Cheap Trick – The Latest (2009)
Cheap Trick is a band that needs no introduction and there should be no argument that they are legends, who deserve a place in the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. They have sold millions of records not only in the U.S. but worldwide and they have influenced countless bands. Unlike a lot of the bands that came out around the same time, Rockford, IL finest are not content resting on their achievements and just touring off their catalog. In fact I think the guys have gotten better since their so-called “heyday”. With their newest release simply titled “the Latest” one listen is all it takes to realize the British Invasion and the Beatles were a huge influence, more so than on any other previous albums, and that influence has given Cheap Trick their best album in the last 20 years.
After a short intro titled “Sleep Forever” Robin Zander and the guys kick into “When The Lights Are Out” which is a good time fun song filled with melodies galore, a great groove and sing along chorus that should put a smile on your face unless you are legally dead. “Miss Tomorrow” is up next which reminds me of the late George Harrison when he was working with Jeff Lynne with the acoustic guitars, strings, and Zander’s absolutely perfect vocals. The album’s first single “Sick Man of Europe” is one of the heavier songs on the album with a Kinks feel to it. For all you useless trivia buffs Sick Man of Europe was also a band name used by Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson before they finally decided on Cheap Trick. “These Days” is a classic Cheap Trick type of ballad, which should get major airplay at the very least on the classic rock stations. John Lennon’s influence is all over “Miracle” an absolutely great song. “Everyday You Make Me Crazy” may only be a minute and twenty seven seconds long but the guys make the most of it. “California Girl” is another song that sounds heavily influenced by both the Kinks and the Beatles, this stomper is a perfect song for summer. “Alive” is another stomper in the classic Cheap Trick fashion, unlike a lot of guitarists Rick Nielsen does not need a flashy solo every song to show the world how great he is and his playing on “Alive” is a prime example of that.
With 13 songs on “the Latest” Cheap Trick makes sure everyone gets their money’s worth delivering a fantastic album filled with layer upon layer of hooks, melodies, and catchy well written and played songs, one hell of a great summertime album.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Sleep Forever
- When The Lights Are Out
- Miss Tomorrow
- Sick Man of Europe
- These Days
- Miracle
- Everyday You Make Me Crazy
- California Girl
- Everybody Knows
- Alive
- Times of Our Lives
- Closer, The Ballad of Burt and Linda
- Smile
Cheap Trick is:
Robin Zander – vocals, guitar
Rick Nielsen – guitar, vocals
Tom Petersson – 12-string bass, vocals
Bun E. Carlos – drums, percussion
Amazing that a band approaching 4 decades in the industry can still write, produce, and tour. Cheap Trick is and always have been the hardest working band ever. Wake up Hall Of Fame and put these guys in!!!!
Brilliant CD that is 13 song proof that Cheap Trick continues to get better, which is remarkable for a band of their stature that has been around for so long.
Not a soft spot on this CD. The two standouts for me are Miss Tomorrow and Everybody Knows, that latter being an absolutely amazing song. In several places The Latest was like listening to 21st century Beatles or maybe more accurately 21st century Cheap Trick with a Beatles infusion.
Very well said Rob. And love the description, ‘Med-burn rocker.’ Never heard that before. Gonna steal it…hee hee. What songs do you consider a ballad on this album and why? What is a ballad? Can a song be a ballad to one person and not to another?
There are slow-paced songs on The Latest that are medium-burn rockers and not “ballads” per se. A rocker doesn’t have to have speed to rock. I’d say the album is 1/3 ballads, and btw they’re excellent ballads: well crafted and compelling. Nothing wrong with that! The Beatles had tons of ballads and slow songs on their albums.
Have to respectfully dissagree, that there are a lot of ballads on this album. ‘Smile,’ and ‘Sleep Forever,’ are great ballads, but I don’t think the other songs are ballads. I think we have to be carefull on what we call a ballad, because some people are very turned off by that word and this is not a ballad album. ‘Everybody Knows,’ is well crafted. ‘Alive,’ ‘California Girl,’ and ‘Sick Man of Europe,’ rock.
The Latest has a lot of ballads, which is okay since Robin Zander’s singing is awesome. If I have to pick a highlight, it’s Everybody Knows.
Sick Men of Europe starts off with a sound similar to Kelly Clarkson and then Roars into a ripping guitar sequence similar to Greenday/Offspring. Then the squealing voice of Robin Sander with a touch of Beatles like melody is a masterpiece in development. The lyrics let the newcomers know that at age 60 this band can rock with the best of them. You have got to love the lyrics at the start of the song …”This ain’t the new it’s the old generation. This is real not a cheap imitation…” Clever lyrics with catchy hooks. The only complaint is that the song is only 2 minutes long. But as the say in the media world always leave the audience wanting more. Don’t pass on this 2 minutes of masterfully choreographed song.
Infinity/10 for me! ‘The Latest,’ rocks with style and sophistication. ‘Sick Man of Europe,’ has serious muscle. ‘When the Lights Are Out,’ is a blast. Check out the video to that song on Youtube, with clips from circa 1976. Love all the songs and that this CD got me thinking. The cover hints that there is more to this music than the obvious. No, Rick is not the Walrus but, there are some hidden gems. Enjoy!
Great review for a great band. Trick’s upcoming Sgt. Pepper’s performances in September at the Las Vegas Hilton will totally blow people away. Saw them do the Sgt. Pepper’s show last year at the Hollywood Bowl. Incredible. Working with an orchestra appears to have influenced many tunes on this CD. The Trickster seem to have matured a bit too, and it shows in the music and lyrics.