Rockin' All Over The World

Rocking All Over The World was the first Status Quo album to be produced by Pip Williams. Whether or not he did the right thing by the record has always been debatable. Many argue that he took away a lot of the 'traditional' Quo sound and, whilst this is certainly true on a lot of later albums, unlike those later records the songs on offer here are still as classy as ever.

The single 'Rocking All Over The World' is regarded as a classic even today, and not just by Quo fans. Not only was it a smash hit at the time (charting at No 3) but it is also remembered as the song that opened up Live Aid.

Once again, I find it strange that Quo only released one single from the album, because 'Hard Time', 'Can't Give You More', Let's Ride', 'Rocker's Rolling' and 'Hold You Back' are all excellent tracks, and any of them would have charted well in my view.

Because the songs on offer here are so good, personally I don't find the production values a problem. Whether the album would have been better if Quo had produced it themselves will always be the talking point - which is unfortunate, because this debate always seems to overshadow what is still a top quality record!

The opening track 'Hard Time' sets the tone. Great intro, not a single this one but it sounds like one. 'Can't Give You More' is another great album track. Not too often I can say that of a Status Quo track. And it continues from there. There is hardly a weak track on this set. And when it's good it is compulsive. Not just the great rockers here of which there are several, the two I have already mentioned, plus the rollicking 'Let's Ride' and 'Rockers Rolling' and the last track the chugging rocker that is 'Hold You Back'. And of course the title track. Which runs Abba's 'Thank You For The Music' pretty close as being The Happiest Song Ever. Certainly the Happiest Rocker! I played this one at a business conference once and the result was 200 managers standing on their seats, rocking like Crazy Monkeys! There are not many songs that could have done this. Period.

The mid tempo rocker 'Dirty Water' which became a great concert favourite later. But the best version is the timeless one on this 1977 album. And then there is the ballad 'For You' which is probably second only to 'Living On An Island' (1981) as Quo's greatest in this oeuvre. Not just a three chord guitar band after all. I Love This Album. :-)

BUT in my opinion this album is better than 'On The Level' and 'Blue For You' because there is less filler.

Starting with the excellent mid-tempo rocker 'Hard Time', it has a solid, almost sexy rhythm that really opens the album well.

This flows seamlessly into the amazing 'Can't Give You More' which has to be among the band's best melodic numbers and a real fan favourite, very upbeat and hard not to sing along to.

'Let's Ride' is a grinding, rocking Alan Lancaster track and although on first listen it sounds like a filler, I now absolutely love it. It totally rocks. The beat reminds me a little bit of 'Just Take Me' from the 'Quo' album.

'Baby Boy' is a country song with a reggae beat. Sounds strange and it IS different, but what a great tune! Might take a while but you will end up really liking it.

'You Don't Own Me'. Alan Lancaster again demonstrates his powerful rock voice. And to great effect, because this is a brilliantly rocking song with an amazing guitar riff. Excellent album track.

The next track, 'Rockers Rollin'' is very good, not a highlight in my opinion, but still catchy and hard to fault really. Rick sings over a driving rock beat.

After that comes 'Rockin' All Over The World', and it needs no introduction! You all know this one.

'Too Far Gone' is slow tempo, moody blues rock and another one that isn't a highlight of this album but it's good as an album track. Some will think it's filler, give it time and it grows more.

'For You', a sweet ballad sung by Rick, in the style of Quo's hit 'Living On An Island'. Not as good as that one but still an excellent ballad and very welcome on this album. Melodic and good to chill out to.

'Dirty Water' is another popular fan track but probably lesser known to non-hardcore Quo fans. It is a country style song and a very very good one too. Has an amazing tune, very well written and just try to stop yourself singing 'ohh ohh ohhhhh' in the shower. A lighter Quo but who cares when it is this brilliant.

The last official track on the album, 'Hold You Back' is probably the best on here. With a boogie, headbanging beat, grinding rhythm guitar and an excellent sing-a-long tune you cannot say a bad word about it.

Bonus track on the remaster is a version of The Beatle's 'Getting Better' and apart from the fact it is sung by Francis Rossi, sounds almost identical! Still it's a bonus.

In summary then. 'Rockin' All Over The World' is a great album in it's own right and a fascinating insight into the band's new direction which would form their early 80's sound. Not a true filler on here, a few which come close, this isn't a 'perfect' album. But how many are?

If you initially get turned off by the production and lighter sound (for those previously listening to their early 70's material), keep listening because you will unlock a gem.