Matt LuceyCheap Trick are one of those bands that feel like they’ve always been around, whether you actively listen to them or not. Their music lives in that sweet spot between classic rock grit and power-pop polish, and All Washed Up is a reminder that even decades into a career, they still know how to put together a tight, energetic record.
Intro to the Band
Formed in the mid-70s in Rockford, Illinois, Cheap Trick carved out a sound that blended hard rock riffs with pop sensibilities and massive hooks. They were never quite punk, never quite metal, and never fully pop — instead, they sat comfortably in the overlap, pulling from all of it. That balance is a big part of why they’ve endured.
At their core, Cheap Trick are about memorable guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and vocals that lean more on character than technical perfection. You can hear influences ranging from The Beatles’ melodic instincts to the rawer edge of hard rock bands that came up around the same time. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation for being dependable live and unafraid to sound like themselves, even as trends shift around them.
Making This Album
All Washed Up came together with a seasoned band that knows its strengths. There’s no sense of them trying to chase modern rock trends or reinvent themselves entirely. Instead, the album feels like a group of musicians who understand how to write songs efficiently and play to their chemistry. The production keeps things clean without sanding off all the rough edges, letting the performances do most of the talking.
Overall, All Washed Up feels cohesive. The tracks flow naturally, and while there are shifts in tone and rhythm, nothing feels wildly out of place. The album doesn’t rely on flashy studio tricks — it’s built around riffs, grooves, and personality, which is exactly where Cheap Trick tend to shine.
“All Washed Up”
The title track launches straight into a rude, no-nonsense riff that sets the tone immediately. It’s the kind of riff that grabs your attention without needing to overcomplicate things. The vocals here aren’t strained or overly theatrical; they’re almost spoken at times, which actually works in the song’s favor.
For me, the band sounds especially cohesive on this track. Everyone feels locked in, but the guitar brings that extra forceful energy that drives the song forward. The drums and bass do their job perfectly, holding the line and giving the riff space to breathe. While there’s unfortunately no real guitar solo — and there definitely feels like room for one — the song doesn’t suffer too much without it. That main riff simply refuses to quit.
“The Riff That Won’t Quit”
This track comes in strong and keeps the focus firmly on the guitar. The riff is the centerpiece, and everything else orbits around it. When the vocals enter, they carry a gritty tone that isn’t perfect but doesn’t need to be. It fits the song’s attitude.
Here, the guitar gets a bit more leash. The bass stays steady, almost acting as an anchor while the guitar experiments on top. Toward the end, there’s an ascending melody that finally leads into a solo. The solo itself is sloppy — but in a way that feels intentional. It’s raw, a little messy, and oddly satisfying, like the band chose feel over precision.
“Wham Boom Bang”
“Wham Boom Bang” is a total shift in tone. Rhythmically, it’s much more playful and bouncy, almost reminiscent of something The Fratellis might put out. The clicking, upbeat feel comes out of nowhere, but it’s a welcome surprise.
The vocals actually sound their best here, riding the rhythm instead of fighting it. There’s a nice little guitar solo that doesn’t overstay its welcome, adding just enough flair before stepping back. The song has an almost Mr. Blue Sky-esque vibe, especially in how bright and unexpected it feels compared to the rest of the album.
As a closer, it works really well. It’s a clear departure from the heavier, riff-driven tracks, and it highlights the band’s ability to experiment with their sound without losing their identity.
Conclusion
All Washed Up isn’t trying to redefine Cheap Trick, and that’s part of its charm. The album leans into what the band does best: solid riffs, steady grooves, and songs that feel lived-in rather than overthought. While there are moments where you might wish for a bigger solo or a bit more risk, the consistency and confidence make up for it. It’s a fun, honest listen that proves Cheap Trick still have plenty of life left in them — washed up or not.
