.co.uk German heavy metal marauders Scorpions recorded seven studio records before breaking in to the U.S. market in 1982 with Blackout. The album became the group's first platinum disc in the U.S., and the dynamic single "No One Like You" became a staple of album rock radio. While the Scorpions had created powerful anthems and epic rockers in the past, Blackout mixed the ingredients just right. The title track was an endorphin rush of fast-riffing guitars and electrified, high-pitched vocals that culminated with the sound of shattering glass. "Can't Live Without You" was a powerful melange of flash, firepower, and pure melody, and the slow, surging "China White" sounded like a psychedelic interpretation of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." After years of ignored visas, Scorpions had finally arrived in America. --Jon Wiederhorn
S**.
A triumph
Following on from Animal Magnetism I seem to recall that the band had experienced some problems prior to this recording. Singer Klaus Meine had throat problems and I recall the press at the time suggesting he might not be able to sing anymore. Thankfully he recovered, and we should be grateful as the Scorpions delivered a very fine record indeed.The album kicks off with the title track, an account of drinking just a bit too much, based on a Rudolf Schenker night out if memory serves. It's quite magnificent. Can't Live Without You follows, a track that is just as magnificent. I seem to recall this being a great live workout for the band. You don't think it can get any better after this opening salvo, but it does with No One Like You. Some stand out, almost Bonhamesque drumming from the superb Herman Rarebell on the drums on this one. You Give Me All I Need and this one too is utterly brilliant. How can they deliver such quality? The next track Now, only slightly drops in quality before we are hit again by Dynamite. The title of this one says it all. Arizona follows, and is perhaps the only slight disappointment. China White and When the Smoke is Going down ensure that this album can be called a bona fida classic. The song writing is top notch, and the band are on fire. A must buy.
S**M
Great
Bought as a Christmas present, I’m sure they will love it, speedy delivery and well packaged
J**S
scorpions at their best
a flawless set of songs from start to finish
M**K
Classic!
Bought this to replace my vinyl copy, which I hadn't played for over 20 years. I had forgotten what a brilliant album this is- hard, driving, rock mixed with a couple of more subtle, well-crafted melodic numbers. Superb musicianship and vocals and the added bonus of the usual unintentional comedy element of the lyrics and their delivery in Meine's German accent make this a must-have album for all metal/hard rock fans of all ages.
G**E
Great for my collection
Perfect for my collection. Great Condition.
D**D
Scorpions at their peak
In the early eighties there were no finer exponents of melodic metal than the Scorps. World Wide Live is amongst the best live albums there is, many of the songs being on this. Blackout, Dynamite, China White and When the Smoke is Going Down are all superb. Hard rock music this good is timeless.
B**E
Rock.
A good rock album, some great guitar playing on it.
K**L
Love this album
Love this album. Bought it originally on vinyl but needed cd to put it onto iPod. Unable to buy it on iTunes so delighted that it was available on Amazon. Such a great band, saw them three times back in the day including the blackout tour!
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