Search - Scorpions :: Sting in the Tail

A worthy conclusion to a fantastic career

Jeff Loudon | Nashville, TN | 03/26/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Originally formed in Hanover, Germany in the late 60s, Scorpions have over 40 years of experience as a band with some incredible hits under their belts. With their first album dropping in 1972, Scorpions are now in their 38th year of recorded material and it is reported to be their last. As the first track, "Raised on Rock," opens, it is easy to point out similarities to one of their biggest hits, 1984's "Rock You Like a Hurricane." Don't think that's because Klaus Maine, Rudolph Schenker, Matthias Jabs, and company have run out of ideas; on the contrary.



They simply tip their hats to the sounds that made them rock royalty while pursuing a conclusion worthy of their storied career. With Sting in the Tail, Scorpions have released an album of classic rock that stands with some of their finest releases of the past.



Although hints of their hits can be heard throughout, Sting in the Tail does an excellent job of combining the old with the new. The production is crisp and clean with an emphasis clearly placed on modern compression techniques that maximize the volume potential of the band, but the music still has that classic vibe that made them famous to begin with.



Meine's vocals are shockingly present and don't appear to have lost any of their hard hitting ability. Singers typically show their age on ballads, but when Scorpions slow things down on "Lorelei" and "Sly," Meine's voice soars over the mix without ever sacrificing a high note. Both power ballads utilize the same gradual build in dynamic throughout that is so characteristic of their sound in the eighties. "Lorelei" even makes use of the classic call and response harmonization on the chorus fans of the classic rock genre adore.



Scorpions continue to be the masters of a decade that has long since passed. For that reason, it is unlikely Sting in the Tail will make much noise on the charts, but for longtime fans, this will be the goodbye they have always craved. For those new to Scorpions, I highly recommend giving Love at First Sting a play through first, but Sting in the Tail is a worthy competitor.



Similar Artists: Quiet Riot, Kiss



Track Suggestion: "Raised on Rock""

Great Way to End an Illustrious Career

Florend Krasniqi | Prishtina, Kosova | 03/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
If the "Sting in the Tail" is really going to be the Scorps's final album, then after 40 years of action they will leave the world of music on a very high note, leaving a great legacy behind them that not too many musicians can match. Personnaly, after listening the album, I refuse to accept that they are ending their illustrious career. Scorps are back to their best, delivering arguably the best record since the Crazy World record. There is still so much potential in this band, that I am sad to see them leave. I have been a fan of Scorps for the last 20 years, and I have to say that Scorpions sound as fresh as 20 years ago. The "Sting in The Tail" has that much liked 80's and early 90's sound, when the Scorps were at the top of the rock music scene. Guitar playing is strong and Klaus Meine's voice is as clear as it was during the 80's records. My personal favorities from the new album are:

"Raised on Rock", which is going to become the next concert favorite and is similar to the "Tease Me, Please Me", "Sting in the Tail", which features great guitar riff and has elements of the early 80's records, "The Good Die Young", "Turn you on" and "No Limit" - the heaviest song of the record which brings the sound of the Humanity - Hour 1 record. Now the ballads. All three ballads in this record are absolutely breathtaking. They will take you on the journey into the 80's. Lorelei is a song which could be easily included into any of the 80's albums with beautiful lyrics. SLY, is the Still Loving You of the 21 century and the Best is Yet to Come will remind you of Send Me An Angel - a great way to end the album.

I strongly recommend the album to Hard Rock fans who miss the rock sound of the golden rock era of the 80's. Thank You Scorpions for the music you have delivered to us for 40 years. We will miss you.

"

Top of the bill

Nawaf Ahmed Albardooli | bahrain | 03/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i have to start my review with two things, i have to thank the scorpions for all their hard work and the best rock music that they made and made my life soundtrack + the gift that came with this cd. the second thing is i agree 100/100 with my 3 brothers in rock that this is a killer cd and its a shame that the scorpions are planning to retire. i have just finished listening to this cd and i have this to say that i have it now in my ipod and round two going to start less then a min from writing this review. i hope that i get to see the scorpions live again on this tour. rock on and long live the scorpions and once again thank you for this album and all the killer albums + the guitar picks"