Review Summary: Even before the band made 'No One Like You' and 'Rock You Like A Hurricane', The Scorpions' oldest albums continue to please.
The Scorpions:
#46 on VH1's Greatest Hard Rock Artists of All Time
Rock You Like A Hurricane: #18 on VH1's Greatest Hard Rock Songs of All Time
The Sentry UK - #117 on Top 200 Music Bands of All Time
You know, I'm starting to count Germany as the rock capitol of the world. So many artists have come from there. Gamma Ray, Helloween, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, all of them are fantastic artists that would surely go down as classic. Then there's The Scorpions. To be fair, The Scorpions, despite how good they are, are NOT the greatest rock band of all time. In fact, it took them a long time to actually get recognized. And yet, the Scorpions are breaking apart now. We'll all eventually have to say goodbye to the definitely rockin' band that led the hard rock revolution in the 80's. As of right now, though, while fans have Unbreakable, Humanity, and the last album they will more than likely ever produce, Sting in the Tail, there's a lot of stuff to reminisce on.
For example, this album.
Let's be completely honest without exaggerating: The Scorpions, to this day, arguably remain the most popular hard rock band of the 70's and 80's. And what haven't they done! Their albums, featuring nude girls (as this one), caused controversy like none other, their albums have sold over 150 million worldwide, and have helped spawn popular music artists like Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth. They've gained worldwide fan bases in over 28 countries, including Russia all the way to Singapore! They've been included in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame and placed in Hollywood's Rock Walk. They're astounding, to say the least. And now, with
The Best of The Scorpions, Volume 1, the band begins to reminisce on the days that helped get them popular.
Sort of.
Let's go with this: if you exclude Blackout (which, to me, is a masterpiece), I personally think that the Scorpions' older albums are the best they've made. They show some real potential, and on this eleven-track compilation, it shows.
There's two sides to this album. The eleven tracks are songs taken from In Trance, Taken by Force, Fly to the Rainbow, and Virgin Killer (not in order). Out of the four, Virgin Killer seems to dominate the album. Now, the question is, is this album worth going onto Amazon, finding the 'Add to Cart' option, and eagerly waiting the delivery so you can plug in your earbuds, and headbang 'till you bleed? Well, no. It's still worth a look.
The first track,
Steamrock Fever (from Taken by Force), has a very catchy intro. The drum work is very focused and flows along with the heavy rhythm of the song, but after the first 2-and-a-half minutes, it starts to feel a little repetitive. It's worth a listen, but it's not on my favorites list.
Pictured Life (from Virgin Killer), has one of the best riffs and rhythmic beats that I've ever heard in a rock song. Meine has a very mature, interesting voice that's up to the standards as the 'Winds of Change' fanatics expect.
Robot Man (taken from In Trance), picks up the pace a little, adding a faster, more heavier guitar riff, but the sound effects and bass in the song are extraordinary, which add to the likable nature of the vocals and rhythm.
Backstage Queen (from Virgin Killer) is Uli Jon Roth at his best, with one of the greatest guitar solos ever to be featured in a Scorpions song. The way Meine's voice flows with the song, not to mention the great drumwork, and the masterful mixing, make a song that's definitely catchy and deserves to be played on the radio.
Speedy's Coming (from Fly to the Rainbow) has now become a common fan favorite, and I can see why. The song contains some awesome drum mini-solos and guitar licks, with interesting lyrics.
Hell Cat (from Virgin Killer) is, in all honesty, my least favorite track on this 'Best Of' album, because the way the voice and bass go through on the song, it doesn't exactly focus correctly. It also needs some real mastering edits.
Flipping the disk over on Side Two, this one kicks off with my personal favorite on the album,
He's a Woman, She's a Man (from Taken by Force), everything is perfect in the song. The awesome riffs, drum beats, bass licks, vocals, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, with similarly good editing and mastering. He's a Woman and She's a Man shines.
In Trance (from In Trance), takes some time to build from the generally mediocre intro, but it will catch on you with the good lyrics and awesome acoustic and bass work.
Dark Lady (from Taken by Force) is the greatest drumming song of all time. I dare anybody to try and master the drums on this album, it would wear your wrists to the point of oblivion.
The Sails of Charon (from Taken by Force) has one of the best guitar solos on the album, and has another very nice intro. Finally, we have
Virgin Killer (from Virgin Killer) feels just a tad off lyric-wise, but overall, it's a masterpiece.
Overall, The Best of Scorpions is a newly mixed (well, for about seven songs), amazing 80's album that is a must-have for any Scorpions fan (your reviewer shares the same!) Recommended.
