky smooth blues along with some periodic pop stylings.
There is no doubt that ‘In Another World’ will appeal to Cheap Trick fans both old and not-so-old; it is a robust and enjoyable album from a much beloved band who appear to have no intention of slowing their pace any time soon. And while some critics may be quick to point out that this is an album that incorporates some old tricks, perhaps that is its strength, not a weakness.
In fact, while it’s true ‘In Another World’ delivers more of the renowned, trademark Cheap Trick sound, and perhaps doesn’t offer anything musically groundbreaking, listening to this album is an aural equivalent of a hug from an old friend; there is comfort in its familiarity. If nothing else, Cheap Trick are wonderfully consistent and reliable; they set out to play good ol’ rock n roll, and they don’t fail to deliver. While they don’t stray too far from familiar territory, kudos to Cheap Trick for remaining true not only to their vision, but also their sound; a sound that continues to resonate with several generations of listeners.
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