Reviews (page 3 of 9)
Horrible sound . A shame
Amazing! Last few songs I knew by heart and had no idea where or who I knew them from. Full circle!
A 2 because this is the ultimate version of O Want You To Want Me, and Surrender wasn't terrible. Otherwise I thought it was not great.
This is #day602 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… I'm not sure getting to know a band you've never heard of through a live album is the best idea. The music itself is kind of okay, say, for a classic rock station listen, but I don't get why you must hear this record before you die. It holds next to zero significance for me. Let it be a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day603.
Everyone should have the kind of support from Japanese women that you get at this concert — listening to that squealing, you actually start to believe the music is cool.
This was alright.
Energetic performance but nothing exceptional.
Pleasant surprise. 3.5 or so.
Started off sort of simple, but won me over in the end. Missing some of the personality and "unprofessionalism" I typically enjoy in a live album. Probably won't be revisiting this and I'll just listen to the studio versions of Cheap Trick if I'm in the mood. Might be on the lookout for a second hand vinyl of this record - I'm a sucker for live albums on vinyl.
It was fine, nothing great or bad really
just kinda meh tho
alright, not bad
An overly-compressed jpg in album form. I'm sure there was something crystalline in there before but now it's garbled shite. Being a live album did absolutely nothing for this record either.
I'd rather listen to their original studio output than this live record. Maybe it was the conditions I played it on but it didn't sound as good as I thought it would. I suspect that this album's impact is most felt for those who were surprised and impressed by a more muscular sounding Cheap Trick. And yet, for someone who is coming from the opposite end of history and musical taste this is not part of the equation (although I long to hear that 1997 session with Steve Albini re-recording In Color mastered and officially released on vinyl). Ultimately, it's fine but a bit of a let down given all the hype over the years.
eu esperava pior depois de já receber tanto rock e o que tá me aguardando também. acho que não é muito diferente de muitos álbuns de rock por ai dos anos 70. mas curti e foi gostoso de ouvir favoritas: come on, lookout, big eyes
I’d be outraged if I went to a massive stadium concert in Tokyo and the band played like seven songs for a half an hour. Still, there’s something about the tone here, the excellent drumming, the way the guitars smudge colors onto the night, that transports me back in time, right into this concert. I mean, I Want You To Want Me and Surrender, what more do you need? This is one I do return to from time to time.
Fun music, but that crowd is very loud. So for that, the music is a 4/5 but the live album itself is a 3/5.
This was fine, even if the songs were a little silly. 3.0/5.0: Good
decent songs, high energy but at times it feels very thin. I’m sure it sounded better at the show but it’s not something I’d want to listen to.
очень много визжащих девочек (мальчиков?) для такого обычного рока
another live album come on come on acc doesnt sound that bad but i cant tell because the quality of these old live albums r so fucking bad 😭 i want you to want me is good too (dependent on studio version). i’ve def heard this melody before though of the line and i cant believe its their song. surrender too. unforch only 3/10 of the songs are good so
It was pretty good, live audience didnt really add anything to the listening experience outside of Want You To Want Me
This was pretty good
Album No. 0193 on my playlist. Okay, another live album from the 1970s, recorded in Japan - that rings a bell (I've already reviewed Deep Purple's "Made In Japan" and didn't particularly enjoy it)! Of this album, I had only ever known "I Want You To Want Me", so I was curious how the rest of the album would hold up. In the end, I think that "At Budokan" is a solid live record. It has some good qualities, and some not-so-good ones. I think the songs themselves are pretty solid. Catchy, dynamic pop-rock songs. Nothing really stands out, but overall I like them. The crowd during this concert was pretty good as well. On the other hand, I feel like the recording of said concept was not particularly good; it feels like a slightly improved bootleg instead. I also found the band sounding a bit "chaotic", for a lack of better words. They do have a certain live quality, but the whole thing feels somewhat uncoordinated and messy. I will add "I Want You To Want Me", and "Surrender" to my playlist. 3/5 stars.
Album #52, Cheap Trick, At Budokan ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I went into this very blind. I’d never intentionally listened to Cheap Trick, and even checking their top songs on Spotify didn’t reveal anything I recognised. But this is right up my street. It sounds like a punkier version of Big Star, who I love. I should probably do a proper dive into their studio albums, because this is very much a live album. It’s hard to pick out every individual element of the songs, so it’s hard to judge how good they actually are underneath it all, but what it does have is energy and a really great live sound. I love hearing the crowd on albums like this. I feel that’s the whole point of a live record, and there’s loads of that here, though I do wonder if some of it is piped in. There are great guitar riffs, ripping solos, and class drumming throughout. The vocalist sounds weirdly English at times, like he’s doing a 1977 punk impression, but it works. The band it reminded me of most, though, not least because it was recorded in Japan, was Spinal Tap. That might sound like a dig, but I fucking love Spinal Tap. Really enjoyed this one, and I’d definitely listen again.
Cheap Trick at Budokan is one of the quintessential live albums of the 1970s. I Want You to Want Me is a decent song, but the crowd's enthusiasm is what really puts it over the top. Surrender is the clear standout here for me. The rest is not bad. I'm not a huge Cheap Trick fan, but this was fun to listen to.
Unimpressive live performance without any highlights.
The recording sounds cheap and I feel tricked, turns out this wasn't even recorded at Budokan but mostly at Osaka instead. All the attempts to fix this in the post can't hide the fact that the recording is a Charlie Foxtrot and should have been wiped. However, there are a few big hits on it.
It has the hits, but I feel like neither the sound nor the band's live performance make this worth listening over the studio versions.
cheap trick
the tracks are not bad but it sucks that its a live album
I don't usually like live albums but this one is particularly bad. It doesnt bring you in to the show, there's no showmanship or anything added in the performance. Its just like a worse version of a studio album with some Japanese girls screaming in the background. Awful.
I enjoy Cheap Trick’s radio hits but I wasn’t particularly overwhelmed by their live offering. Maybe it was the day & age & technology of the recording but I was expecting a better production. The studio recording of Surrender has such a massive sound, but in this Budokan environment it all sounded a bit weak to me.
Rock, good but not in the mood
not a good driving record, hard to hear anything. should revisit elsewhere
I don't love Cheap Trick. Yeah, these guys suck. Big Eyes is like a crappy Black Sabbath cover. These guys and Ted Nugent must get along great. Need Your Love actually kind of rocks. Their Ain't That a Shame is a terrible cover. I Want You to Want Me is the hit, and this is the version you hear, and it is completely overrated. Announcing the name of every song before you play it is the equivalent of Missy Elliott calling every song on Under Construction "another Missy Elliott exclusive". Surrender is another big song for them and the opening chit chat ended up on a Beastie Boys song. Surrender is not good either.
Cheap trick is a singles band. Some great singles but the album cuts were not that great. And I thought the sound on this album was kinda wonky.
I don't love live albums, but this is pretty good. Has most of their best hits. Quality of sound isn't great, I wonder how it would play on vinyl.
Oh hey the opening to Rock Band. Pretty great live album. I didn't realize there was originally a different version of I Want You to Want Me, I thought this was it the whole time. Oh hey I've heard Surrender in tons of movies and tv shows.
Love it. I think Oasis listened to this.
It’s a good live album, but again it’s most likely a form of compilation of the songs from various albums so hard to make a determination of the significance. It was easy to listen to though
Live album, automatically a demerit. But I love Cheap Trick, and what's more, this has one of the best versions of a song I love, I Want You To Want Me. It's a fun time despite the problems I have with live albums.
parad de ponerme mierdas esto cansa de verdad
I only knew one song by Cheap Trick, guess which one? I rather like live albums, so I was excited to give this one a go. It was pretty disappointing. The music was uninspired and blend. Despite the occasional crowd noise, it didn’t have much of a live feel. The album had the bad luck to come one day after Ziggy Stardust, but it really doesn’t deserve more than two stars
Side B saves this album, Side A is DULL.
"One of America's most underrated bands at its creative peak." is a direct quote from the 2018 version of the book I have access to. I certainly can't back that up, and this album fails to deliver on that exceedingly high praise. It's a fine live album.
Wait why was this good
Vermoeiend - mogelijk een lagere score omdat ik zelf heel moe ben en dit album daar dus echt niet bij helpt. Edit: Oké, ik had gelijk, 2 was te harsh.
Wel een lekker plaatje. I Want You To Want Me is een gigantische banger.
todos já sabem minha opinião sobre álbum ao vivo é mal gravado e cheap trick… é mei ruim
IH CARAI SURRENDER TÁ NO GUITAR HERO 2. boa música gostava de tocar ela dito isso eu ia dar 2 estrelas pq eh ao vivo e nem eh bem gravado fraga. mas aí tocou surrender vou subir pra 3 pq ela eh bem boa. eh rockzinho ao vivo nada demais não
Gran disco en vivo de hard rock
What a strange album. Questionable recording quality. Boring lyrics in forgettable songs. Did they think the "Hello There"/"Goodnight Now" thing worked? The crowd sounded like they were sitting on their hands until the requisite squeal between songs.
Questionable to have a live album for the band’s only entry on this list. The recording wasn’t great and the album does not include some of their best songs. A studio version of their greatest hits might be 3-stars but this falls well short.
Album #1,070 A solid live rock album, not as awesome as Kiss Alive! (which should have been the album on this list, not Destroyer). The recording is honestly not that great. I know it's live, but even for live it's a bit muddy. The band's energy and talent still come through though. I kept pausing Come On, Come On because I was trying to figure out what this sounded like. I finally figured it out -- Do Ya, by ELO. Maybe it actually doesn't, but that's what I heard. I Want You to Want Me still gets played on the radio today, but I was never a big fan of it -- I thought it sounded wimpy, but really it's just the vocal that wimpy. The rest is solid. Favorite track: Surrender
Just terrible !
Rocking power pop
Wasn't sure how much I'd get out of a live album from a band I'd never heard of before but I ended up having a very good time with this. Super infectious, high energy rock music which is simple but works super well in this setting. Not sure I'd put this in the conversation for best live album ever, but this is still pretty great nonetheless. Fav Songs: Surrender, Need Your Love, I Want You To Want Me, Clock Strikes Ten Least Fav: Goodnight 8.4/10
Good enough to be recorded at a japan gig 50 years ago
Excitement of a live concert that made all the little girls scream. If what you want is one tune after another that has thumping bass, snare drum backbeats and unintelligible lyrics, this one is for you.
4.8/5 not a fan of live albums, but cheap trick is good fun, and I Want You to Want Me and Surrender are the best.
Hard to believe I'm in my late 50's and never listened to this one all the way through. For me, Cheap Trick was always one of those bands that had a few great songs, but the rest was just ok. Unfortunately, this album proves rather than disproves that theory for me. The live versions of Surrender and I Want You to Want Me are classics, but the rest just seems repetitive and boring. I wanted to like this album way more than I did. I'm being generous with 3/5, probably more like 2/5 but I'm nostalgic for Surrender.
Another album that I think would've been a lot better if it wasn't a live album. Favorite track: Surrender
Uninspired lyrics with pretty bland instrumental. I Want You To Want Me and Big Eyes were the only memorable songs as they were somewhat unique but the rest of the album just remains okay; not terrible but not great. Something I wouldn’t mind listening to in the background though for sure
It was lacking a little power that I want in my live recordings. Still has some catchy songs and is mostly some harmless fun. Rating: 1.9
Bueno
Passionate and energetic, but not super memorable. Still a cool listen while its on. I Want You To Want Me and Surrender are standouts.
Great live performance, high energy makes it a personal favorite
Boring short of the hits.
Some average pop rock with the shitty live production you often get. I can hardly hear what the vocalist is singing, but it's ok cos I can hear all the small Japanese children being mauled in the background. Favourite song was Need Your Love, probably because the bloke stopped singing for that one.
The sound is not good. It’s clear that it is live, though. I’m not really sure, what I think about it. I guess I understand why people enjoyed this back in the day. They might have found it dangerous and cool. It’s neither good nor bad. It’s just there
Listenable but nothing special
It was ok - some solid songs on here but not sure why this would be a must listen
It's ok. Not sure how/why this was so acclaimed - maybe I need a deeper knowledge of the Cheap Trick back catalogue
So. Many. Power chords.
Meh. Not a fantastic live band with ok songs
nada pero nada me llamo la atención, lo deje de escuchar a la mitad.
I’m not gonna love a live album unless I love the band already. This was 🤷♀️ Kind of nondescript pop-rock. I got excited all of a sudden and realized the album had finished and it was playing the suggested song (Shattered by the Rolling Stones) and not cheap trick anymore.
The first side wasn’t 5 star worthy but the 2nd side sure takes me back to July 1979. The album came out in the US in Feb. 1979 and was a huge hit. I lived in South Dakota and I guess Cheap Trick had booked a concert there before the album got big since it was rare to get a big name act to play in Sioux Falls at that time. So my 4 friends and I made a 2 hr roadtrip to go hear them in concert and was a fantastic concert. As an added bonus, the opening band was AC/DC who didn’t release their Back in Black album until that fall and Bon Scott was still alive at the time. I concert I will never forget!!!!
Que surpresa agradável! Não conhecia... Gostei principalmente das faixas #7 e #8...
I came into this knowing 2 Cheap Trick songs and it's clear why we know those and not the rest. Still it's a fun enough album.
I dont like live albums
“I want you to want me” and “Surrender” … all day. The rest of this, meh.
2 stars Mediocre rock music, but live. This description is the case with almost every live album on this list, ranging from bad to fine. I can acknowledge the poppy catchiness of “I want you to want Me” and “Surrender,” but the rest of it would have been a 1.
This rocked harder than I thought it would having basically only heard the CT hits. I do feel this is kinda cheating though because its just a curated live show. There arent any album tracks to get through.
I was pessimistic when I saw this as I don’t typically enjoy live albums as much, and saw decent hate in the reviews.. but it was better than I expected. Hearing ‘I want you to want me’ in the past, with them announcing the song title at the beginning I always thought was a bit weird, but they did that throughout. Overall was a pretty fun listen, 4/5
A relatively fun set of hard rock that'll keep your attention but won't blow you away. The two big hits are the highlights. The chorus on "Surrender" is the best hook here, even if I've come to find the lyrics on the verses a little clumsy. The extended "Need Your Love" is another highlight. Other than that this is punchy, catchy hard rock with a ton of energy thanks to the live setting. That live setting does mean the recording quality is not great, though it doesn't detract too much. Parts of this do feel a bit corny - especially the "hello" and "goodnight" songs - though the energy and commitment makes some of the corny bits work, like the grandfather clock solo on the closer. If you're a Cheap Trick fan this will probably be a blast, and if you're not you at least won't be bored.
Locura, prefiero las versiones de estudio igualmente por su mejor sonido
The sound of the crowd is unbelievably shrill, but when you get over that it's ok
Production was just bad
I warmed up to this. Not the best recording but I guess to be expected with a live album. Higher energy than i was expecting. fine but likely never listening to it again
2.5 rounded up Ain’t That a Shame is the crown jewel
Great show. Great band.
Solid hard rock. “Need Your Love” really hit for me. The band stretches out and jams on this one, and they tip into heavy metal. “I Want You to Want Me” is a classic, and it also holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first songs I got sick of on classic rock radio. I used to groan when that shouted intro would come on, and I would switch the station. Now that I don’t hear it as much, I can appreciate it again. But I think learning to hate overplayed songs is a rite of passage for any young music listener. “Surrender” is a classic too! What a nice photo for the album cover. They look like friends just having a good time.
I was surprised to see a live album / compilation here as Cheap Trick's only (so far) recording on this list, but reading more about it it does make sense. Apparently they had been touring for a while without seeing themselves move up into that next level- and apparently this performance, recording, and response was a big boon to their popularity. "I Want You To Want Me" is the big one, but I think one of my favorite classic rock songs from this era is "Surrender". It feels like a really special song to me, something about the composition makes it feel like a really great piece of songwriting at it's core harmony + melody, and it just happens to sound good in this style. I also have some kind of personal nostalgia tied to it but I can't really put my finger on it. 4/5 record for me. Great energy, great tunes. I saw Cheap Trick about a decade ago and they were great.. it probably wasnt the original members but they rocked.
I love this album but all the best moments are near the end.
Great Cheap Trick
Classic rock
This is probably good, but it's not really for me. A couple great songs, the rest is just... boring.
No ok
i never liked Cheap Trick but thiswas better than I remembered. 3
Partly sentimental 5 - Cheap Trick was the first band I saw live, in January of 1981, a few years after this, but they were likely at the peak of their powers in that era.
This is a great record with good energy. That said, I can't get beyond the terrible production. Some of the songs have basically no bass, and the drums sound like they were recorded at the bottom of a well. It's too bad, this has five star potential, but I can't do it with the way the drums are mixed.
Boo. Outside of the two hit tracls at the end felt very generic to me.
I have always had kind of a hard time with Cheap Trick. I think it's a Robin Zander thing. "I Want You to Want Me" has always been one of those songs that irrationally bugs me. But, I really like "Lookout" and "Big Eyes" a lot, and even though I don’t love Zander's vocals on it, I think the arrangement of "Ain't That a Shame" is super cool. It’s very much on the edge of 3.5, there's just...*something* I'm not totally clicking with yet to get it there. High 3 stars. 3/5
Not t my favorite kind of music, it’s a good album to listen to occasionally.
The sound quality, mixing, and performances are all worse than their studio recordings. This doesn't improve my opinion of live albums. Just get a greatest hits album if that's what you want.
This live album isn't my cup of tea, but it's got its moments. The raw energy is undeniable, especially once the band really gets into their groove. From there to the end, it's a solid listen. It won't change your life, but if you're into Cheap Trick, this is worth a spin or two. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Ain't That a Shame - I Want You To Want Me - Surrender
Idk pretty solid. Surrender is awesome tbh
I learned a lot about the Budokan venue by listening to this. honestly, cheap trick is super unremarkable... surrender is obviously a classic track but like .... who cares lol
This one is very meh... 2 stars with +1 for a few hits... But why is a live album on this list?
At first I was lukewarm on these songs. It felt like just a “best hits” selection, where I would just rather listen to the studio recordings. As I progressed through the album, I really started to appreciate the way that the strength of the composition shines through. With this live performance, you can hear how well made each track is. The memorable guitar riffs, the powerful drums, all of it is presented so directly. Another layer is also added by the crowd noise. Their audible feedback is part of what makes this live format so transformative. Beautiful textures galore, I felt like the intensity of the guitar playing was an invigorating element here, where I’m not sure I would hold the same opinion if that same level of force was on the studio recordings. At Budokan being released as a live album makes sense because it is such a complete experience. Faves: Lookout, Need Your Love, Ain’t That a Shame, Clock Strikes Ten, Big Eyes, I Want You to Want Me
Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Who NEEDS to hear this before they die?
classic
The live album was not my favorite, all the screaming was distracting
It was in the mid-nineties when I first became aware of Cheap Trick. I was in either fifth or sixth grade when I heard the version of “I Want You to Want Me,” and I thought it was incredible. I can’t remember when I started hearing more of their music, but I remember listening to “Dream Police” and “Surrender” quite a bit when I was in college in the mid aughts. I wouldn’t consider myself a big Cheap Trick fan, but they have a few songs that I like. I’ve never listened to a whole album of theirs before, but I’m looking forward to reviewing At Budokan, because I assume it’s going to be a fun listen. Cheap Trick at Budokan was fine. For an album that’s supposed to be one of the best live albums of all time, I wasn’t really wowed by much of it, but “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender” were both an absolute blast. For the most part, all I could really hear clearly on this album were the lead guitar and vocals, so a majority of this album was run-of-the-mill classic rock to my ears. And for a live pop rock album, I thought the energy from the band was lacking, and most of the energy came from the screaming fans. The exceptions to that were easily “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender.” I remember my first time hearing the studio version of “I Want You to Want Me,” and being completely shocked at how flat it sounded compared to the live version. Everything on the live version is perfect though. The spoken intro, the drumming before the rest of the band joins in, and the blistering guitar riffs that are peppered throughout the song. Even the a cappella bridge is bristling with tension and anticipation. And after that, the band launches into “Surrender,” a song that hadn’t even been released as a single at the time of this recording, yet the band plays it with an incredible sense of familiarity. While I was underwhelmed by this album, I thought it was still pretty fun. Cheap Trick isn’t one of my go-to classic rock artists, but when I hear their hits, I’m going to play them loudly.
Masterpiece
Fun to hear their classics in the live recording
This one failed to impress me. It's fine, but I (a) don't think this album was particularly groundbreaking and (b) don't care for this as a live album. This one is not sticking around for me. Favorite track: "Need Your Love" was kind of cool in the middle.
2/9/26: 8/10
Dire, I hate rock!
Enjoyed this - wish people did more live albums. This show was a week after they released their album with surrender on it - you can feel how much the crowd responded. Album feels big but also warm and cosy didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
As much as I like lives this one was average.
Loud, distorted, old-fashioned rock. It reads a bit like stadium rock but is harder to sing along to, primarily because the melodies are really weak and generic. For the year 1979, there is absolutely nothing creative about any of these tracks. The Wall, London Calling, Unknown Pleasures, Off The Wall... heck, throw Highway To Hell in there too. The 70s, including 1979, were a decade jammed with a huge number of iconic and timeless artists. Cheap Trick, especially when live, really doesn't live up to its contemporaries. Not for a lack of gusto, though: for all its flaws, Cheap Trick has a good bit of energy stored. Or maybe they just dialled up their amps. The first four tracks maintain a consistent medium-high energy that gets a little stale by its fourth iteration in Big Eyes. Lookout and Big Eyes just aren't that enjoyable when listening to the tracks in order. But then we get the 9-minute behemoth that is Need Your Love. The intro of this track sounds just like War Pigs, right down to being in the same key. But the actual production quality is completely different, and not for the better. Just goes to show how ahead of its time Paranoid was – and how relatively behind its time At Budokan was. Still, Need Your Love stands out for its great guitar solos (especially the one at the 3-minute mark) and multiple contrasting song sections. It does go on a bit too long, though. Ain't That a Shame is the first genuinely strong song here – it helps that the vocalist is absent for two minutes, and then singing softly rather than screaming. The following track, I Want You to Want Me, is much the same. Great guitars and bass. Simple, effective drumming. Why the first half of the record was so comparatively unfriendly to the ears, I have no idea. Surrender is a step down but still passable. The singing/melody comes across as a bit lazy, songwriting- and delivery-wise. 2/5 Key tracks: Ain't That a Shame, I Want You to Want Me
Livealbum
another album that i loved a lot in the past, but i don't know how this will hold up for me. it's still pretty damn great power pop. and yeah, it's still great. my early ears are still alive in this old head
It was okay, had some good ones, some bad ones. Like a 3.5
Dang! I do want to give this a higher rating because it was cool seeing them this last year. However, it only got fiery towards the end.
Hmm ikke lige det bedste, men i want you to want me er cute
I think I just really like a live album.
Good songs but live albums ain't it
The energy of this is pretty rad; a real sense of how it felt to be in that hall. Although this is ostensibly power-pop, they don't half ramble on at various times.
It’s a good representation of the band. Playing is clean. Not too familiar with their catalog, but knew a couple songs. 3/5 Might listen again
42 min live album is wassup, not 2 fucking hours of orchestral Metallica so that’s a plus. Opening song is good. Didn’t know I want you to want me was by these fellas, nice. Oh shit and surrender? Fantastic song, like gives the album an extra half star alone. Nostalgic for me (THPS anyone?) Very very straight pop/arena rock that appeals more to teenage girls (as is apparent by all the annoying audience screaming) than headbangin fellas, but dammit listening to surrender made me feel like a teenage girl a bit. I get it tho, this album was their breakthru album as I understand it, so this isn’t their best stuff but also has some of their biggest hits. It’s enjoyed but I have listened to a lot of music like this and it can get tired pretty quick. Some very drawn out vamps were a smidge gratuitous. I can imagine having fun at this concert for sure, it’s amazing what live music can get away with when you’re actually there seeing it live. Great vocals. Tight band behind them. Real professionals. The recording on this live recording is a lil dated tho? Can’t fault them for that, it’s prolly the best there was at the time. A generous 3.8
Cheap trick has always been good, I’m still not sold on this being a masterpiece though. The I want you to want me live version is perhaps more famous than the recorded version and that’s probably an important consideration here. Obviously they sound tight, Rick Nielsen is about as tight as it gets, but this is like on par with any good live performance from any band I like. I’ve talked to Liam ad naseum about this album and I do vibe with him that this is just good loud rock music, I think it’s the live album part that’s still holding me back. I want a good cheap trick album, not a good recording of them playing what they wanna play from their discography.
Classic 70s rock. Cool sound
Due to the energy and urgency that these guys play live, this is just as much of a hard rock album as it is a power pop one. The crowd reaction is immense, with it feeling like Beatlemania with all the screaming girls. The crowd vocalising on the chorus of 'I Want You To Want Me' take it to the next level and it is truimphs the album version. The yet-to-be released 'Need Your Love' is another highlight, with them showcasing their talent during the extended instrumental section. 'Surrender' might be their biggest song and it sounds so anthemic on here. This is such a stellar live album that I'd say you can skip the studio albums and dive straight into this record if you want to give these guys a try. The studio versions of these tracks lack the energy and edge that the frantic live atmosphere of At Budokan brings
Never got Cheap Trick tbh. And this sounds like a poor live album.
Nice live album. Can see how it would influence Foo Fighters and other alt rock bands of the future with all the power chords on top of the catchy melodies. Standouts are the two fun hits "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender".
Pretty incredible to have a live single be your biggest song. Invented the idea of being "big" in japan
That was quite fun
Ha! I've heard "I Want You to Want Me" on the radio a million times and I'd never caught that "This next song is the first song our new album..." that the Beastie Boys sampled. This is some solid 70s rock'n'roll. I don't love it but it's catchy.
Pedophile rock, absolutely not
I really like live albums… but cheap trick isn’t there to off my list. Need to be in the mood for them.
I want you to want me! Some solid hits, but the album didn’t wow as a whole. 5/10 Decent
Not a fan of their singing. Not the type of music I would listen to either. 3/10
Cool stuff, no wonder it has a jojo Stand commemorating it. I Do think the Live at Kinda detracts from these albums as I don’t wanna hear the hooting and hollering of the probably very dead crowd. Quite a big fan of big eyes, couldn't tell you why but I think its pretty cool. I have no clue why "I want you to want me" Is the most popular, its just not particularly interesting.
Haven't got a lot to say about it wasn't listening to it in a huge amount of detail. Decent. 64/100
Quite liked the live atmosphere. Didn't think much of the first listen but there were some standout parts. I imagine I would like this more upon relistening.
Great Songs: I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, Clock Strikes Ten Good Songs: Hello There, Come On, Come On, Big Eyes, Need Your Love, Goodnight, Mid Songs: Lookout, Ain't That a Shame Bad Songs:
They seemed to enjoy themselves.
In Japan.
Not bad for a live album. It’s a trade off between the energy of a concert and precision of the studio.
i imagine if i was more of a cheap trick fan this would be like the best album ever, didn’t really know them but very decent !
3.3 2x watched the live show on youtube as second listen through
my main question: why the live version? what’s so special about this album? idk but a few of the songs were super fun like I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, they had some fun
I *love* Cheap Trick. They are part of the trifecta (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin) I was raised on. I don't love this album more than Heaven Tonight or even In Color, but there are some sizzling performances here; I suspect this is the reason Budokan was picked and not a studio album. I was negative sixteen years old when this concert happened, so who knows how good it actually was, but "I Want You to Want Me" was apparently a real face-melter. "Surrender" is an obvious classic. Not that anybody gives a shit, but I do wonder why, stacked against Heaven Tonight, for example, this album was ultimately selected. I don't have the book, so I can't check. My rating of this album is colored a lot by my love for the band and by my appreciation for their live sound, even though I would probably rate a few studio albums higher. I think divorced from my affection for Cheap Trick and my love for their studio sound, I'd probably drop this a star. I have some really great memories of being like seven and my dad and I belting "Surrender" and some others in his '94 camry. Good shit. Glad to see Cheap Trick on the list, even if it's just this album.
This one was fun. This version of I Want You To Want Me is the version I'm most familiar with. It doesn't feel the same without "I want you.... to want... ME!" at the beginning for me. I first heard it in one of those MX vs. ATV video games that I would play nonstop as a kid, so it hit kinda hard in the nostalgia a bit. Same with Surrender, but it wasn't the Budokan version. Surrender bangs as well though. Those two stood out to me the most when listening, but everything else was just as fun to listen to for me. Cheap Trick really isn't a band I think about a lot, but every time I listen to them I enjoy it. I might end up throwing this one on my list of "Live Albums I Find Listenable" shortlist and throw it on every once in a while.
This is the type of live album that I've referenced in my other reviews. I've always enjoyed Cheap Trick's hits but haven't gone deep into their catalogue. I didn't hate anything here, and I'm sure it was a great concert. However, I don't think the live setting added anything in the same way that our previous entries have. In certain parts it almost felt like the crowd noises were edited in. It wasn't bad but it has nothing on Sam Cooke. 2.5-3
The number of Cheap Trick albums in my dad's record collection probably greatly outweighs any other artist or band (except maybe the Dead). Live albums, studio albums, reissues, bootlegs... you name it. It's so bad that he makes me remind him during our record store trips that he doesn't need any more Cheap Trick. When ringtones were a thing, my dad changed all his close contacts to Cheap Trick songs. I'm not sure what logic was behind the associations, if any -- my little league baseball coach was "Dream Police." When the Wii came out and my family bought one, my dad spent an entire Sunday afternoon creating Miis of Robin, Rick, Tom, and Bun E. All this to say, my father's enthusiasm for Cheap Trick is not lost on me -- I've heard "Surrender" more times than I could count over my life (this is a good thing). This version of "I Want You to Want Me" is very near and dear to me. "Come On, Come On" is an absolute banger. An absolutely wonderful inclusion to this list.
I had initially typed up a fairly lukewarm review but then I tracked down some video of this show and I get it now. I’m not especially familiar with most of the material but I liked most of it. I do think it sounds fairly 1:1 with the studio tracks which is generally detrimental to a live album but whatever. Review of the list tells me this is the only Cheap Trick offering here, so I'm going to take a moment to talk about "Surrender," which is truly one of the most immaculate pop songs to ever exist and is enough to convince me that there's some divine entity who can pick people up like a pen to create magic.
I Want Me To Want Cheap Trick This had the potential to make this band click for me, but only inched me closer. If this recording of them at their peak, giving it their all in front of screaming fans didn’t do it for me, I guess I’ll never love Cheap Trick. Definitely some highlights here, I liked the jam on Need Your Love and of course the opening chords and finale of Surrender slaps (thanks Guitar Hero 1 for introducing me)
Great rocker of an album. Not sure if they are hard rock or pop rock. Enjoyed the pop songs much better
Favourite tracks - I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, Clock Strikes Ten
Live album sheesh
I never gave these guys the credit they deserved after seeing their song was so early in the Guitar Hero set list. Could be there's extra charm of this being a live album
I was aware of Cheap Trick but I don't think I had ever heard anything by them. At first I was puzzled by the 'pop rock' label because the first side just sounded like humdrum rock, about on a par with Status Quo. The second side had a couple of better songs but overall it wasn't great.
I’ve always felt a vague antipathy for this band. Listening to the whole record it’s not all that bad and the guitar sound is cool but the songs still don’t click with me. I wonder why the Japanese loved them so much.
Exactly what I expected and nothing more. And if I had a penny for every album live in Japan by an overrated American metal band on this list...
Straight up classic!
All very good songs
So enjoyable, loving that type of music and it’s a very very solid album. Old school bangers 🔛🔝
Enjoyed good vibe
- Nice instrumentale deler
These "Big in Japan" albums are always fascinating, and I also find it interesting that these live recordings are the ones I'm most familiar with from the radio. I'm not a huge Cheap Trick fan, though. Incidentally, this has to be one of the worst album covers I've seen so far. This was really the best picture y'all had from the concert??
pas trop mon style et j'arrive pas à accrocher parce que l'album est live
Decent stadium rock, from before that was really a thing.
I don't love a live album, but this one's pretty good.
This made it? Okay, launching surrender is kind of fun, but this isn't exactly a memorable listen, quality-wise or performance-wise. I liked aint that a shame, but that's not enough to garner a spot on this list. Also, makes me laugh that their only listing on this list is a live album? 2.5
Oh, it’s a full live album. Mmmm I don’t really care for cheap trick it feels like douchey motorcycle creep music a bit idk. But like performance wise they’re pretty flawless I guess.
It sold triple platinum at the time and broke the band wide open. For a time, they were on top of the world and it still remains as one of the best live records ever released.
Give me the hits, please. I liked little else.
I feel like there is disproportionate love for this album than it deserves. That is not to say it's not a fine album, but that's pretty much as high praise as I can give it.
Not bad I suppose.
It's pretty fun and the energy is entertaining, not an incredible level of difference from some of the songs on studio recording but the atmosphere helps make the songs feel more exciting, or at least it did when I briefly compared "Come On, Come On" to its studio album version Not worldchanging but I had a nice time
Its a reasonably well performed live performance. Come on Come on was the highlight. 3 stars.
One of my first favorite albums and also the first concert I went to live. So, yah. I'm biased. I haven't listened to this whole album altogether in at least 25 years though, so it was fun going back. The first half is just Ok. Nothing really great, but not annoying. Well, some of the audience screaming is a bit piercing. I like "Hello There" the best of this half. That second half rocks! Now I remember why I loved this and wanted to see them so much. Such great songs. Good songwriting! Rick is a goof, but he writes cool hooks. Robin really has a great voice all around. Good range, nice tonal changes and variety. People make a big deal about Tom's 12-string bass, but I don't hear anything special about it. He and Bun E. hold down the fort really well though. Every time I talk about Cheap Trick, I recommend "Baby Loves to Rock" from All Shook Up. I LOVE the call and response guitar/bass/band thing they do in that. Worth checking out. It's a good album whereas most live albums suck, a lot. This launched them in the US and I'm glad it did. They put out some great tunes over the years. Giving it a 4. I like it, but it's not life changing or a tentpole rock album.
Quite few people I knew had this album back in the day but I never got round to listening to it. Now I’ve heard it I’m glad I didn’t waste my time! No atmosphere, forgettable songs and disjointed production, rubbish!
This was one of the better live albums I’ve heard. Super curated with the hello and goodbye songs and the energy they captured is infectious, though only 42 min?!
Need Your Love is fantastic, otherwise not a fan. The last song sounds like the next. And it just sounds like a big jangle shmangel.
If happy 1970s soft rock is your thing, this album could be for you. I can’t get very excited about it.
Didn’t really capture me. I like I want you to want me though.
Need your love was great
I don’t usually love live albums but this one was great. Also my introduction to Cheap Trick
It was cool to he the audio of “ this is the first song on our new album”, then in my mind to hear Jimmy James. Nice live album. 2.5
compartido con maimó. EL SOLO DE GUITARRA en hello there?? muy bueno
While I generally don't like live albums, the energy of the crowd helped to make the bad songs more palatable. A lot of the tracks sound like they're Disney channel songs with worse singing.
Pretty basic stuff, but I like lo-fi stuff.
Coldplay left me well, cold
Mediocre, what a limp performance of even the songs I knew. Definitely doesn't belong on this list.
“I want you to want me!”
never heard of this band before, its a good live album for an intro to their music
Great rock album!
Unlike all of the other live albums I've had from this list (Mr Cash I'm primarily looking at you sir) this album offers no particularly engaging 'live experience'. It didn't enhance the musical experience and didn't make me like the music any more. Sound quality is poor, songs are very uninspired in delivery and structure. Crowd engagement was virtually 0. Not sure of this inclusion.
This is a decent live album by a reasonable rock band, but i truly fail to believe that there aren't well over 1000 albums more worthy of my attention than this. It's not poor - Come On, Come On is a strong opening and Surrender builds up to an anthemic crescendo, but too much of this is just... ordinary. There's a karaoke version of Ain't That A Shame, and Need Your Love starts well before descending into mediocrity when you're expecting a big finish. And letting the crowd know when to rock out and then to go home is just so Spinal Tap! A low 2 for being bang average.
Really dig the songs, but I feel like they would’ve been better as studio versions. 4/5
I love a good power pop romp but this record only has two good songs on it.
Better than most of their studio albums. More energy.
couple of bangers, classic rock and roll i can’t be mad. but lyrics are rather uninspired
Still not that great
Epitome of 92.9 The Eagle presents : CLASSIC ROCK
Cool recording, even with all the crowd screaming.
Took me forever to work out that I recognised them from the Guardians Of The Galaxy soundtrack. First time listening to them properly and I will definitely check out more
Classic
3/10 I was hoping for something good here. There are a couple of tracks on here that I know as really solid songs; I Want You To Want Me and Surrender, so I was hoping for more of that, despite the fact that I will typically approach any live album with caution. For me, it's incredibly rare for that live experience to be captured effectively in a recording and some of the quirks of live music, like over long build ups to build anticipation in a crowd, or sing along sections that just grate with me in a recorded context. Unfortunately, this record not only fell flat for me in that regard, but also in a musical one. For a band labelled as Power Pop, there was a shocking paucity of hooks and big choruses and way too much time spent on building tension that was rarely released in a satisfying way. Of the ten tracks here, you could play them all back to me next week and I'd probably only recognise the two aformentioned classics, despite having listened to this record three times through today. And as for the album construction. We get unnecessary intro and outro tracks and an encore, a pointless addition on a 40 minute record. We get a 9 minute track that goes nowhere. We get a lot of high pitched screaming in between songs too. The band seem competent enough, if not particularly adventurous with their songwriting or performance, despite the guitarist and drummer trying to give it some now and again. And the recording isn't great either. It's muddy, has little clarity and definition, the bass is weak and the balance isn't very good. Rolling Stone have this as their 13th greatest live album of all time. So maybe live albums are just not very good? This one certainly wasn't. Hello There - It's very much an intro and it's not that exciting. The recording isn't that good either. It feels like they're trying to get the crowd up and going, especially with the drumming and perhaps for someone present at the gig it would work. But I'm not there. Come On Come On - and then they drop the tempo to this is quite pedestrian number. It feels like it never settles and just keeps roaming around hunting for a hook that it never finds. This has not been an auspicious start. Look Out - This has got a bit more drive to it. The drumming is pretty good here at least and I can hear why this might work in a live environment, but it still feels like they're struggling to find the big chorus that they need. For a supposed Power Pop band, I'm not hearing much of a pop sensibility just yet. Big Eyes - Again, this is getting a bit better. It's a bit too rhythmically staid for me and feels pretty unadventurous because of that, but there are moments creeping in here and there. The chorus feels like a really good pre-chorus, but again the big, hooky chorus never arrives. Need Your Love - It feels like we're going to get a nice slow build here. But we don't. God, this is plodding and pedestrian and the attempts to add some flair with the guitar are both too repetitive and also at odds with the dull thud of the backbeat. There's the odd decent riff in here, and again, it feels like it's building to something, but just drops away. This song is just 9 minutes of unfulfilled promises. Ain't That A Shame - And as if 9 minutes of build up wasn't enough, here's some more. It takes them a couple of minutes, but at least they actually arrive somewhere this time. It's not bad, but it's still a fairly by the numbers bluesy inspired rock number. It definitely gets better when they start having a bit of fun with solos. But that relentless bass line is a really uninspiring backbone. I Want You To Want Me - Finally! Something worthy of the Power Pop label. This is a great song. There's quality guitar playing, a solid, hooky vocal melody and lyrics. There's more hooks in here than the rest of the album up to this point, and it bounces along really well. It feels a bit like it suffers a tiny bit in terms of production and depth of instrument for being a live recording, but it's a really high quality composition. Surrender - Another great song, although it feels a little on the slow side. With a bit more tempo,this could be great. It builds nicely during the verses and then actually delivers into the chorus. There are some solid riffs and some quality vocal harmonies. Why did they wait so long to drop some satisfying tracks? Goodnight Now - We get the counterpart to the intro track now. It feels like it's got more drive, pace and groove to it now that they've got into the swing of the show, but it's still a bit of a pointless thing to have on a live record in my opinion. Clock Strikes Ten - And an encore. This has got a nice bit of grit and drive to it. It's more of that bluesy style rock, but again the chorus never really delivers on the promise and feels more like a pre-chorus. Solid verse, solid pre-chorus and then no actual chorus. It's a bit weird. Tempo and groove wise, this is pretty good but it feels a bit of a let down from a compositional completeness point of view.
Always a bit tricky with a love album where you don’t know a lot of songs but it was nice
It's OK, but nothing to write home about.
Cheap Trick songs sung live feels only right. Hearing an early performance of Surrender was awesome
Not for me .listened to one track
Ugh, a live album. I love live music. I not only play live music myself but also go and see other bands perform live. I do have issue with recordings of live music, generally. I just don't think live albums can capture the magic of being at a live performance. Some gets glimpses of it, but I think it's pretty rare. I don't think the live aspect of this album does anything extra to elevate it. Even without that, though, this is a really good hits album. I'd rather listen to studio recordings of each of these songs, is kind of what it ultimately boils down to. Even a decade ago, though, the only way to listen to all of these songs in a row was by listening to this album. Now, I can just make a playlist. I really liked it. It kind of escapes a penalty that I would maybe give a live album, just because it's really solid, and I don't think it's notably missing out on anything from being a specific live recording. I think if this was released as a studio recorded best hits album, I'd like it more, though. Favorite Song(s): Need Your Love, Want You to Want Me, Surrender
Not sure if it deserves 4 or 5. Yeah live albums are a genre of its own. The crowd here, which appears to have lots and lots of your girls, goes really crazy and add up to the imression. The music is fine, the guitars usage is very rewarding. "Need Your Love" is an obvious highlight here, probably the best on the album, but I believe pretty much every track of the first several ones is great. The album's 48 years old but oh boy, I wish I were there. Let it be five for its fervent energy and pretty much being a good standard for performing rock music.
..
It’s a good record but not perfect. A solid 4 stars!
Original review below, no change I'm afraid "I like Cheap Trick, I love rock and under some circumstances live recordings. But this isn't a good live recording. Some classic tracks on the album, some of which are their most recognisable, but overall I wasn't impressed with this album. The sound was off, some of the songs are too long and boring. Was glad it ended, the shrill of the recording was too much."
Great jams on here
Still holds up well
A great Midwest rock n roll band. Nielsen's the best.
I love the idea of seeing a live Cheap Trick concert at the Budokan in the 70s more than listening to a recording of it in 2026.
Seems like I'm getting bombarded by live albums lately. Overall enjoyable. Hello There kicks the record off strong. SURRENDER
Pretty cool but idk if it really had to be a live album
Not my favorite but decent.
Was not looking forward to listening to this but actually was not as bad as I thought it would be
Surrender is a superhit! I Want You To Want Me is perfect!
Very thin sound, which makes sense for a live album I guess? But I am surprised it is their best selling. ¨ I guess reading further this was one of the first big selling live-albums? I don't know if that trend is enough for me to increase the rating. The tracks are OK, the sound is OK, leaning 3.
I usually like live albums. This one didn't click
I heard a lot about this recording and finally got to listen to it as part of 1001. Fast pace and and power with great crowd reaction. I would have prefered to be there (as with most live albums). US guitar music sound probably not really appreciated in the UK's days of punk. I wonder what their studio albums sound like. Glad to hear this, eventually.
Nah. I don't mind Cheap Trick (although not a real fan either), but the quality of the recording wasn't very good and the sound of the crowd was annoying. I don't get the point of this album.
tops in albums
This was alright. Maybe its because I only knew 1 song? Vocals were good, but the high pitched screaming pissed me off a bit. Overall ok album 3 ⭐️
Good rock live album, nnothing I'd seek out.
Seems like not the right introduction to cheap trick And the mixing is bad
Pretty fun album, had a good time with it
A lot of screaming on here. I presume they were screaming to be let out? Strong "little people of Stone'enge" vibes going on. I've heard better live performances from third on the bill bands at my local pub.
live = bad
**Cheap Trick – *At Budokan* (1979)** _In-depth Review: Lyrics, Music, Production, Themes & Influence_ --- ### 🎤 **Overview** Recorded in April 1978 at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, *At Budokan* was originally intended only for Japanese release. Its explosive success forced a U.S. release, catapulting Cheap Trick from cult favorites to arena-rock staples. The album captures the band at their live peak, feeding off a frenzied crowd often compared to Beatlemania. --- ### 🎶 **Music & Performance** Cheap Trick’s power-pop meets hard-rock hybrid is turbo-charged here. Rick Nielsen’s guitar work is razor-sharp, blending quirky riffs with melodic solos, while Tom Petersson’s 12-string bass adds a unique jangle and low-end punch. Bun E. Carlos’ drumming is tight and swinging, locking in with Petersson to create a rhythmic backbone that feels both muscular and nimble. Robin Zander’s vocals are stellar—effortlessly moving from sweet croon to full-throated wail, embodying the band’s dual identity of pop hooks and rock grit. Tracks like **“Surrender”** and **“I Want You to Want Me”** are delivered with more urgency and energy than their studio counterparts, transforming them into anthemic sing-alongs. The crowd’s ecstatic reactions are not just background noise—they’re part of the performance, amplifying the band’s intensity. --- ### ✍️ **Lyrics & Themes** Lyrically, *At Budokan* is a blend of adolescent longing, rebellion, and tongue-in-cheek humor. Songs like **“Surrender”** explore generational tension with a wink—mom and dad are cool, but they’re also weirdly into Kiss and smoking pot. **“I Want You to Want Me”** is a straightforward plea for affection, but Zander’s delivery adds layers of vulnerability and swagger. The themes are not deep or existential, but they’re **relatable, catchy, and emotionally resonant** in a way that power-pop demands. There’s a sense of youthful urgency and fun that permeates the record, making it feel timeless rather than dated. --- ### 🎛️ **Production** The production, handled by Cheap Trick and producer Bruce Robb, is **clean but not sterile**. It captures the raw energy of the live setting while maintaining clarity in instrumentation. The crowd is mixed prominently, which could be a turn-off for some, but it **immerses the listener** in the concert experience. The guitars are crisp, the bass is thunderous, and the drums have a satisfying thump without overwhelming the mix. However, purists might argue that the **crowd noise occasionally drowns out subtle musical details**, and some of the between-song banter feels a bit staged or overly rehearsed. --- ### 🌍 **Influence & Legacy** *At Budokan* is **one of the most influential live albums ever**. It helped revive rock’s mainstream appeal in the late ‘70s, offering a counterpoint to disco and prog-rock excess. It set the template for power-pop and arena-rock bands that followed, from The Knack to Weezer. Billy Corgan has cited Cheap Trick as a major influence, and **Beastie Boys sampled the “*this next song…*” intro** on “Jimmy James” . The album also **legitimized Japan as a make-or-break market** for Western rock acts, paving the way for future Budokan performances by everyone from Bob Dylan to Blur. --- ### ✅ **Pros** - **Electrifying performances** that outshine studio versions - **Robin Zander’s vocals**—a masterclass in rock singing - **Tight musicianship** and unique guitar/bass interplay - **Infectious crowd energy** that enhances the experience - **Cultural impact**—a landmark live album that redefined Cheap Trick’s career --- ### ❌ **Cons** - **Crowd noise can be overwhelming** for some listeners - **Between-song banter** feels rehearsed or cheesy - **Lyrical depth is limited**—more style than substance - **Not all tracks are equally strong**—some filler from earlier albums - **Live format may not appeal** to fans of polished studio production --- ### 🏁 **Final Verdict** *At Budokan* is **a lightning-in-a-bottle moment**—a live album that doesn’t just document a concert but **captures a band transforming into legends**. It’s not perfect, but its **energy, hooks, and cultural resonance** make it essential listening for any rock fan. Whether you’re a power-pop devotee or a casual listener, this record **still wants you to want it**—and honestly, you probably will. **Essential Tracks:** - *Surrender* - *I Want You to Want Me* - *Need Your Love* - *Clock Strikes Ten*
This album reminded me why I usually dislike live concert recordings. The audience screaming made it unenjoyable for me.
Favorite Track: Need Your Love
Live instrumentation and vocals sounded great. I knew the songs "I Want You To Want Me" and "Surrender". Lyrics to majority of the songs felt cheesy and cliche. Probably won't listen again.
Inte min grej, och kändes som ett onödigt livealbum att inkludera
Bra energi!
Plus: Surrender är en banger, och bra band överlag. Minus: Live.
Peak laziness putting a live Cheap Trick album on here. Old mates have some tunes but this makes me worry about how many of their studio albums are in here.
Was a little excited when this popped up next in the album rotation. Live Rock album. All right! But after first listen it’s a meh. Songs rock, and live recording adds energy but keep thinking how is this album and band different than the plethera of other stadium rockers during this era??? My unfamiliarity with much of the songs probably didn’t help. Maybe with another listen this album would grow on me. For now 3 stars.
It's Cheap Trick. If you know the band, you know what you're getting. 70's rockers. The crowd noise was mixed in too much for my liking. Not horrible, but they lose a star for the extra crowd noise. It was interesting that they had a special intro and outro song. I think I enjoyed the outro song more than the rest of the concert. My Rating: 3/5
Good music but not my favorite.
Meh.
I've always hated I Want You To Want Me. Just soft, stupid, bubblegum pop music. I wasn't interested in listening to this album. But it's pretty good....the first half, at least. Didn't need a cover of Ain't That A Shame and I Want You To Want Me is tolerable compared to the studio version. I wasn't aware that they did Surrender, another song I just don't like. Gonna give this a 3 cause I appreciated it and liked it more than I thought I would, just don't ever see myself returning to it. If I did, I'm probably just listening to the first 4-5 songs. Clock Strikes Ten is a solid track but kind of sums up my whole listening experience with them in one song...there's some hard driving guitars, some heavy-ish sounds but then there's some pop stuff sprinkled in that I don't care for.
Neutral I’m the drummer of cheap trick 😉
I mean I know like Surrender and only a handful of other Cheap Trick songs, but this album slaps. I did get a little bored midway through, but didn't hate it by any means.
Unfortunately it's a live album so it maxes out at 4 but it's a great one
3.0 - Ok
Eh not my cup of tea
Really good album. Such a banger!
Always fun getting a live album on this list. Cheap trick is has a few songs I really enjoy but this live version is great. Although I don't recognize the songs the energy from the crowd makes me feel like I could sing along.
Not bad. 2 songs.
Cool live album, fun to recognize a song from guitar hero
A few bangers, but not really my thing. Not a fan of the background screaming.
Some huge hits.
Fine I guess.
Wow, I'm kind of impressed at how little this speaks to me.
Very solid, the first live album I've actually liked.
Very cool live album. Some nice hits and good sound overall
Seen Cheap Trick live (much later than this). Good to hear their early stuff!
Cheap Trick is one of life's great mysteries to me. Artists can work like slaves all their lives that are immensely more talented and never get out of the bar scene, while a mediocre act like this one can get promoted to international fame. Not that this is a bad album, I didn't mind listening to it again, but there's just not much there. I think it was marketed to teenagers. Some teenagers. As for me I didn't like it much when I was a teenager either.
Enjoyable live album but nothing that mind-blowing.
Even though I’m generally not a big fan of live albums, mainly because of the ambient crowd noise and the fact that bands don’t always sound their best, but I can still appreciate a good one when I hear it. This one is definitely one of those exceptions. I can see why this is one of Cheap Trick’s most popular albums, because as cliché as it sounds, their live performance really brings these tracks to life. There’s a whole new level of energy here, and it almost feels like some of the songs are being presented in a different light, like they exist in two versions, the studio version and the live one. If I had to choose, I’d still prefer the studio recordings overall, but I definitely understand why people love this album so much.
This was a nice listen. It didn't really stand out to me in any particular way.
The big hit from this album is one of those overplayed songs that really started to grate on me growing up. So I was turned off to Cheap Trick for a long time. Never listened to this, but for the most part it's good and that one song is a little more enjoyable in this context. Still don't see myself getting into Cheap Trick at any point.
I don’t love the mix and live albums can be a hard sell for me. Want You to Want Me live is the superior version though, but I could live without most of this record.
I had never heard of this band and I didn't realize they wrote "I Want You to Want Me". I didn't realize I also knew their song "Surrender".
Quite fun.
1. Hello There - 5 It's a good intro to a live album but lyrically the track itself is a bit... cookie cutter. Drums are awesome on the track. 2. Come On, Come On - 6 Lyrically good, instrumentally solid. The drums and guitars sound excellent on this track, especially the way the drums keep the pace of the track. There's a cool burst of guitar in the middle that's appreciated as well. Good track. 3. Lookout - 6 Lyrically it's hard to make out what's actually being sung at times but it's not all too bad and instrumentally it sounds very good. Sounds like a standard rock song. 4. Big Eyes - 7 I don't even think this is as good a song lyrically as Come On, Come On or Lookout but instrumentally this track is brilliant. The way the guitar goes up and down is superb. It's such a great sound. Brilliant stuff. 5. Need Your Love - 8 Lyrically it's very simple, almost like a 50s love song and I'm not a huge fan of the vocals but you get four to five minutes of some excellent drums and guitars once you get past them and it's just an excellent listen. Brilliant sounding stuff. 6. Ain't That a Shame - 4 It's like a cheap 50s "baby I love you track". Instrumentally it's good but it just feels and sounds like a cheap love song that have been written a dime a dozen over the last half a century. 7. I Want You to Want Me - 5 It's an all time classic but I've just never been particularly a fan of it. It's got some amazing guitar playing in it however so it's not anything poor or unenjoyable. 8. Surrender - 6 Good song. Instrumentally it's a lot of fun with some superb drumming and decent riffs. Not a fan of how high in pitch the vocals become but it's still an enjoyable track. 9. Goodnight - 7 I love how quirky the lyrics are and how it's the last track (prior to the encore). I love the instrumentals as well. This is just a fun live track. 10. Clock Strikes Ten - 7 Love the lyrics. Like a 60s/70s swing rock track. Reminds me of early Aerosmith a bit. Good sound with some clever guitar lines on it to emulate a grandfather clock striking the top of the hour. Brilliant stuff. Average Rating: 6.10 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 3.05 Rounded Down: 3 Stars
Cheap Trick has a sound all their own.
I liked that a lot. I was not super familiar with many of these songs, besides I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, but liked the majority. Great live show. I wish we had ratings out of ten because I think this deserves more than a 3/5 but probably less than a 4/5 for me. Since we have to round, I’ll round up. Apparently this is a famous venue in Japan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Budokan)
Having a live album on the list is pretty cool. Up beat, fun, rocking mix of songs with some big hits mixed in. Vocals and guitars solos stuck out to me as sounding fantastic especially for it being live.
This Power Pop album feels cheap, all sharp riffs and high-spirited vocals drowned by the rush of performance and noise rather than musical refinement. Basically it's like binge drinking rather than enjoying the roch variety of alcoholic beverages.
nesto ne volim da slusam jauke prokletih svaki put kad pustim pesmu
Smorrr
un sans faute. je pense très honnêtement que le fait d’avoir enregistré cet album en live joue dans mon appréciation subjective des morceaux, parce qu’on ressent vraiment l’énergie et l’intentionnalité des musiciens, ce qui me manquait un peu dans certains des albums de rock précédents que j’avais pu trouver un peu plus fades. pour autant, les riffs à la guitare électrique sont juste sublimes, la voix est substantive et bien portée (dans le sens où elle offre de la matière à laquelle s’accrocher, aux bons moments, et s’efface également devant les instruments aux bons moments), la batterie est excellente (j’avais littéralement envie de faire du air-batterie sur la plupart des morceaux). bref, voilà ce que j’attendais personnellement d’un très bon album de rock: quelque chose d’endiablé sans trop faire dans le sur-conceptuel ou le sur-industriel. un 5 pour m’avoir fait retrouver espoir dans le rock des années 70.
A super solid live album. I was a fan when I was 10ish or so! Good band.
it was cute
Good music but I feel the live aspect adds little to the album
stupid. please stop with the terrible live albums
I think I am missing some historical context for why this live album is so great. Pretty basic rock music. But in saying that “I Want You to Want Me” is so catchy with tasty guitar solos.
Surrender still seems like the standout track.
this was fun. the energy was felt throughout
Not bad
Bom, gostei do Álbum! Morria e não ia juntar essa banda com Surrender kkkkkk Foi espetacular? Não, mas foi bom ouvir algo novo!
The energy is infectious and some of the hooks just keep you bopping
Gear: Penon FAN 3s Artwork: 😬😬🪮 Production: 👎😞🗑️ Music: ⚡🎫🤔 Rating: 🙀(🙀)/5