All Shook Up (Cheap Trick album)

Overview

All Shook Up was even quirkier than its predecessor, the platinum-selling Dream Police. Many of its songs were less radio friendly and more experimental, and the cover art, influenced by Magritte's Time Transfixed, led many to question what the band was trying to accomplish. However, at the time, Cheap Trick had severed ties with long-time producer Tom Werman and took the opportunity to take their sound in a different direction. With the assistance of producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick, many of the songs have a dimension not found on any other Cheap Trick album. "Stop This Game" was the only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but "Just Got Back" and "World's Greatest Lover" continue to be fan favorites. "I Love You Honey But I Hate Your Friends" contains a lyrical reference to "Daddy Should Have Stayed In High School", a song, released on the band's 1977 debut album.

Track listing

All songs written Rick Nielsen, except where noted.

1. "Stop This Game" (Nielsen, Robin Zander) - 3:57
2. "Just Got Back" - 2:05
3. "Baby Loves to Rock" - 3:17
4. "Can't Stop It but I'm Gonna Try" - 3:31
5. "World's Greatest Lover" - 4:52
6. "High Priest of Rhythmic Noise" - 4:13
7. "Love Comes a-Tumblin' Down" - 3:08
8. "I Love You Honey but I Hate Your Friends" - 3:50
9. "Go for the Throat (Use Your Own Imagination)" - 3:04
10. "Who D'King" (Nielsen, Bun E. Carlos) - 2:18

Bonus tracks (2006 Reissue)

The bonus tracks on the reissue were all previously released. "Everything Works If You Let It" was on the soundtrack to Roadie, and the other four tracks were from the EP Found All The Parts.

11. "Everything Works If You Let It" - 3:29
12. "Day Tripper" (live, short version) (Lennon–McCartney) - 3:41
13. "Can't Hold On" (live) - 5:55
14. "Such a Good Girl" - 3:04
15. "Take Me I'm Yours" (Zander, Nielsen,) - 4:34

Singles (Side A/Side B)

Outtakes

Personnel

Additional personnel

Background information

Right around the time of All Shook Up's release, bassist Tom Petersson announced that he was leaving the band. He was replaced by Pete Comita.

The band performed the songs "Baby Loves to Rock" and "Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try" on the January 17, 1981 episode of Saturday Night Live.

There were several homages to The Beatles on this album. "Stop This Game" opens and closes with a droning guitar note similar to the piano chord that ends "A Day in the Life." The bridge to "Baby Loves to Rock" features the line "Not in Russia!" with the sound of an airplane in the background, a subtle reference to "Back in the U.S.S.R." "World's Greatest Lover" has vocals reminiscent of John Lennon.

"World's Greatest Lover" also cops the intro to "Big Balls"; Rick Nielsen wrote "Love Comes A-Tumblin' Down" for the recently deceased Bon Scott.

"Go For the Throat (Use Your Own Imagination)" references "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" by The Stranglers.

There were several outtakes from this outcome including: 01. Stop This Game 02. Stop This Game (Instrumental) 03. Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try 04. High Priest Of Rhythmic Noise 05. Love Comes A-Tumblin' Down 06. No Reason 07. Everything Works If You Let It (Acoustic Takes) 08. Everything Works If You Let It 09. Machines Make Money 10. Sleep Closes In 11. Merry Go Round 12. Why You're Here (Special One)

Legacy

American hardcore punk band Zeke quotes "High Priest Of Rhythmic Noise" in their song "Evil Woman" on Death Alley.

"Just Got Back" was later used in a montage in Grown Ups.

Chart performance

Singles - Billboard (North America)