Cheap Trick are nowhere close to the title of their new album, All Washed Up. The iconic Illinois rock foursome have been at their unique brand of rocking’ pop for five decades now. Producing classic hits like “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police,” “The Flame,” and “Surrender,” enjoying their first big fame with their triple-platinum live album At Budokan, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, constant touring and selling more than 20 million albums, Cheap Trick’s 21st studio album is worthy of their iconic status.
Opening with the throbbing title track, vocalist Robin Zander growling in a lower range we usually hear from a man considered still one of the best singers in rock and roll, he kicks up to his higher range on the next tune, the more melodic (still rockin’ though) “All Wrong Long Gone.” Benefitting from a layered thickly in Julian Raymon production, we get the best of Zander — his high sailing singing tripping on the ballad “The Best Thing,” the infectious single “Twelve Gates,” and the pop-rockin’ of “Bad Blood.”
The record ends with “Wham Boom Bang,” a fun oddity featuring ukelele and clarinet that lets the listener down softly. Guitarist Rick Nielsen’s lead lands just right and transforms the song from high camp to a wonderfully sincere and upbeat way to conclude All Washed Up. It doesn’t look like Cheap Trick will be hanging it up anytime soon and presenting an in-your-face, rock poppin’ album that sees the band staying the pace of their particular game.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
