Lovedrive

In 1978 Scorpions were in a rebuilding year, having just issued a pink slip to lead guitarist Ulrich Roth. The decision to jettison Roth (and all the Hendrix-ian baggage that came with him) was the first of many smart moves made by the band. Before "Lovedrive" was completed, the band would hire, record with, fire, then rehire Matthias Jabs. The band would also briefly rejoin with Michael Schenker(another great move), in what many fans have called the dream line up for Scorpions. Sadly, this line up only lasted a few months. Michael collapsed onstage during a performance with Scorpions in Europe, and chose to step down and go on sabbatical, but not before positively influencing the group as shown here.

Given the tumultuous circumstances under which the album was recorded, its' a minor miracle the album is any good at all. "Lovedrive" however is a four star effort and I believe the best album ever made by Scorpions. Song writing, both musical and lyrical, are prime, and the group emotes all over this album without sounding ridiculous or tired.

The frantically paced classic "Another Piece of Meat"(boy meets girl, love goes wrong at Tokyo kick boxing match), the title song "Lovedrive"(girl-loves-guy/guy-loves-Porsche), and the fantastic "I Can't Get Enough" (or "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Hard Rock") are the three stand out numbers that efficiently showcase the strengths of Scorpions, effectively translating their live vibe onto disc. Thankfully, Scorpions retained Michael's solos on two aforementioned songs ("Meat" and "Drive") and a third "Coast to Coast" despite his departure from the group. Michael's influence however is all over this album, and the style change between this album and the previous "Taken By Force" is like night versus day. Michael's playing on these three songs is simply perfect, and one of the reasons the album succeeds as it does. After twenty years, these solos still raise goose bumps and are stunning evidence of Michael Schenker's immense talent.

Matthias Jabs, despite the inevtibale comparisons, holds his ground. His leads are bright and responsive to the mood of each song with a slightly more soulful, tentative approach. Check out "Always Somewhere" for Jabs shining solo moment, on what would turn out to be Scorpions first ever Uber Ballad. The rhythm section of Herman Rarebell on drums and Francis Bucholz on bass perform ably throughout this album. Rudolph's playing brings the rhythm guitar new status on this album, bringing the instrument up front in the mix with an agressive style one would expect more in a blistering lead guitar. Then, there is Klaus Meine, whose incredibly high pitched German accented vocals became a band trademark that fit the overall sound perfectly. He does a great job here and switches gears effortlessly between the fast and slow numbers. His lyrical collaborations with Rarebell are smart, funny, and entertaining.

Reviewer opinion: A seamless hard rock album with some brilliant moments; arguably one of the top ten heavy metal/hard rock albums of all time and best recording by group; Strong Buy.


The Teutonic champions return after Roth departs.   November 7, 2003
Mattowarrior (Madison, WI United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

...Awesome album. Pure raunch, pure heat. One of Scorpions' best. Its surprisingly good for the first one missing Uli Jon Roth. I have a place in my heart for the man but I still love this album. His Teutonic metal twin Michael Schenker is on here anyway. A three guitar attack with Mathias, Rudi and Michael. Highly worth it but I wonder what could've been if they let Michael in on the songwriting more and gave him more solos. "Another Piece of Meat" an awesome (ironic title if you read the lyrics) blazing tune. "Coast to Coast" UFO style crunchy instrumental. Lovedrive- practically a Scorpions rewrite of "Lights Out" by UFO. Intense singing from Klaus Meine. Get it now, its one of their best post Roth.


Maybe the most consistent Scorpions CD ever. Can't go wrong.   July 27, 2004
Brasington (Riverside, CA United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This album really began the trend the Scorps would take for the 80s--polished melodic songs with strong guitar riffs and harmony up front. Arguably this was done just for MTV, but the Scorps made their best music during this period, anyway. Many people get hung up on Uli or Schenker, but the rotating guitarists they've had just aren't as important as their songwriting ability. Here is where the songs start to really shine. If you are really into metal history, then their old CDs are worth hunting for, I guess.

Lovedrive, though, really should be lumped in with Blackout, Love at First Sting, et al. That's a compliment. Every song on this disc could've been a hit off either of those albums. "Lovedrive" is probably the highlight here. Buy this one & ignore the other brainless cover.

BTW, this album can commonly be found at Best Buy & other stores, so shop around before you spend more than $12 for it.


Chaos spawns best album. . .   June 26, 2000
William M. Edwards (Castro Valley, California USA)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

The 1979 album "Lovedrive" by Scorpions is a tremendous effort, seemingly fueled by conflict, chaos, desperation, and fraternity, that rises to a level just short of perfection.

In 1978 Scorpions were in a rebuilding year, having just issued a pink slip to lead guitarist Ulrich Roth in an effort to retool their sound. The decision to jettison Roth (and all the Hendrix-ian baggage that came with him) was the first of many smart moves made by the band. Another was giving Rudolph Schenker more direct control over their music.

Before "Lovedrive" was completed, the band would hire, record with, fire, then rehire Matthias Jabs, as well as briefly rejoin with Michael Schenker (Rudolph's brother, who had just fled UFO) in what many fans have called the dream line up for Scorpions.

Given the tumultuous circumstances under which the album was recorded, it's a minor miracle the album is any good at all. "Lovedrive" however is a four star effort and I believe the best album ever made by Scorpions. Song writing, both musical and lyrical, are prime, and the group emotes all over this album without sounding ridiculous or tired.

The frantically paced classic "Another Piece of Meat"(boy meets girl, love goes wrong at Tokyo kick boxing match), the misogynistic title tune "Lovedrive"(girl-loves-guy/guy-loves-Porsche), and the fantastic "I Can't Get Enough" (or "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Hard Rock") are the three stand out numbers that efficiently showcase the strengths of Scorpions, effectively translating their live vibe onto disc. Thankfully, Scorpions retained Michael's solos on two aforementioned songs ("Meat" and "Drive") and on a third "Coast to Coast" despite his departure, making this a very interesting album. Michael's playing on these three songs is simply perfect, and one of the reasons the album succeeds as it does. The best way to describe what Scorpions achieve here with Michael is white hot chemistry. The solos are unbelievable, and representative of his best lead guitar work.

Matthias Jabs is no slouch either. His leads are bright and responsive to the mood of each song with a slightly more soulful approach. Check out "Always Somewhere" for Jabs shining solo moment, on what would turn out to be Scorpions first ever Uber Ballad, the likes of which that would later win them broad acclaim worldwide. The rhythm section of Herman Rarebell on drums and Francis Bucholz on bass, and of course Rudi Schenker perform ably throughout this album. Then there is Klaus Meine, whose incredibly high German accented vocals became a band trademark. He does a great job here and switches gears effortlessly between the fast and slow numbers. His lyrical collaborations with Rarebell are smart, funny, and entertaining (as long as you're not a card carrying member of the National Organization of Women).

Reviewer opinion: A seamless hard rock album with some brilliant moments; arguably one of the top ten heavy metal/hard rock albums of all time and best recording by group; Strong Buy.


For Some Reason I Want Play With Some Gummmm   March 22, 2005
doggiedogma (Mob Town USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Released in 1979, this album was a breaking point from the past Scorpions sound and world fame was just around the corner. This is the first album with Matthias Jabs and the 2nd album with Michael Schenker (he was on the Scorpions 1st album). Matthias Jabs initially began recording this album, but was let go when Michael became avalable after leaving UFO. Matthias would return for the tour for this album (Michael left to form his own band) and would stay for permanent on the next album. The future started here and it proved to be the correct path to follow. This is a CD that deserves its place in the music Valhalla because it gave a new sound and fresh air to the stagnant rock scene at the time. Here are my ratings of the songs based out of 5 *****:
"Loving You Sunday Morning" - Guitar intro followed by heavy bass and surging guitars. Some fine solos from Jabs. Tremendous guitar solo to end the song. This song got alot of radio play during this time period. A fantastic hard rock song that in sound and style was way ahead of its peers at the time. A classic metal song that sets the stage for the '80s. I love this song because it's great, and you'll think so too! Rating - *****
"Another Piece Of Meat" - the fastest and hardest song on the album. Opens at a breakneck pace and then changes tempo during the chorus into a heavy drum/cymbal combo with thumping bass. Great playing from Michael Schenker (as if that's a surprise). "Hey lets go, Don't put on a show. You're just another piece, another piece of meat." That's what they all say isnt it? Another classic metal song with great singing as usual from Klaus. This song also got some airplay. A fore-runner of future metal. Rating - *****
"Always Somewhere" - The ballad of the album and in my opinion the best ballad ever done by the Scorps. Klaus sings with alot of emotion and conviction. Just beautiful! Journey never did anything better than this. Rating - *****
"Coast To Coast" - An instrumental with guitar by Michael Schenker. Heavy bass lines from Francis sets the mood and tempo. A midtempo tune and preview of "Into the Arena" by MSG. Rating - ***
"Can't Get Enough" - The shortest song on the album and it leaves you wanting more! A great metal song! Opens fast and furious. Fantastic guitar solo from Rudolf. "Rock and Roll for Speed Kings" Damn, I can't get enough either! Great wailing from Klaus. Rating - *****
"Is There Anybody There?" - Reggae makes it to Germany and the Scorpions liked it so much they paid homage to it in their own Scorpions way with this heavy reggae tinged song. Efficient guitar solo from Jabs gives it a rocking quality. A preview for '80s sounding Scorpions. Rating - ****
"Lovedrive" - This song also received alot of airplay and for good reason. This song ROCKS! Heavy bass from Francis and a galloping tempo. Again, some great guitar solos in the middle of the song. Fine singing from Klaus. Great ending to the song. "It's a Lovedrive." Rating - *****
"Holiday" - Acoustic guitar opens the song and remains throughout the tune. A tempo change in the middle helps to break the monotony and give the song some color and feeling. Great singing from Klaus. "Let me take you far away. You'd like a holiday." Damn right I would! A nice rocking song. Rating - ****
Damn. the Scorpions were so far ahead of the pack during the late '70s from the rest of the metal bands, especially in terms of playing metal with a pop-edge. The only comparable band would be Van Halen during this time. They set the stage and all the other metal bands got on and performed thier play. This album is a gem! No real metal or music lover can rightfully be without this CD. It is a true classic!