Great Rock Albums of 1981: Cheap Trick- All Shook Up

Cheap Trick's album "All Shook Up" was yet another album that passed me by when I was on sea duty in late 1980/early 81. I had heard they had put out a new album and it was in my mind to get it once I got back to the US but for some reason, I never did. My loss and it was one that I now regret because after finally listening to it, I realise how good it actually is.

The main problem for Cheap Trick was that "All Shook Up" did not have the radio playability as their previous album, "Dream Police." I honestly can not remember any songs from the album played on FM radio around the time. True there's no top 40 single like "Dream Police" or "I Want You to Want Me" on this album.  Therefore, many people, not just me, allowed it to pass them by and I am sure that I am not the only person who regretted this because I can now say that this is a really good album. It proves once more that Cheap Trick can rock and have fun at the same time. The songs are all good rocking fun especially the last five or so. "I Love You Honey But I Hate Your Friends" is a classic example of Cheap Trick doing what they do best and "High Priest of Rhythmic Noise" is another one. Saying that, the band remains tight through all of the songs with all the trademark aspects of this great band.

Track Listing:

1. Stop the Game

2. Just Got Back

3. Baby Loves to Rock

4. Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try

5. World's Greatest Lover

6. High Priest of Rhythmic Noise

7. Love Comes A Tumblin' Down

8. I Love You Honey But I Hate Your Friends

9. Go For The Throat (Use Your Own Imagination)

10. Who D' King

[caption id="attachment_1284" align="aligncenter" width="128"] Cheap Trick[/caption]

Robin Zander- lead vocals

Rick Nielson- lead guitar, backing vocals

Tom Peterssen- bass, backing vocals

Bun E Carlos- drums

Thinking back, I believe that one of the reasons "All Shook Up" passed me by was that I got a letter from my sister telling me that her heart throb Tom Peterssen left the band shortly after it was released. I know that put her off buying the album or otherwise it would have been there for me to borrow and listen to when I got home. My excuse and I'm sticking with it. It was a definite shame because I now realise that I have been missing about on a great album for over three decades.

Next post: Frank Zappa- Tinseltown Rebellion

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