Cheap Trick’s 9 Best Albums
- At Budokan is a live album that transformed Cheap Trick into international stars.
- Heaven Tonight showcases the band's sophisticated songwriting and remarkable range.
- Cheap Trick's comeback album Rockford proves the band still has creative fire.
Cheap Trick’s catalog is remarkably consistent, but their finest work captures the perfect blend of Beatles-inspired melodies, hard rock muscle, power pop, and sly humor. Here’s my ranking of their nine best albums, including their essential live recordings.
1. At Budokan (1978)
No live album better defines Cheap Trick. Recorded in Japan at the height of “Trickmania,” it transformed the band into international stars. The live versions of “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and “Clock Strikes Ten” are more iconic than their studio counterparts, with the audience’s ecstatic screams becoming part of the music itself. It remains one of rock’s greatest live albums.
2. Heaven Tonight (1978)
The band’s masterpiece balances crunchy rock with sophisticated songwriting. “Surrender” is one of the defining rock anthems of the late ’70s, while “California Man,” “Auf Wiedersehen,” and the haunting title track showcase the group’s remarkable range.
3. In Color (1977)
A power-pop classic from beginning to end. Although the original studio version of “I Want You to Want Me” is overshadowed by At Budokan, songs like “Southern Girls,” “Big Eyes,” and “Downed” remain among Rick Nielsen’s finest compositions.
4. Dream Police (1979)
More ambitious and theatrical than its predecessors, this platinum-selling album features the title track, “Voices,” and “Way of the World.” The orchestral arrangements add grandeur without sacrificing the band’s trademark energy.
5. Cheap Trick (1977)
The debut is tougher and rawer than the albums that followed. “He’s a Whore,” “ELO Kiddies,” and “Taxman, Mr. Thief” established the band’s unique blend of punk attitude and Beatlesque hooks.
6. Bang, Zoom, Crazy… Hello (2016)
Cheap Trick’s first album in seven years proved the band still had plenty of creative fire. Featuring standout tracks like “No Direction Home” and “When I Wake Up Tomorrow,” it blends infectious hooks, muscular guitars and melodic craftsmanship. Rather than sounding nostalgic, the album feels fresh while staying true to the band’s classic sound.
7. Rockford (2006)
One of the strongest comeback albums by any classic rock band. The songwriting feels inspired rather than nostalgic, with highlights including “Welcome to the World” and “Perfect Stranger.” Many fans consider it their best modern-era release.
8. Silver (2001)
Recorded during the band’s 25th anniversary celebration, this live acoustic performance offers fresh interpretations of classics alongside guest appearances. Rather than simply replaying old favorites, the arrangements reveal the strength of the songwriting beneath the electric guitars.
9. All Shook Up (1980)
Produced by George Martin, this quirky, adventurous album divided fans upon release but has aged exceptionally well. “Stop This Game,” “Just Got Back,” and “World’s Greatest Lover” reward repeated listening with inventive arrangements and memorable melodies.
Across nearly five decades, Cheap Trick have released more than 20 studio albums and several live records, but these nine best capture the band’s creative peak. Whether you prefer the raw swagger of the debut, the polished brilliance of Heaven Tonight, or the electrifying excitement of At Budokan, each represents a different facet of one of America’s greatest rock bands.
