Some of their best work...

Review Score: (8/10)
In their first and last release from Warner Brothers, Cheap trick returns to the sonic excellence and rock and roll roots of their earliest quartet of album releases. This studio album presents an updated power pop sound that is very polished , but not quite as slick as the heavier-handed production of "Dream Police." Every song in this collection is a winner. If you are a Cheap Trick fan and don't have this album in your collection - better yet, if you don't have it in your CD player with the volume turned way up - you are missing out on a real treat.

I agree with many Tricksters that the original album "Cheap Trick" and 1981's "All Shook Up" are among their best efforts, although personally, I feel like "Cheap Trick" has held up much better. I think this is evidenced by a Cheap Trick resurgence that features most of their Buddakan material (pre-"All Shook Up"). In enjoying the band's return to grace, "Woke Up with a Monster," in addition to the brilliant live album "Music for Hangovers" (5 stars)and the 1997 release "Cheap Trick" (5 stars)offer the opportunity to both reminesce and evolve with a band that, like the Beatles, continually redefines itself and includes us in their musical maturation.

"Woke Up with a Monster" features interesting chord progressions and unique arrangements with the characteristic big Cheap Trick sound. While elements of this musical mix are familiar, the sound is decidedly different from their earlier work. It made me want an updated release of new versions of the songs from their first album - a desire that is partly satisfied by the wonderful live performance presented on "Music for Hangovers."

While "Woke Up with a Monster" was a commercial cancer that cost several Warner Brothers executives their jobs, it is a musical pleasure that will find its way to your CD player often. You might want to hide the jewel case though - it features a cover that I would rank as one of the worst of all time - a choice that even Rick Nielsen has admitted was "a mistake."

In short, buy this album. Since Cheap Trick is recording independently now, this Warner Brothers release is hard to find in stores. Offered here for $5.99, it is a bargain.

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