Background and Recording

After the release of their debut album, Cheap Trick returned to the studio with producer Tom Werman, aiming to craft a record that would capture their infectious live energy yet be polished enough for radio appeal. In Color was recorded in the Record Plant in Los Angeles, a popular studio among major artists at the time.

The album showcases the band's trademark power-pop style, blending rock and roll energy with melodic harmonies and catchy hooks. It features some of the band's most beloved tracks, including "I Want You to Want Me," which was later released as a live single from their Cheap Trick at Budokan album and became a global hit.

Reception and Legacy

Initially, In Color received lukewarm commercial response in the U.S., although it fared better internationally. However, critical acclaim was consistent, with reviewers praising its balanced sound and strong songwriting. The album's appeal has only grown over the years, influencing a wide array of artists across various genres.

In Color is often cited as a significant influence in the power-pop and alternative rock scenes, with its crisp production and memorable melodies serving as a blueprint for many bands that followed.

Track Insights

The album opens with "Hello There," a high-energy track intended as a live show opener. "Southern Girls" and "Come On, Come On" offer quintessential Cheap Trick, mixing elements of rock, pop, and punk. The use of multilayered vocals and dynamic guitar riffs throughout In Color exemplifies the band's creative approach to their sound during this era.

Perhaps the most iconic track, "I Want You to Want Me," did not catch on in America until its live version was released. The studio version, featured on In Color, is polished with a prominent piano accompaniment that contrasts with the more raucous live rendition.

Conclusion

Cheap Trick's In Color, despite its initial mixed reception, stands as a landmark album in rock history. It not only showcased the band's capacity to bridge the divide between mainstream appeal and robust rock authenticity, but it also set a precedent for fusion genres that would come to dominate the music scene in the following decades.