Dream Police

Cheap Trick

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: October 1979
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025FJ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,241 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Its initial release delayed by the fluke success of Live at Budokan, Cheap Trick's fourth studio album showcases a powerhouse band that was quickly trading in the rough-hewn charms of its club days for this hard-won studio showcase. They skipped "slick" entirely and went straight on to "polished." And if the material here is just a little less visceral than the holy trinity of its first releases, it's also brainier and more musically compelling. The title track remains a marvel of pop-rock perfection, a Jungian nightmare that rocks with all the wallop the Tricksters can muster. "Way of the World" and the underrated ballad "Voices" highlight Robin Zander's vocal range and prowess, while "Gonna Raise Hell" and the ghostly "Need Your Love" offer the band rare chances to show off its awesome musical interplay. Most underrated gem: Tom Petersson's playful, punky three-chord monster, "I Know What I Want." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cheap Trick's last stand, January 16, 2003

By	C. Hawkins "snapsnapboy" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

'Dream Police' was released in the fall of 1979 on the heels of Cheap Trick's landmark 'Live At Budokan' LP which launched the band into platinum level success. 'Dream Police' is a good rock & roll record and is a must own for any CT fan. But although it's a fun, hard-rockin' LP, it comes up a little short when compared to the magic of the band's first three studio releases and the incredible live set from 'Budokan'. 'Dream Police' was the first sign that the band's creative juices were starting to dry up. On the surface, this album is fine. It rocks hard and offers some pretty good songs, especially the title track and 'I'll Be With You Tonight'. And the lovely ballad 'Voices' is a personal favorite of mine. But underneath it all, the spark, inspiration and cleverness of the band's earlier work just isn't here. There's an intangible magic in the early albums thats hard to put your finger on but it's not hard to tell it's missing from 'Dream Police'. Go into the Rolling Stone Magazine archives and read the original review of this album sometime and you'll hear the same complaint. This album marks the beginning of the end of Cheap Trick's creative heyday, a trend that would continue with each subsequent album. Nonetheless, as rock n roll records go, this is a pretty good one. Definitely worth a listen.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS AIN'T NO FALSE ARREST!, September 9, 2000

By	demien (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

"DREAM POLICE" was recorded in 1979 after the band finally scored big with the classic "Live at Budokan." Cheap Trick was a band that came out with a sound all their own with a unique image to compliment that originality. They created little masterpieces consisting of witty lyrics and a magical knack for potent melody. Cheap Trick could not be classified or limited to one type of music. They incorporated punk,new wave,rockabilly,metal,pop,and rock into their sound resulting in a one two punch of pure sonic bravado. "Dream Police" was not as electric as their previous efforts due to the more radio friendly commercial approach but was still a worthy and successful achievement. "I Know What I Want" rages with punk rock attitude and features Tom Petersen on lead vocals. "I'll Be With You Tonight" is perfect pop melody played with ecstatic delight. "Need Your Love" slithers along with a grinding desire that locks you down and holds you in its spell.

"Writing on The Wall" is a raving urgent rocker that displays Cheap Trick's musical chemistry at its finest. "Dream Police" also includes the melodically intoxicating "Way Of The World" and the sinister onslaught of "Gonna Raise Hell." Buy a copy and enjoy some interrogation from the Tricksters. You'll be happy you did.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yikes! Candy-Coated Funin CD Form!, April 28, 2000

By	"shoddy" (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This CD reminds me of an old, ratty white tee shirt to which I applied a "Super Sugar Crisps" iron on. I miss that shirt. This CD fills the void perfectly. It's wonderful. The title track is worth the price of the CD alone.