SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CHEAP TRICK – ALL WASHED UP

CHEAP TRICK
ALL WASHED UP
BMG

All Washed Up is Cheap Trick’s 21st studio album, and their first since 2021’s In Another World. The core trio of the band is still going strong. Rick Nielsen (guitar and vocals), Tom Petersson (12- string bass, vocals) and Robin Zander (guitar and vocals). They are joined by Daxx Nielsen (drums and Rick’s son) and Robin Taylor Zander (guitar and vocals, as well as Robin Zander’s son). And although the title might suggest that Cheap Trick have reached the end, they are far from washed up. All Washed Up not only has a great title and a brilliant front sleeve, but it is one hell of a great album. It is pure Cheap Trick, and quite frankly, the world is a better place with this album in it.

The members of Cheap Trick just don’t age, and if they do, they just get better with age. One of the reasons that this band is timeless is that they never tried to jump trends. They have always set their own course. And, as with their previous albums, Cheap Trick sticks to pure rock ‘n’ roll, with a couple of ballads thrown in for good measure. Sure, The Beatles influence sneaks in now and again; “Love Gone” features a guitar solo that could be George Harrison, but Cheap Trick are true originals. The album demonstrates that this band can come up with very cool arrangements. For example, the band turns out something like “Wham Boom Bang,” which ends the album. It is a wonderful rocking acoustic number which just puts a smile on the listener’s face.

From the second the needle hits this album, and trust me, this album should be heard on vinyl, the opening song “All Washed Up” sets the stage. It is pure rock ‘n’ roll energy, with those catchy hooks and strong melodies. Sure, it is loud, but it is loud with a purpose. Other songs, such as “Twelve Gates,” which is classic Cheap Trick, proves that these guys can write those emotional and powerful rock ballads. They seem to do it with such ease, but so well. “A Long Way to Worcester” is another example. Those classic backing vocals and melodies that sound so familiar but are very original.

All Washed Up exceeds what one expects from Cheap Trick. It is a straight-ahead rock album, but these guys are smart and talented enough to throw in some brilliant curve balls and twists and turns along the way. This is a band that is acutely aware of their history. The inner sleeve features a photo of the spine of all of their albums, and even the title is a reference to their chart-topping album, All Shook Up. And being aware of their history, Cheap Trick continues to add rather than diminish it. All Washed Up has my vote as one of the best albums this year.

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