Scorpions “Rock Believer” Review

Scorpions
Rock Believer
Vertigo
Released: February 25, 2022

German rock giants, Scorpions, are back with Rock Believer, their nineteenth studio album, and it’s as great as ever!

It is so very hard to believe that the man singing on this record, the one and only Klaus Meine, is 73 years of age. To hear him wallow on these sixteen songs that make up the nineteenth Scorpions album, you’d never so much as begin to imagine this is a man of such years. Throughout his career with the Scorpions, Meine has always appeared to be having the time of his life. At every show, every appearance, anytime he’s in the spotlight, he wears an ear-to-ear smile and genuinely appears to adore life. Throughout all these years, all these records, Meine’s enthusiasm has been wildly contagious – I smile each and every time I hear a Scorpions track.

This record comes as a bit of a shock to me – I’m fairly certain that the Scorpions announced their retirement not that long ago. I remember it, because I felt a sadness come over me at that time. Yet, as Samuel L. Jackson would say; Surprise motherfucker! The other shock, was the revelation that this year marks fifty years since the groups debut record, Lonesome Crow. Fifty years. How can that be? The band itself began back in 1965 – seven years prior to that first album. Perhaps more shocking than those two facts, is how great they still sound all these years later. In fact, it could even be said that Rock Believer is a return in sound to their earlier albums, those before they found success and turned more towards radio friendly material. Astonishing.

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Starting off with the aptly titled Gas In The Tank, a song about not quitting and forging forward – a slick track, with great hooks and a not so hidden ode to themselves. Louder, there’s still more gas in the tank. Best friends that’ll never part. Given the longevity of the group – I can’t help but find the lyrics to this tune beautiful.

Title track, Rock Believer, is a slower paced track that again speaks of the group and their journey, and why not. When you’ve spent a half-century touring the world, bringing great music to so many people, why not celebrate it. One of the more upbeat numbers found on Rock Believer, is When I Lay My Bones To Rest – which strikes me as utter defiance, gloriously thumbing its nose up as if to say one day, but not today.

What you won’t find on this record, is anything ground breaking. They’ve already been there, done that – there’s nothing more for these lads to prove. With Rock Believer, the mighty Scorpions further cement their legacy. Fact is, if you’ve enjoyed anything they have recorded over the last decade or so, there’s no doubt this one will suit you too.

For as long as I live, I will never forget the first time I photographed the Scorpions. There we were, a group of no more than ten photographers, waiting backstage for the band we were all there to see take the stage. But what made this night unlike any of other evening before or after it, was that the band, the whole band. approached us lowly photographers and introduced themselves, shaking each one of us by the hand. I couldn’t believe it – the fucking Scorpions, rock legends, had come over to us. Once on stage, they posed for us, making sure we all got our shots. I remember thinking at the time, how I wished all rock stars would behave as the Scorpions had. Already a fan prior to that night; I learned a new found love and adoration for the lads on that night. Lang leben die Skorpione.

Copies of Rock Believer are currently available for pre-order through Vertigo – I’ve ordered my copy already.

For Fans Of: Queensryche, Deep Purple, Rainbow
Track Listing:

01. Gas In The Tank
02. Roots In My Boots
03. Knock ‘Em Dead
04. Rock Believer
05. Shining Of Your Soul
06. Seventh Sun
07. Hot And Cold
08. When I Lay My Bones To Rest
09. Peacemaker
10. Call Of The Wild
11. When You Know
12. Shoot For Your Heart
13. When Tomorrow Comes
14. Unleash The Beast.
15. Crossing Borders
16. When You Know (Acoustic)

Author Rating

  • overall
    8.3
  • composition
    8
  • enjoyment
    9
  • production
    8
  • variety
    8.2
  • memorability
    8.5
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