German legends Scorpions' 'Love at First Sting' album has been on my playlist since 1984, the year it was released. It might not be my most listened to album ever, though. Then again, it is one of those responsible platters that made me a metalhead, together with Loudness's 'Disillusions', Dio's 'Last in Line' (the album that includes bass player Jimmy Bain, who actually played with Scorpions during initial sessions for this album, that took place in Stockholm, Sweden's, Polar Studios in the Summer of 1983) from same year, Kiss's 1982 'Creatures of the Night', Motley Crüe's 1983 album 'Shout at the Devil', and Accept's 1985 album 'Metalheart'. All prime fucking classics.

Scorpions were the biggest rock/metal band that came from Germany. Came? Well, these days they are probably outweighed by Rammstein. Anyway, back in 1984, Scorpions had tasted such success before that more was wanted. On the 1979 album 'Lovedrive' the band found the formula for fame: mixing catchy yet ripping hard rock tunes with heartbreaking ballads. 'Still Loving You'. This song was played who knows how many times in youth discos at the end of night... Remember? I bet you do, if you were born in 1970s. The song has been played on radio, I guess, a few million times. Ever heard it on radio? I bet yes. The song is one of the sweetest yet most sorrowful ballads the band have ever put out. It has been played to death, but fuck me if it ain't kicking like a horny bull! Totally unforgettable, want it or not.

But the song ends the album, so let's get back to the beginning. 'Bad Boys Running Wild' does somewhat include Scorpions' speed metal trait: The opening riff is simply ripping and so are some guitar solo licks. The band also show their technical know-how. And, of course, their absolute head for catchy tune. A fantastic opener, yet there's more to come. Thinking about played-to-death songs, 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' is one of them with its hugely catchy chorus. Well, there's nothing uncatchy in the song, to tell the truth. The band carry a slight glam-trait, but it is not as L.A. as so often (definitely not as much as for example when UK legends Judas Priest wanted to sound like a band from Sunset Strip after mid 1980s). Suprisingly, when thinking about its name, 'I'm Leaving You' is actually a rocker with some cool NWOBHM-style riffing. Did I already mention how catchy they are?! The band is on the winning streak here...

First ballad-ish moments are heard on the start of 'Coming Home'. Airy and otherworldly vibe turns to rocking Teutonic fist-banger. 'The Same Thrill' is a rock 'n' roll song; I almost could hear Lemmy singing it! It's not a perfect fit for the album, though. One of the 5 (!!!) singles out of this album, 'Big City Nights', is another huge gem of catchy-as-heck rock, and takes it all back on track. 'As Soon as the Good Times Roll' contains some wicked ska-rhythms, but doesn't sound like Madness for sure. Nice, well-working clash of styles. 'Crossfire' is another different song with its darker, almost militaristic (well, anti-militaristic more like when thinking about its lyrics...).

And then there's this ballad...

Admittedly, the album does how a couple of weaker links ('The Same Thrill' and 'Crossfire', which in fact aren't bad nor boring, not even close), but is still very, very strong opus of catchy and damn fun balls-to-the-wall rock, as well as some melancholy-infused moments.

Klaus Meine's vocals are unique. His voice is somewhat sneezy yet soaring! The vibrato is sometimes speedy, and he handles it well. There's power and passion in him, as well as softness in required moments. Guitar duo of Rudolf Schenker (founder of the band, and composer of all the music here) and Matthias Jabs is on fire here, throwing loads of cool tricks every now and then. Ripping and shredding is what lead guitar work often is. If you're fan of such pyrotechnics, you'll love this. Sometimes I feel it's close to Eddie Van Halen. I love the ripping guitar tone, it grabs the listener for sure. Bass player Francis Buchholz and drummer Herman Rarebell offer pulsing and strict backbone. The production job was one of the first digital hard rock recordings. Whatever, the sound is totally clear yet punchy.

Thrills, action and tears is what Scorpions' 9th studio album offers. It won't leave a listener cold, but yes, some people might have heard some of its songs a few too many times. I personally cannot get bored or annoyed by anything it presents. A bonafide classic.

Rating: 9+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/26/2019 21:14