Cheap Trick is an American rock band that rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with their energetic live performances and catchy, guitar-driven power pop songs. With over four decades of music-making under their belt, Cheap Trick has amassed an impressive catalogue of songs that have influenced countless musicians and fans around the world.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Cheap Trick songs that can be enjoyed on a budget. While the band has released numerous albums and singles over the years, we’ve chosen some of the standout tracks that are both affordable and accessible to fans of all ages.
From their early hits like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender” to their later works such as “Dream Police” and “The Flame,” Cheap Trick has consistently delivered songs that are filled with irresistible hooks and memorable lyrics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the band for the first time, these songs are sure to get your toes tapping and your head nodding.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Cheap Trick and explore some of their most beloved and affordable tracks that are sure to stand the test of time.
1. I Want You To Want Me (1977)
“I Want You To Want Me” is a classic rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1977 as part of their album “In Color.” The song is widely regarded as one of the band’s most iconic hits and has remained popular in the decades since its release.
The song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and lead singer Robin Zander’s signature vocal style. The lyrics express a desire for the subject of the song to reciprocate the singer’s romantic feelings, making it a relatable and timeless theme.
“I Want You To Want Me” became a breakout hit for Cheap Trick after it was re-recorded and released as a single in 1979, with the new version featuring a more polished sound and additional instrumentation. The song’s popularity only continued to grow, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
With its upbeat tempo and infectious melody, “I Want You To Want Me” remains a staple of classic rock radio and a beloved song among Cheap Trick fans.
2. Surrender (1978)
“Surrender” is a classic rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1978 as part of their album “Heaven Tonight.” The song is widely regarded as one of the band’s greatest hits and has become a staple of classic rock radio.
The song’s catchy guitar riff, driving drumbeat, and memorable chorus are all hallmarks of Cheap Trick’s signature sound. The lyrics tell the story of a teenage boy who rebels against his parents by listening to rock music and falling in love with a girl who shares his passion for rebellion.
“Surrender” quickly became a fan favorite and remains one of Cheap Trick’s most popular songs. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Pearl Jam and Aimee Mann, and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
With its timeless themes of teenage rebellion and the power of rock music, “Surrender” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue.
3. Dream Police (1979)
“Dream Police” is a classic rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1979 as the title track of their album of the same name. The song is known for its distinctive use of strings and synthesizers, which add a haunting and otherworldly quality to the band’s signature sound.
The song’s lyrics describe a surreal world in which the dream police are always watching, and the narrator is constantly on the run from their judgment. Lead singer Robin Zander’s soaring vocals add to the song’s sense of urgency and unease, making it one of Cheap Trick’s most memorable and distinctive tracks.
“Dream Police” was a commercial and critical success, cementing Cheap Trick’s status as one of the premier rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, and its use of strings and synthesizers has influenced countless musicians across genres.
With its unique blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements, “Dream Police” remains a standout track in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to the band’s innovative and boundary-pushing approach to music.
4. Ain’t That A Shame (1978)
“Ain’t That A Shame” is a rock and roll classic originally written and recorded by Fats Domino in 1955, but Cheap Trick’s cover version of the song became a hit in its own right when it was released as a single in 1978.
Cheap Trick’s version of the song features the band’s signature sound, with Robin Zander’s soaring vocals and Rick Nielsen’s driving guitar riffs. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout track in the band’s catalogue, and its inclusion on the album “Cheap Trick at Budokan” helped to propel the band to international fame.
While Cheap Trick’s version of “Ain’t That A Shame” remains faithful to the original, the band adds their own unique touches to the song, including a searing guitar solo by Nielsen and a lively drumbeat by Bun E. Carlos. The result is a high-energy track that showcases the band’s musicianship and their ability to breathe new life into classic songs.
With its infectious melody and timeless lyrics, “Ain’t That A Shame” remains a beloved track in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to the band’s ability to put their own spin on classic rock and roll.
5. The Flame (1988)
“The Flame” is a power ballad by Cheap Trick, released in 1988 as part of their album “Lap of Luxury.” The song is widely regarded as one of the band’s most successful and commercially popular hits.
The song’s sweeping melody and emotional lyrics made it an instant hit with audiences, and it quickly climbed to the top of the charts. The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of flames and smoke, helped to cement its status as a classic of the era.
Lead singer Robin Zander’s powerful vocals are a standout feature of the song, as are the lush backing vocals and soaring guitar solos by Rick Nielsen. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a love that has been rekindled after a period of separation, making it a relatable and timeless theme.
Despite its departure from the band’s signature sound, “The Flame” remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to their ability to adapt and evolve with the times. The song’s enduring popularity has ensured its place as one of the band’s most enduring hits.
6. If You Want My Love (1982)
“If You Want My Love” is a classic rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1982 as part of their album “One on One.” The song’s catchy melody, driving beat, and upbeat lyrics make it one of the band’s most memorable and beloved tracks.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of colorful graphics and neon lights, helped to popularize the song and make it a hit with audiences. The video also showcased the band’s playful and irreverent side, adding to their appeal as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing bands of the era.
Lead singer Robin Zander’s soulful vocals are a standout feature of the song, as are the infectious guitar riffs and pounding drumbeat. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is willing to do anything to win over the object of his affection, making it a relatable and timeless theme.
Despite its departure from the band’s earlier sound, “If You Want My Love” remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to their ability to evolve and adapt with the times. The song’s enduring popularity has ensured its place as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved hits.
7. Tonight It’s You (1985)
“Tonight It’s You” is a classic rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1985 as part of their album “Standing on the Edge.” The song’s lush melody, soaring vocals, and guitar solos make it one of the band’s most memorable and beloved tracks.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing in a surreal, dreamlike world, helped to popularize the song and make it a hit with audiences. The video also showcased the band’s playful and inventive side, adding to their appeal as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing bands of the era.
Lead singer Robin Zander’s soaring vocals are a standout feature of the song, as are the intricate guitar riffs and driving drumbeat. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is consumed with longing for a lost love, making it a relatable and timeless theme.
Despite its departure from the band’s earlier sound, “Tonight It’s You” remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to their ability to evolve and adapt with the times. The song’s enduring popularity has ensured its place as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved hits.
8. ELO Kiddies (1977)
“ELO Kiddies” is a high-energy rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1977 as part of their debut album “Cheap Trick.” The song’s driving guitar riffs, pounding drumbeat, and catchy chorus make it a standout track in the band’s early catalogue.
The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a group of rebellious teenagers, capture the spirit of youthful rebellion and angst that defined the era. Lead singer Robin Zander’s raw, powerful vocals perfectly capture the energy and intensity of the song, while Rick Nielsen’s blistering guitar solos and Bun E. Carlos’s thunderous drumming add to its impact.
Despite its relatively low profile compared to some of the band’s more well-known hits, “ELO Kiddies” remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to their ability to capture the spirit of rock and roll in its purest form. Its enduring popularity among fans and critics alike is a testament to its place as one of the band’s most beloved tracks.
9. Gonna Raise Hell (1979)
“Gonna Raise Hell” is a hard rock song by Cheap Trick, released in 1979 as part of their album “Dream Police.” The song’s driving beat, fierce guitar riffs, and dark lyrics make it one of the band’s most intense and memorable tracks.
The song’s lyrics, which describe a world consumed by violence and chaos, capture the mood of the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time when the threat of nuclear war and political unrest loomed large. Lead singer Robin Zander’s powerful vocals perfectly capture the sense of anger and frustration that permeates the song, while Rick Nielsen’s searing guitar solos and Bun E. Carlos’s thunderous drumming add to its impact.
Despite its relatively low profile compared to some of the band’s more commercially successful hits, “Gonna Raise Hell” remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to their ability to capture the darker side of rock and roll. Its enduring popularity among fans and critics alike is a testament to its place as one of the band’s most memorable and powerful tracks.
10. If It Takes A Lifetime (2006)
“If It Takes A Lifetime” is a rock ballad by Cheap Trick, released in 2006 as part of their album “Rockford.” The song’s sweeping melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Robin Zander’s soulful vocals make it a standout track in the band’s later catalogue.
The song’s lyrics, which describe a man’s determination to win back the love of his life no matter how long it takes, capture the timeless theme of enduring love and commitment. Zander’s passionate delivery of the lyrics, combined with the band’s emotive instrumentation, creates a powerful and moving listening experience.
Despite being released more than two decades after the band’s commercial heyday, “If It Takes A Lifetime” remains a beloved song in Cheap Trick’s extensive catalogue and a testament to their ability to create enduring rock ballads. Its enduring popularity among fans and critics alike is a testament to its place as one of the band’s most heartfelt and memorable tracks.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
