Artist: Cheap Trick Album: Lap of Luxury

Year: 1988
Duration: 42:33

Cheap Trick's Lap of Luxury: A Critical Review of the Band's Comeback Album

Cheap Trick is a rock and roll band that first gained attention in the 1970s. Known for their heavy guitars and catchy hooks, they were often compared to other popular bands of the era such as Aerosmith and Kiss. After a string of successful albums and hits, the band's popularity began to decline in the 1980s. However, in 1988, the band made a comeback with the release of their album, Lap of Luxury. This album was critically praised and commercially successful, propelled by the hit single The Flame. In this blog post, we'll take a critical look at Lap of Luxury, exploring the themes, standout tracks, and innovations that make it a significant moment in Cheap Trick's career.

Lap of Luxury marked a departure from the hard rock sound that had defined Cheap Trick's earlier work. Instead, the band embraced a more polished sound, incorporating elements of synth-pop and balladry. The album's opening cut, Let Go, features vibrant synthesizers and layered vocals, setting the tone for the album's pop sensibilities. Other tracks such as Never Had a Lot to Lose showcase Cheap Trick's knack for crafting catchy, radio-friendly hits. While some fans criticized the band's departure from their earlier sound, Lap of Luxury helped to cement their place in the mainstream.

One of the standout tracks on the album is undoubtedly The Flame. A tender ballad that showcases lead vocalist Robin Zander's soaring voice and heartfelt lyrics, The Flame became a massive hit for Cheap Trick, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features a simple arrangement of piano, drums, and strings, perfectly complementing Zander's emotive performance. While some critics dismissed the song as cheesy or saccharine, there's no denying the impact it had on Cheap Trick's career.

Another standout track is the album's first single, Don't Be Cruel. A cover of Elvis Presley's classic hit, Cheap Trick puts their own spin on the song, infusing it with their trademark energy and guitar riffs. The track features a pulsing beat and driving guitars that build to an explosive chorus. While it didn't achieve the same level of success as The Flame, Don't Be Cruel remains a fan favorite and is a testament to the band's ability to breathe new life into classic songs.

One of the most innovative aspects of Lap of Luxury is the way it showcases Cheap Trick's versatility. While the band had always been known for their hard rock sound, this album allowed them to explore new avenues and genres. From the synthpop-infused Let Go to the bluesy All We Need Is a Dream, Lap of Luxury showcases the band's confidence and willingness to experiment. This versatility would go on to influence many of the bands that followed in Cheap Trick's footsteps, solidifying their influence on the music industry.

Critically speaking, Lap of Luxury is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that the album's slick production can feel a bit sterile at times, lacking the grit and raw energy of Cheap Trick's earlier work. Additionally, some of the tracks on the album feel like filler, lacking the standout hooks and melodies that make the hit singles so memorable. However, despite these criticisms, Lap of Luxury remains a crucial moment in Cheap Trick's career and a great representation of the band's signature sound.

In conclusion, Lap of Luxury is a significant album for Cheap Trick and an excellent example of the band's ability to adapt and evolve. While it may not have the same edginess as their earlier work, it showcases the band's versatility and willingness to experiment. With hit singles such as The Flame and Don't Be Cruel, Lap of Luxury helped to solidify Cheap Trick's place in the mainstream and influenced countless musicians that followed in their footsteps. While it may not be the most perfect album in their discography, Lap of Luxury is still a great listen and an important moment in rock and roll history.