Cheap Trick - Cheap Trick - Authorized Greatest Hits

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Free Music Notes for Cheap Trick - Authorized Greatest Hits

Free Music Review: Cheap Trick Classics
Hit: 5 Stars

"I Want You To Want Me" - It's hard to argue with this choice; this is the top 10 hit from the group's 1979 breakthrough live album, AT BUDOKAN. This track originally appeared on the group's second LP, IN COLOR (1977) in a more pop-oriented version that failed as a single in the U.S.

"Ain't That A Shame" - Another AT BUDOKAN track, this cover of the Fats Domino classic made the top 40 after the success of "I Want You To Want Me", which merits its inclusion here. It's also a good representation on the band's technical ability.

"Southern Girls" - The 45 mix of the IN COLOR track, which has a shorter drum intro than the LP mix, and a fade at the end. An excellent choice; this version was only previously available on the group's box set (SEX, AMERICA, CHEAP TRICK).

"Surrender" - Another no-brainer, this track (still heard occasionally on classic-rock radio) represents the group's most accomplished album, 1978's HEAVEN TONIGHT.

"Stop This Game" - Another great choice. Taken from the George Martin-produced ALL SHOOK UP, this song bottomed out on the charts in 1980 and began Cheap Trick's fall from popular grace. One of the band's greatest tracks.

"Dream Police" - Riding high on the success of AT BUDOKAN, "Dream Police" and the accompanying album of the same name charted high in 1979. This schizophrenic track embodies Cheap Trick better than any single song.

"If You Want My Love" - Another alternate version that was only available previously on the box set. This version features a rougher mix, a bridge, and no keyboards. Although the 1982 ONE ON ONE mix is better, it's nice gesture to include this one for long-time fans.

"Tonight It's You" - One of the few good songs that can actually be classified as a "power ballad". This track, culled from 1985's deleted STANDING ON THE EDGE, was a minor hit.

"Everything Works If You Let It" - My personal favorite Cheap Trick song. Since this is another track only otherwise available on the box set, this song alone warrants the purchase of this CD if you don't have the box. This amazing track was produced by George Martin during the ALL SHOOK UP sessions, but included on the soundtrack to the film ROADIE instead. As a single, it didn't quite make it to the top 40.

"Mandocello" - This track represents the group's 1977 self-titled debut album, and is undoubtedly the highlight of that LP.

"I Can't Take It" - A 1998 live rendition from MUSIC FOR HANGOVERS of this excellent track from the Todd Rundgren-produced NEXT POSITION PLEASE (1983). Again, the original is superior, but this one fits better.

"She's Tight" - a highlight from 1982's ONE ON ONE that was apparently an MTV favorite.

"That `70s Song" - 1999 recording of the theme song from THAT `70s SHOW. Actually, it's pretty good and has never been issued on a Cheap Trick CD until this one.

"Walk Away" - The inclusion of this track is puzzling. While it's certainly not bad, there are many superior songs that could have been included instead. Which brings me to ...

"Can't Stop Falling Into Love" - Although this track (the weakest on the CD) charted at #12 in 1990, its inclusion over several better hits cannot be ignored. "Voices", one of the band's all-time best songs, made the top 40 in 1979. "Don't Be Cruel" (top 5) and "Ghost Town" (top 40) all received major radio/video airplay in the late `80s and are also absent. While these are not representative of Cheap Trick's best work, they were "hits". If the group were choosing should-have-been-hits over actual hits, then "Say Goodbye" from their 1997 comeback album (self-titled, like their first) would have been a better choice. Perhaps there were licensing problems.

"The Flame" - The studio verision on this song from the group's 1988 LAP OF LUXURY album went to #1 (!), but this previously unreleased live rendition from the same year features more energy and passion.

AUTHORIZED GREATEST HITS is a great collection that works well as an excellent introduction to the band (although IN COLOR or HEAVEN TONIGHT will serve that purpose just as well) or as a supplement to the group's regular albums for the more familiar fan.

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