The Blackout album cover belongs on my list of iconic album covers. That is to say that I had seen this cover numerous times before I knew anything about Scorpions. It always drew my curious attention. Look at it. How couldn’t it.
I, like most American teens in 1984, was just discovering Scorpions music. Again, I think it was that perfect storm of MTV meets the new Heavy Pop Metal scene. I really don’t have any behind the scenes data to back this up but the perception from where I sit now indicates that record companies were looking at bands that they had under contract. They’d find an act that was reasonably close to this emerging Pop Metal genre. They’d give them a make over to make them MTV ready then adjust the songs just a touch to nudge them into that signature sweet spot betwen blazing metal guitars, pounding drums and mainstream pop music.
Really, take a listen to the big Metal chart toppers of the mid ’80s. They all seem to have some common elements like that Power Ballad. Then take a listen to the albums that those bands released just prior to their breakout albums. In nearly every case, the preceding album is more savage and heavier. I wonder if this was just luck or by design that these breakout albums would be stepping stones back to heavier material. I know that I bought Pyromania then went back for High ‘N’ Dry. I bought Love At First Sting then went back for Blackout. $$$ So what do you think luck or genius on th epart of the record execs?
I didn’t know until just now that Blackout is the 8th album by the Scorpions. I knew there was some older stuff but I wouldn’t have guessed 8. I just remembered that I bought their first two Best Of volumes. Really, just remembered it now when I was looking at their discography. What does that say about them? I never upgraded them to CD and forgot that I ever owned them. But Blackout is something much more memorable.
Blackout
Can’t Live Without You
No One Like You
You Give Me All I Need