Artist: Scorpions
Label: RCA
Release Date: 1977
Rating: 3 Skulls
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Title: Taken By Force Artist: Scorpions Label: RCA Release Date: 1977
Rating: 3 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Solomon:
Ah, the Scorpions, Germany's biggest musical export since, well, dead white classical guys. While many are familiar with the band's 80's arena rock anthems, the band's history goes back quite a bit further. Taken By Force is representative of the band's stint with guitarist Uli John Roth, who first appeared on the band's second record Fly to The Rainbow (1974). Roth is a highly influential rock guitarist. Along with Richie Blackmore, his is one of the pioneers of neo-classical rock and has left his mark on players from Joe Satriani to Kirk Hammett to Yngwie Malmsteen. Roth's style on Force is Hendrix-ish (?!) and often light and upbeat as evidenced on tracks like "I've Got To Be Free" (catchy, in a cheesy sort of way) and "Your Light." Even by 70's standards, 'Taken By Force' is rather light for metal fair, but the album does have its moments. Force is probably best known for the metal standard "The Sails of Charon." Very metal, in fact, with its modal, Eastern flavor, "Charon" also features a rather tasty, wah-drenched intro solo (0:41). "He's A Woman-She's A Man" takes a cue from the Sabbath school of heavy, and the riffy "We'll Burn The Sky" and acoustic-laden "Born To Touch Your Feelings" are both good early examples of the staple Scorps "ballad." Taken By Force is probably not the first Scorps record you'd grab off the shelf, but if you can overlook silly titles like "Born To Touch Your Feelings," the variety on the record is worth a listen.
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