Some things you just look forward to, no questions asked. Just like an old friend that you haven’t seen since the lockdown, Cheap Trick has returned with their 20th studio release entitled In Another World. A very eclectic collection of songs, the album visits the classic Cheap Trick power pop sound in the first two singles — “Light Up The Fire” and “Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll” — and proceeds to the bluesy waltz of “Final Days” that brings to mind Marc Bolan and T. Rex in their heyday.
The opening track, “The Summer Looks Good On You,” brings back the radio-friendly, classic CT sound and updates it for the times. Producer Julian Raymond must be commended on bringing in so many facets of this band, with layered vocals and instrumentation. Cheap Trick has always been compared to the Beatles by lovers of both bands. That continues with this release. “Quit Waking Me Up” brings horns into the mix, and gives it a Paul McCartney and Wings feel. There’s a great John Lennon cover of the still-relevant-for-these-times “Gimme Some Truth” (featuring Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones), and the piano-driven “Another World,” that has that early 70s British vibe to it.
Singer Robin Zander, once known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” sounds ageless. His lovely tenor brings such depth to every track. From the rockers to the balladry of “Passing Through” and the dreamy lullaby of “I’ll See You Again,” it’s incredible to think that this band — members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2016 — has been around so long and still sounds so fresh. Combined with the very inventive and solid guitar work of Rick Nielsen and energized by his son, drummer Daxx Nielsen, and bassist Tom Petersson, this recording stands alongside any of their classic releases. As a long-time fan of Cheap Trick, I can honestly say that this record sounds better with every play, and it is fast becoming my favorite, in terms of its listenability as well as the variety of styles.
~ Junkman
