Taken By Force (2023 Reissue)

TAKEN BY FORCE was released on 4 December 1977 and was the last studio album with Uli Jon Roth and the first with the new drummer Herman Rarebell. The newcomer also introduced himself as a songwriter and contributed the lyrics to "He's A Woman - She's A Man". TAKEN BY FORCE features a number of songs that have since become classics. "Steamrock Fever" is one of them, a typical live hit that was an absolute hit with the audience for many years. Then we have "I've Got To Be Free", written by Uli Jon Roth; a high-energy and hard-rocking piece with great riffs and some guitar magic that once again demonstrates Roth's exceptional class. Ultra-heavy riffs and a catchy chorus, on the other hand, are the trademarks of the aforementioned "He's A Woman - She's A Man".

The small masterpiece "The Sails Of Charon", another song by Uli Jon Roth, is a caliber on its own. The most unusual, and often criminally underrated, track on the album, however, is "Your Light". A funky bass introduces the track and the song grooves almost like a Motown production. "Your Light" is the perfect counterpart and balance to the rather dark and oppressive "The Sails Of Charon" or "The Riot Of Your Time". The ballad "Born To Touch Your Feelings" represents the romantic side of the Scorpions, which has established them as the 'Masters of Ballads' over the years. The song is of the same class as the later monster hits "Still Loving You" or "Holiday". Although the musical differences between Uli Jon Roth and the other band members had already become apparent during the recording process, TAKEN BY FORCE has become a fascinating album that does not have the slightest weak spot. It is the exquisite culmination of the era with Uli Jon Roth and at the same time a work that should have a significant influence on the future development of heavy metal.

Side A
01. Steamrock Fever
02. We’ll Burn the Sky
03. I’ve Got to Be Free
04. The Riot of Your Time
05. The Sails of Charon

Side B
01. Your Light
02. He’s a Woman – She’s a Man
03. Born to Touch Your Feelings
04. Suspender Love