Artist: Cheap Trick Album: In Color

Year: 1977
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Cheap Trick's Album In Color

Cheap Trick is an American rock band that formed in the late 1970s and quickly gained popularity for their energetic live performances and catchy, guitar-driven songs. In 1977, they released their second studio album, In Color, which featured some of their most beloved tracks, including I Want You to Want Me, Clock Strikes Ten, and Southern Girls. The album is a classic example of the power-pop sound that was popular at the time, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at In Color and see how it measures up as a piece of musical art.

First, let's talk about the album's overall sound and genre. As mentioned before, In Color is an example of power-pop, a style that blends elements of punk rock, new wave, and classic pop music. The band's focus on tight harmonies, guitar riffs, and catchy choruses are all hallmarks of power-pop, and In Color is a prime example of the genre. The album is filled with upbeat, infectious tracks that are easy to sing along to, making it a perfect choice for pop fans who want something a little grittier than the usual radio fare.

Now, let's dive into the standout tracks on the album. I Want You to Want Me is perhaps the most famous song on In Color, and for good reason. The track's urgent, pleading lyrics and driving guitar riffs are impossible to resist, and it's no surprise that it became a hit when it was released as a single in 1979. Southern Girls is another fan favorite, with its infectious chorus and rollicking guitar solo. Clock Strikes Ten is a little harder-edged than the other tracks, with a driving beat and heavy riffs that show off the band's punk influences. Overall, there isn't a weak track on In Color, and each song stands on its own as a testament to the band's talent and energy.

One of the most innovative parts of In Color is the way that it blends different musical genres and styles. While the album is primarily power-pop, there are hints of other sounds and influences throughout. For example, So Good to See You has a country-inflected guitar line that adds a touch of twang to the otherwise straightforward pop rock sound. Similarly, Oh Candy features a lush, symphonic arrangement that gives the track an almost cinematic feel. These subtle touches show that Cheap Trick wasn't content to just stick with one sound or genre – they were willing to experiment and explore different sonic landscapes.

Of course, no album is perfect, and In Color is no exception. While the vast majority of tracks are excellent, there are a few that don't quite hit the mark. Hello There is a little too repetitive and lacks the energy of some of the album's other tracks. Similarly, So Good to See You is pleasant enough, but doesn't quite have the same spark as the more standout tracks. However, these minor flaws are easily overlooked in the face of the album's overall stellar quality.

Overall, In Color is an excellent album that deserves its status as a power-pop classic. The album's catchy hooks, driving guitar riffs, and tight harmonies make it an endlessly enjoyable listen, and the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles keeps it fresh and exciting. While there are a few weaker tracks, these are far outweighed by the standout moments that make In Color such an enduring piece of musical art. If you're a fan of Cheap Trick or power-pop in general, this album is a must-listen – it's a perfect snapshot of a specific time, place, and sound that still holds up decades later.