Cheap Trick
Busted (Epic) (STAR)(STAR)
This once-great Rockford quartet made a big mainstream comeback in 1988 with ”Lap of Luxury,” on which the band turned to outside songwriters for help. On ”Busted,” the band has recorded yet another made-to-order power ballad, Diane Warren`s ”Wherever Would I Be.” Worse yet, the band`s own compositions are starting to sound just as generic. Only the neon metal of
”You Drive, I`ll Steer” and the lush ballad ”Walk Away,” with guest vocal by Chrissie Hynde, resonate. Robin Zander`s voice undoubtedly will get this stuff on radio, but don`t be fooled. In the `70s, Cheap Trick rocked with a vengeance, bridging the gaps between punk, metal and pop, while maintaining a winning sense of humor. In the `80s, Cheap Trick muted these strengths, and has become just another imitation Foreigner.
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)
