Suzi Quatro - Rock Hard (1980) [Remastered Reissue 2012] RESTORED

First time on CD in its original sleeve, this was Glam Rock Goddess Suzi Quatro's seventh studio album, originally released in 1980 and which was certified Platinum in Australia. Includes the singles 'Rock Hard' (from the movie Times Square), 'Glad All Over' and 'Lipstick'. Detailed booklet includes liner notes by Phil Hendriks and pictures of all relevant singles sleeves. Produced by Mike Chapman, the man behind Suzi's string of hits in the '70s as well as the likes of Sweet, Mud and Smokey.

Although glam had long slipped off the radar by 1981, that year found Suzi Quatro releasing one of her finest albums. With Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman (the producers behind her biggest hits) at the controls, Quatro and her band craft a series of songs that blend the hard rock power that fueled her glam rock era hits with a new soundscape that tarts up the songs with some ear attracting new wave hooks. The tone is set by the title track, which starts the album with a blast thanks to its effective combination chugging guitar riffs, a stomping beat, and a shout-along chorus that praises the song's tough female heroine. Other hard rocking highlights include "Glad All Over", a cover of the Dave Clark Five classic that uses a backbeat reminiscent of a squad of rolling tanks on its chorus, and "Lipstick", a kiss-off to a cheating lover that pits power chords against bubblegum-styled handclaps to create a beguiling fusion of pop hooks and rock & roll muscle. Even the quieter numbers manage to rock in their own way: a good example is "Love Is Ready", a mid-tempo invitation to romance that swings with authority over some soaring guitar riffs. Although it lacks the kind of single that would have put it over the top commercially, Rock Hard is so consistent and likable that it is tough to argue with. In short, Rock Hard is a necessity and a solid listen for anyone interested in what female-oriented rock was like before the advent of grrl rockers like L7 and Hole.

~ Donald A. Guarisco, all media guide

Tracklist:

01. Rock Hard
02. Glad All Over
03. Love Is Ready
04. State Of Mind
05. Woman Cry
06. Lipstick
07. Hard Headed
08. Ego In The Night
09. Lonely Is The Hardest
10. Lay Me Down
11. Wish Upon Me


Original Album Produced by Mike Chapman. Engineered by Pete Coleman.
Recorded at Western Studios, Hollywood, CA. between June 18th and July 3rd 1980.

• Suzi Quatro - lead vocals, bass, organ and backing vocals
• Len Tuckey - lead guitar and backing vocals
• Jamie Crompton - guitar
• Dave Neal - drums

Original Release Date: October 24, 1980
Remastered CD Re-Released: April 16, 2012
Label: 7T's Records, U.K.
Catalog No.: GLAM CD 126