STATUS QUO – Rockin’ All Over The World [Reissue]

After a very hectic 1976, with the two excellent releases Blue For You and Live, 1977 saw the release of Rockin’ All Over The World.

For the first time in history, Status Quo decided to recruit a producer for this album – as their previous releases were all produced by themselves. The choice fell on the American producer Pip Williams, giving the album a more mature touch and broader sound.

The biggest hit in the Status Quo catalogue so far, is on this album … of course that song would be “Rockin’ All Over The World,” originally penned by John Fogerty. Released as a single, it reached #3 in UK and it is still one of Quo’s best known songs today.

The album starts with “Hard Time,” which has The Beatles written all over it. The similarities to “Ticket To Ride” are definitely there, and it is a great album opener. As a bonus track, they have also covered a great track by The Beatles – “Getting Better.”

“Can’t Give You More” is a fast and catchy rocker, and “Baby Boy” is more like an anthem – not that far away from Uriah Heep’s “Lady In Black.” Pip Williams brought in a full horn section on “Too Far Gone,” bringing another level to Status Quo’s previous stripped down efforts.

Rockin’ All Over The World is a slightly uneven release, with album fillers like “Dirty Water” and “Let’s Ride.” The mellow track, “For You,” however, is a stand-out … and, of course, standing beside “Rockin’ All Over The World” as one of the classic gems from Status Quo is “Hold You Back,” which closes the album.