Cheap Trick’s new studio album, The Latest, released last week on the band’s own record label, (Cheap Trick Unlimited), should dispel any notion that that the group is planning to ride off into the sunset as a creative, vibrant, and relevant force in rock and roll anytime soon. Delivering a solid collection of inspired, well-crafted songs, The Latest ranks as one of the best compact discs I’ve heard this year, and one of the most balanced and cohesive performances of their lengthy career. If you thought this iconic 1970s “power pop” band would never rise to the occasion and produce another gem, then guess again. This is a really fine record by the band that Rick Nielsen once referred to jokingly as the “two good looking guys” (Robin Zander and Tom Petersson) and the “two ugly guys” (Nielsen and Bun E. Carlos).
In fact, the musicianship and songwriting found on The Latest shows that the individual members of Cheap Trick (Robin Zander, lead vocals, guitar and keyboards; Rick Nielsen, lead guitar, keyboards, and vocals; Tom Petersson, bass, keyboards, and vocals; and Bun E. Carlos, drums, percussion, and vocals), continue to mature and grow as musicians. Robin Zander’s voice is still very strong and powerful. In my opinion, Zander is one of rock and roll’s great singers of all time. The thing that makes Zander so good is his great versatility and range. At 56 years old, Zander can still belt out a rock song without sounding harsh. On the other hand, his high tenor can also provide a soft and sweet falsetto when necessary. As a singer, he seems to instinctively develop just the right phrasing for a ballad, even if he had nothing to do with writing it (“The Flame”). Interestingly, Zander’s role as a songwriter within the band has grown substantially with each album released since the late 1980s.
Rick Nielsen’s guitar playing on the album is fluid and consistent with the style he has developed and honed during his tenure with the group. For the most part, his guitar riffs have a slightly over driven tone. He leads the band with his powerful rhythm playing. He adds insightful and playful lead guitar lines on the cover of Slade’s “When the Lights Are Out”. It is an enjoyable, toe tapping number that harkens back to the 1970s glam rock made famous by David Bowie. Cheap Trick songs in the past have often been dismissed by some as being fun without much substance. However, one could also make the argument that sometimes a song should be judged on how it makes you feel when you hear it, rather than whether it makes the greatest lyrical statement of all time. After all, rock and roll, in its purest form, is often at its best when the subject matter isn’t overly serious.
Article comments
1 - Mike Hayes
Nice, but I think the writer has been reading some of the reviews on the Cheap Trick website message boards.....
2 - f.t.
Mike- I have heard this album and it lives up to the review. It's the best thing they have done in years. I'm a fan but not a sycophant.
3 - Rob
Nice review. (Correction though-George Martin produced the All Shook Up album not Dream Police.)
I agree that "Sleep Forever" could've made a powerful closing song,however putting it first creates a more jarring effect that might be more interesting as it puts you off guard. I agree that "Everyday..." is a little throwaway(another 30 seconds would've been nice) but I HUGELY disagree with "Smile". I'm gonna argue for sweet over syrupy, and Zander's performance is among his most moving. He's totally committed to the message,so I buy it. It never fails to lift my spirits.
You left off the best song on the whole album "Everybody Knows" which is pure epic on a scale Cheap Trick haven't done since maybe "World's Greatest Lover", yet its unlike anything they've ever done. This album is filled with strange little chord changes and interesting instrumentation. I haven't enjoyed a whole CT album like this in eons.
4 - JC Mosquito
I'd like to know if it's as good as their self titled release on Red Ant Records they made a few years back - an absolutely great lost album. Hey, now that I think of it, Rockford wasn't too bad either.
5 - TrickyTolles
This is a fantastic step foward from ROCKFORD. ROCKFORD was a very hard record, that hit hard and left you panting for more.
The Latest slowly grabs you and doesn't let go..but in a different sort of way. Its a complete listen and a great 'Long Player'.
The songwriting and musicianship are stellar!! These guys still have some fire left in their guitar cases and amps!!
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
6 - Jedro
I admit I wasn't excited upon my first few listens. I actually put it back on the shelf for a few weeks. Only a few songs grabbed me initially. I popped it in over the weekend and boom!, the record hit me. That's the mark of a good album usually.
"The Latest" is a fantastic record, no doubt. It may take some time to appreciate it, but give it a chance. It is every bit as good as Rockford and better than CT '97.
Without a track by track analysis, the album starts strong then lulls a bit with a few really short tunes and ends like a powerhouse. Tracks 9-13 are nothing short of stellar. Fantastic writing. Top-notch, boys.