Artist: Cheap Trick Album: All Shook Up

Year: 1980
Duration: 0:0-1

All Shook Up: A Critical Review of Cheap Trick's Album

One of the biggest bands in rock music during the 1970s and 1980s is Cheap Trick. With classic hits like I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, the band defines the genre of power pop. The band released their eighth studio album, All Shook Up, in 1980, which received mixed reviews from critics and listeners alike. In this blog post, we take a closer look at All Shook Up, the music genre reflected in the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critique of the album.

All Shook Up is steeped in power-pop synths and rock 'n' roll bravado. The album gives a glimpse into the musical soul of the band. The album's music genre has a mix of the classic rock and roll sound with modern elements of alternative rock. This electric combination of sound could be linked to the production skills of George Martin, who produced the Beatles' later works.

One of the best songs from the album is Stop This Game - a hard-rocking yet frothy power-pop anthem that showcases Robin Zander's vocal range and delivery. The song has an infectious hook and catchy chorus, making it a standout track from the album. Another great song from the album is Baby Loves to Rock, which features a fast-paced tempo and mesmerizing guitar playing.

The innovative part of All Shook Up is the album's production and songwriting. The band chose to incorporate modern synth sounds and production techniques into their classic rock sound. Some of the songs on the album focus on the teenage experience, like If You Want My Love and World's Greatest Lover. They also highlight the band's ability to create timeless rock and roll hits.

Despite its commercial success, All Shook Up received mixed reviews from music critics. Some critics thought that the album lacked consistency in songwriting, while others acknowledged its appeal in the pop scene. Nonetheless, the album can be described as an essential chapter in the band's discography that showcased their range and ambition.

Overall, All Shook Up is an album that brilliantly blends power-pop, rock and roll and modern sound to produce a beautiful symphony of music. The band's ability to create timeless hits is evident throughout the album, making it a classic of the genre even today. Despite the mixed reviews, it's clear that All Shook Up helped pave the way for future power-pop bands, and it remains an essential listen for any music lover.