'Taken By Force' was released on December 4, 1977, and was the last studio album with Uli Jon Roth and the first with new drummer Herman Rarebell. The newcomer also presented himself as a songwriter, contributing lyrics to "He's A Woman - She's A Man". 'Taken By Force' features a number of songs that have since become classics. "Steamrock Fever" is one of them, a typical live hit that was an absolute crowd-pleaser for many years. Then there's "I've Got To Be Free" written by Uli Jon Roth; a very energetic, hard rock track with great riffs and some magical guitar pieces that once again demonstrate Roth's exceptional class. Ultra-heavy riffs and a catchy chorus, on the other hand, are the trademarks of the aforementioned "He's A Woman - She's A Man". The masterpiece "The Sails Of Charon", another Uli Jon Roth song, is of a class all its own. However, the most unusual and often criminally underrated track on the album is "Your Light". A funky bass introduces the track and the song almost grooves like a Motown production. "Your Light" is the perfect counterpart and balance to the rather dark and oppressive "The Sails Of Charon" or "The Riot Of Your Time". The ballad "Born To Touch Your Feelings" represents the romantic side of the Scorpions that established them as "masters of ballads" over the years. The song is in the same class as the later monster hits "Still Loving You" or "Holiday". Although the musical differences between Uli Jon Roth and the other band members had already emerged during the recording, 'Taken By Force' proved to be a fascinating album that doesn't have the slightest flaw. It is the exquisite culmination of the Uli Jon Roth era and at the same time a work that would have a significant impact on the future development of heavy metal. 'Taken By Force' is now available on 180 gr. white vinyl. In addition to 'Taken By Force', 'Fly To The Rainbow', 'In Trance', 'Virgin Killer', 'Humanity - Hour 1', 'Savage Amusement', 'Blackout', 'Lovedrive', 'Tokyo Tapes', 'World Wide Live', 'Animal Magnetism', and 'Love At First Sting' will also be released as new colored vinyl versions.
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