One major advantage to listening to a band's later material first and then trawling back through their archives is that you get a deep appreciation for where they came from and what they did to get to where they were when you first heard them. This was definitely the case for me in regards to The Scorpions. The first Scorpions album I was treated to was "Blackout" in 1982. While that is my favourite album of theirs, when I listened to the "Animal Magnetism" album, I can say that I was very impressed with that one as well.
"Animal Magnetism" reveals a very hungry group on the album. Each song has the power that I would love so much on the next album. "Make It Real" is a great opener and the third track "Hold Me Tight," reminds me why I have always held the vocal ability of Klaus Meine in such high regard. Then there is the seemingly ballad "Lady Starlight." Yes, it sounds like a ballad and for all purposes it is, but I have to say that Mathias Jabs really nails it on the guitar solo. After that brief slow down, it is back to business with three more hard rocking jams before it gets to the final title cut. That track may appear to be a bit way out there but the riffs laid down by the band on it reassure the listener that it is still the Scorpions all the way.
Tack Listing:
1. Make It Real
2. Don't Make No Promises (Your Body Can't Keep)
3. Hold Me Tight
4. Twentieth Century Man
5. Lady Starlight
6. Falling In Love
7. Only a Man
8. The Zoo
9. Animal Magnetism
- The Scorpions
Klaus Meine- lead vocals
Mathias Jabs- lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Rudolph Schenker- rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Francis Bucholz- bass, backing vocals
Herman Rarebell- drums, backing vocals
Like so many of the great metal bands back in 1980, The Scorpions would go onto even greater glories. Still, it's good to go back and appreciate where they came from and with "Animal Magnetism," they came from a good place.
Next post: 1980 Ends in Tragedy
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