Artist: Cheap Trick Album: Cheap Trick

Year: 1977
Duration: 0:0-1

The 70s Classic Rock with Cheap Trick's Self-titled Album - Review Time!

Once in a while, we stumble upon albums that stand out as classics, if not for the time they were released in, then for their evergreen status among listeners. Cheap Trick is one of those bands that brought great energy to 70s classic rock, which makes the self-titled album an excellent introduction to their sound for anyone who wants to explore the genre. In this review, we'll dive into the history of Cheap Trick, the overall music style of the album, the standout tracks, the innovations in the album, and critical analysis to wrap it up.

Cheap Trick first rose to fame in the late 70s and early 80s, their heavy power-pop sound quickly catching listeners's ears with breakneck-paced songs and catchy hooks. The self-titled album was their debut album released in 1977 and while it didn't immediately light up charts, it has remained one of their most popular albums to date. They had a sound that was all their own, blending punk, power pop, and hard rock in a unique way. They quickly carved out their identity as one of the edgiest acts in their time, with the wailing guitars and driving rhythms that defined the genre.

The music style of the self-titled Cheap Trick album is a phenomenal fusion of rock, punk, and power pop that defines classic rock from the decade. With their signature guitar-driven sound, the album starts with Hot Love, a song that sets the pace of the record with fast-paced drums, driving rhythms, and catchy hooks. The song lets you know what's you're getting into and establishes the sound of the whole album. You will hear individual songs that vary significantly from each other, like He's a Whore, which has a driving rhythm and a punky edge that makes it an edgier track. In contrast, the track Oh Caroline has more of a power-pop feel and upbeat, danceable melodies, highlighting Cheap Trick's range in sound.

The most exceptional songs in the album are I Want You To Want Me, ELO Kiddies, and Daddy should have stayed in high school. They're three dominating tracks among the ten that form the album. I Want You to Want Me has a catchy melody and an infectious chorus, a true classic that listeners still love today. ELO Kiddies is a hard-hitting rock song with blistering guitars that sum up the band's edge perfectly. Meanwhile, Daddy Should Have Stayed In High School starts with a choppy riff that leads to a catchy bass melody, bringing in a light-hearted mood even with a controversial title that explores darker topics.

The album is inventive in a few aspects that are particularly noteworthy. First, they pushed the envelope with the blend of various influences, putting their twist on classic 70s rock sounds. They crafted music that was both exciting and up-tempo while boasting hooks that stayed with you long after each track's end. Moreover, the guitars are prominent with an appealing mid-range punch that cuts through the mix, and the vocals are supported by the harmonies that deliver compelling lyrics in an exhilarating way. This album holds up well, precisely because of the unique way they blended sounds that still sound fresh today.

In conclusion, Cheap Trick's self-titled album is a classic in the rock genre, with a sound that fuses punk, power pop, and hard rock that defined an era in music. The standout tracks prove the album's explosiveness, with I Want You To Want Me, ELO Kiddies, and Daddy Should Have Stayed In High School being the most memorable tracks that stand the test of time. With the push of multiple influences, this album is inventive in its sound and approach, delivering exciting and up-tempo tracks that still appeal to listeners today. Cheap Trick has joined the pantheon of great rock bands with their self-titled album being a must-listen to understand the genre.