Welcome to a new weekly post that I will call Metal Mondays, where I will rank the albums of a certain artist in the metal and hard rock genre from worst to best. As I am a list and ranking person, I am unable to have a simple discussion on what a band’s good albums are, as well as their not-so-good ones. I must rank them in some sort of order, or I will not be able to participate! This also makes for a fun debate, don’t you think?
NOTE: I will rank full length STUDIO ALBUMS only. There will be no live records, greatest hits, or EP’s here.
Today, we focus on the lengthy and successful career of the Scorpions. This German quintet has been around for more than 50 years! Starting out with a late-60’s hippie, psychedelic sound, the Scorps have progressed into a hard-driving hard rock outfit, and even had a few missteps along the way, including a misguided foray into regular pop.
Make no mistake about it, the Scorpions made their dough on the backs of the twin guitar attack of Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs, with assists from legendary axemen Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth, both of whom preceded Jabs. Original vocalist Klaus Meine is easily recognizable for his long wails and shrieks, traits that have not slowed down with age. As this ranking will display, for my money, the period with the classic lineup of Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Jabs, along with bassist Francis Buchholz and drummer Herman Rarebell, churned out the best Scorpions records, although a few of the later releases work their way into the upper half of the catalogue.
#18:
It seems like every band has an album that alienates its fanbase (see Metallica’s St. Anger and Megadeth’s Trust). Eye II Eye is the Scorpions’ bugaboo. And this comes with plenty of merit. The record displayed the furthest abandonment from its classic sound in its entire collection.
Best Song: 10 Light Years Away
Best Deep Cut: 10 Light Years Away
#17:
The very first release from the band found a band trying to find its collective way. A melodic, yet dark effort that ventured into the psychedelic sound of the late sixties, it is also the only album with Michael Schenker until 1979’s Lovedrive.
Best Song: I’m Goin’ Mad
Best Deep Cut: I’m Goin’ Mad
#16:
Here is an album that I find it difficult to write anything for. It’s not a terrible record, however, there really isn’t anything memorable here, either.
Best Song: Wild Child
Best Deep Cut: Wild Child
#15:
The wheels were starting to fall off some, here. Longtime bassist Francis Buccholz was replaced by Ralph Rieckermann, while drummer Herman Rarebell would depart after the tour for this record. In addition, grunge was spelling doom for just about any band that had achieved success in the 80’s. Alien Nation and Under the Same Sun were the singles, but I really like the ballad, Lonely Nights.
Best Song: Alien Nation
Best Deep Cut: Lonely Nights
#14:
The longer psychedelic songs of the first two records were replaced with harder and more concise material. The title cut, Dark Lady, and Robot Man are the highlights.
Best Song: Robot Man
Best Deep Cut: Robot Man
#13:
This is the latest Scorpions release, although a new record (Rock Believer) is due next month. All in all, this is a fun collection of songs that is impressive for a group this long in the tooth.
Best Song: Gypsy Life
Best Deep Cut: Gypsy Life
#12:
Sandwiched between classics, Love at First Sting and Crazy World, Savage Amusement is the lone outlier in a string of magnificent albums, which also include Taken by Force, Lovedrive, Animal Magnetism, and Blackout. Rhythm of Love is the big single, and although it is more poppy and less crunchy than previous hits, I must admit my admiration for it. Overall, the record is more synth-driven than I would like, and frankly, many of the songs are filler.
Best Song: Rhythm of Love
Best Deep Cut: We Let It Rock…You Let It Roll
#11:
This record got most of its publicity from the controversial original cover. It was another step toward the hard rock sound that the Scorpions would later perfect. Perhaps no classic rock band’s progression has been as deliberate this one, but perhaps good things come to those who wait. Check out the title track, Pictured Life, Backstage Queen, and Yellow Raven.
Best Song: Backstage Queen
Best Deep Cut: Backstage Queen
#10:
A concept album, this one is based on a storyline by Desmond Child and Liam Carl that deals with humans and robots engaging in a horrific civil war. The record gets off to a solid start with Hour I, The Game of Life, and We Were Born to Fly. 321 is the album’s finest track, while Humanity closes the collection in fine order. Unfortunately, there are plenty of skippable numbers in this offering, as well.
Best Song: 321
Best Deep Cut: 321
#9:
The first Scorps release with Uli Jon Roth on guitar, Fly to the Rainbow represents an example of the slow, but apparent progression toward the sound it would come to be known for. That said, the band had not yet dropped its trippy sound, altogether. Speedy’s Coming and the title track bookend a very underrated album.
Best Song: Speedy’s Coming
Best Deep Cut: Speedy’s Coming
#8:
This record represents a return to rock and roll form for the band, following its disastrous venture into pop. New Generation, Love ‘em or Leave ‘em, Blood Too Hot, and Someday is Now are the standouts.
Best Song: Love ‘em or Leave ‘em
Best Deep Cut: Love ‘em or Leave ‘em
#7:
By 2010, the Scorpions understood their identity, and it resulted in Sting in the Tail, its latest in a string of solid albums, following Unbreakable and Humanity Hour I. Raised on Rock, The Good Die Young, Let’s Rock, and the title track are meat on the bone.
Best Song: Sting in the Tail
Best Deep Cut: The Good Die Young
#6:
This one often gets overlooked and a little disrespected, most likely because of the records that follow it. However, do not sleep on Animal Magnetism, which feature two of my favorite Scorpions tunes, Make it Real and The Zoo. Meanwhile, Lady Starlight and the title cut are worthy of listens, as well.
Best Song: The Zoo
Best Deep Cut: Lady Starlight
#5:
The final album featuring Uli Jon Roth, and the one that introduces drummer Herman Rarebell, Taken by Force is the final record released before the band started to get noticed in America, and is a fine album, indeed. Steamrock Fever, We’ll Burn the Sky, The Sails of Charon, and He’s a Woman-She’s a Man are the standouts.
Best Song: Steamrock Fever
Best Deep Cut: Steamrock Fever
#4:
The fact that this is only the fourth ranked Scorpions album speaks volumes for the strength of what is ahead of it. Lovedrive is the first release to feature guitarist Matthias Jab and solidified the lineup that would take the band through its glory days. The highlights are many, from opener Loving You Sunday Morning, to Another Piece of Meat, Holiday, and the title track. Meanwhile, the record’s finest hour is the instrumental, Coast to Coast.
Best Song: Coast to Coast
Best Deep Cut: Loving You Sunday Morning (although released as a single, I still believe it is overlooked)
#3:
This will always be the album known for the band’s biggest hit, Wind of Change, and for good reason. Although overplayed by classic rock radio, it is a brilliant track. Singles Tease Me Please Me, Don’t Believe Her, and Send Me an Angel further solidify the record, while deep cuts Lust or Love, To Be with You in Heaven, Restless Nights, and Hit Between the Eyes round out a fantastic release.
Best Song: Wind of Change
Best Deep Cut: Lust or Love
#2:
The band was gaining serious traction by this point. Blackout starts with the rambunctious title track and is hardly finished. Can’t Live Without You and No One Like You round out a powerful opening trifecta, while Dynamite, China White, and When the Smoke is Going Down highlight a strong, but overlooked second half.
Best Song: Blackout
Best Deep Cut: Dynamite
#1:
The soundtrack to my junior high school years. I still listen to this record fondly, as it brings me back to the days of denim jackets and high-top sneakers. Megahits Rock You Like a Hurricane, Big City Nights, and the amazing ballad, Still Loving You highlight the album. That said, the smash singles hardly make up the strength of the release. Bad Boys Running Wild, I’m Leaving You, and Coming Home could easily have been career defining hits for lesser bands. In addition, being a drummer, I remember the dirty looks I used to get from teachers for pounding the beat to Crossfire on my desk. In reality, there is no chance Love at First Sting isn’t the number one album on this list.
Best Song: Still Loving You
Best Deep Cut: I’m Leaving You
Whipped Owl 