Status Quo
Rockin' all over the world

THE REVIEW

My approach to Status Quo was somewhat slow and gradual. Perhaps influenced by that "hit" called "Whatever you want " which in my teenage years became that rock anthem played in clubs to announce the half-hour rock revival session. Also influenced by certain reviews and print media jokes of the '70s, which came to define them as one of the worst rock bands in existence.

Perhaps, all this going AGAINST made them likable and deserving of a listening test for me. Taking advantage of the offer of their entire remastered catalog with bonus tracks, I started with the purchase of this "Rockin' all over the world," also because I was attracted by the eponymous title track, a cover of the great John Fogerty. Scorned and never considered by rock aficionados and critics, Status Quo can boast an infinity of number ones in the UK sales charts in the seventies, early eighties. Albums sold thanks to the power of music alone! Rock'n'Roll Boogie sometimes played in a simple and melodic way, other times more robust and hard. One thing must be said right away and perhaps the reason that makes them likable and worth listening to: they never sold out, making consistency their flag, which still flies forty years after their birth (where some have the Pooh, in England they have them). Although becoming rock stars in the UK, they never succumbed to excesses, preferring music, especially live, to speak for them. Ultimately, when everyone in the '70s appeared glam adorned with dazzling clothes and platform shoes, they already wore those jeans and t-shirts they still wear today.

This album, released in 1977, in the midst of the punk revolution, confirms what the Quo had expressed in the previous six albums. The simplicity of execution was to accompany memorable melodies, all seasoned with the Hard-Blues-Boogie guitar strumming of the leading duo formed by Francis Rossi and Richard Parfit (the only two survivors who still carry the band's name). Driven by "Rockin' all over the world" by ex-Creedence John Fogerty, the album flows pleasantly like a nice drive on a deserted highway. There are no hitches or surprises. From the mid-tempo tracks like "Hard Time", "Hold you back" to faster Hard-boogies like "Can't give you more" and "Rockers rollin'", to the shuffle-blues of "Let's ride", the pure blues of "Who am I?", to the more catchy "Baby boy" and "Dirty water" up to the west coast-scented ballad like "For you".

In short, everything seems in place to disappoint those who seek technique and experimentation in rock (note that Francis and Rossi are both excellent guitarists) and to satisfy those who also look for that fun and laid-back attitude in Rock, which other contemporary groups to Status Quo, like AC/DC, have pursued with consistency. So it's okay to listen to Bowie, Genesis, ELP, and so on, but sometimes you can indulge in a bit of healthy, unpretentious Rock'n'roll except to enjoy a sing-along, a beer, or something else...