Status Quo's Greatest Albums

Must-Listen Status Quo Albums

Searching for the best Status Quo albums can be a bit tricky, with hits like “Down Down”, “Rockin’ All Over The World”, and “In The Army Now” to consider. However, navigating their extensive discography is a rewarding journey for any rock fan.

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Status Quo is not just another rock band; they’re a British institution with an impressive record of 66 hit singles, over 100 performances on “Top of the Pops,” and a staggering 434 weeks on the UK singles chart. With 33 studio albums under their belt, their influence on rock music is undeniable.

While their discography is vast, not all albums are created equal. Their best works span from 1970’s “Ma Kelly’s Greasy Spoon” to 1981’s “Never Too Late.” However, the quality of their output after their post-Live Aid reunion has been a mixed bag. Here’s a guide to the Status Quo albums that defined their legacy and continue to resonate with fans today.

The Golden Era: Classic Albums

Hello! (1973)

The album cover of “Hello!” featuring a silhouetted band is iconic and often painted onto denim jackets in the 70s. This album is quintessential Status Quo, showcasing their peak form. Entering the UK charts at No.1, it includes timeless tracks like “Roll Over Lay Down,” “Forty Five Hundred Times,” and “Caroline.” Every song on this album, including the bonus track “Joanne” added in 2006, is a gem.

Live! (1977)

Recorded during a three-night stint at the Glasgow Apollo, “Live!” captures the raw energy and blue-collar ethos of Status Quo. The album is a rollercoaster from the stage introduction to the final notes of “Bye Bye Johnny.” The 16-minute rendition of “Forty Five Hundred Times” is a standout, showcasing the band’s live prowess.

Piledriver (1972)

“Piledriver” marked Status Quo’s major-label debut and features some of their most enduring tracks. From the energetic “Don’t Waste My Time” to the soulful cover of The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” this album has it all. “Paper Plane,” with its suggestive lyrics, gave them their first major hit in three years, reaching No.8 in the UK.

Quo (1974)

Under pressure from their record label, Status Quo delivered “Quo,” a heavier and more consistent album than its predecessor, “Hello!” The standout single, “Break The Rules,” is one of their most infectious tracks. The album’s depth is evident in tracks like “Backwater,” “Just Take Me,” and “Slow Train.”

Blue For You (1976)

Rick Parfitt shines on “Blue For You” with tracks like “Rain” and “The Mystery Song.” The latter was written during an all-night studio session and became a fan favorite. The album balances hard rock with softer moments, evident in songs like the title track.

On The Level (1974)

Known for housing their only UK chart-topping single “Down Down,” “On The Level” is a dark and intense album. Tracks like “Little Lady,” “Most Of The Time,” and “Broken Man” reflect the band’s personal struggles and dissatisfaction, making it a deeply emotional record.

Rockin’ All Over The World (1977)

“Rockin’ All Over The World” marked a shift towards a slicker production style, which not all band members appreciated. Despite internal disagreements, the album’s title track became a huge crossover hit. Other notable tracks include “Hard Time,” “Can’t Give You More,” and “Rockers Rollin’.”

Never Too Late (1981)

“Never Too Late,” the last album with original drummer John Coghlan, is a harder-edged collection that still retains Status Quo’s signature sound. The band’s version of “Something ’Bout You Baby I Like” was surprisingly authentic, while tracks like “Mountain Lady” and “Riverside” are classic Quo.

Resurgence and Reinvention

Under The Influence (1999)

The late 90s saw a creative resurgence for Status Quo, thanks to Francis Rossi’s renewed collaboration with Bob Young. “Under The Influence” was hailed as their best album in years, marking a return to form with its energetic and inspired tracks.

Heavy Traffic (2002)

“Heavy Traffic” continued the momentum, impressing long-time fans and critics alike. Songs like “All Stand Up (Never Say Never),” “The Oriental,” and “Creepin’ Up On You” felt like a return to the band’s 70s glory days. This album proved that Status Quo still had plenty of creative fuel left.

Albums That Missed The Mark

Famous In The Last Century (2000)

Despite its commercial success, “Famous In The Last Century” is often cited as one of Status Quo’s weakest efforts. The album consists of covers, which both Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt admitted to disliking. While it sold well, it lacked the originality and energy that characterized their best work.

Status Quo Albums: A Journey Through Time

Exploring Status Quo’s discography offers a glimpse into the evolution of a band that has stayed relevant for decades. From the raw energy of their early albums to their more polished later works, Status Quo’s music has something for every rock fan. Here’s a deeper dive into the albums that shaped their career.

The Early Years: Finding Their Sound

Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo (1968)

Status Quo’s debut album, “Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo,” introduced the world to their unique sound. While it leaned more towards psychedelic rock, it laid the groundwork for their future direction.

Spare Parts (1969)

“Spare Parts” continued in the psychedelic vein but showed glimpses of the hard rock sound that would define their later work. Tracks like “Mr. Mind Detector” and “Antique Angelique” are interesting early examples of their evolving style.

The Classic Rock Era: Defining a Genre

Ma Kelly’s Greasy Spoon (1970)

“Ma Kelly’s Greasy Spoon” marked a significant shift towards a harder, boogie-rock style. This album is considered the starting point of their classic sound, with tracks like “Down the Dustpipe” and “Shy Fly.”

Dog of Two Head (1971)

“Dog of Two Head” further cemented Status Quo’s rock credentials. The album’s raw energy and straightforward rock tracks, such as “Mean Girl” and “Railroad,” became fan favorites.

Mid-Career: Experimentation and Evolution

Just Supposin’ (1980)

“Just Supposin’” is an album that saw Status Quo experimenting with different sounds while retaining their rock roots. Tracks like “What You’re Proposing” and “Run to Mummy” highlight this blend.

1+9+8+2 (1982)

Released during a transitional period, “1+9+8+2” combines the band’s rock essence with new wave influences. Songs like “Dear John” and “She Don’t Fool Me” are standout tracks from this era.

Later Years: Reinvention and Revival

In the Army Now (1986)

“In the Army Now” saw Status Quo embracing a more mainstream, pop-rock sound. The title track became a major hit, although it divided long-time fans. Despite this, tracks like “Dreamin’” and “End of the Line” showcased their ability to adapt.

Rock ‘Til You Drop (1991)

“Rock ‘Til You Drop” was an attempt to return to their rock roots. While not as successful as their earlier works, it featured solid tracks like “All We Really Wanna Do” and “Fakin’ the Blues.”

Recent Releases: A Band Still Going Strong

Quid Pro Quo (2011)

“Quid Pro Quo” marked another strong release in Status Quo’s later career. The album was well-received, with tracks like “Two Way Traffic” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll ‘n’ You” demonstrating their continued relevance.

Backbone (2019)

“Backbone” is the band’s most recent studio album, released in 2019. It received positive reviews and showed that even after decades in the industry, Status Quo could still produce compelling music. Songs like “Liberty Lane” and “Cut Me Some Slack” stand out.

Status Quo’s Biggest Hits

Status Quo, one of Britain’s most enduring rock bands, has produced a plethora of hits throughout their extensive career. Here’s a list of their most notable tracks that have left a significant mark on the rock music landscape:

Early Hits

Pictures of Matchstick Men (1968)

This psychedelic pop song was Status Quo’s first hit, reaching No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and making a splash in the US as well.

Ice in the Sun (1968)

Another early hit, this song reached No. 8 in the UK and solidified the band’s presence in the pop scene.

Classic Rock Era

Down the Dustpipe (1970)

This track marked the beginning of their transition to a harder rock sound and became a fan favorite.

In My Chair (1970)

A bluesy rock track that showcased the band’s evolving sound, reaching No. 21 on the UK chart.

Paper Plane (1972)

A major hit that reached No. 8 in the UK, featuring their signature boogie-rock style.

Caroline (1973)

One of their most iconic songs, “Caroline” reached No. 5 in the UK and remains a staple in their live performances.

Break the Rules (1974)

This catchy tune hit No. 8 in the UK and further established Status Quo as a leading rock band.

Down Down (1974)

Their only UK No. 1 single, “Down Down” is a hard-rocking anthem that epitomizes their sound.

Roll Over Lay Down (1975)

Originally a B-side, this track became popular due to its inclusion in their live sets and was later released as a single, reaching No. 9 in the UK.

Rain (1976)

A top 10 hit in the UK, “Rain” features Rick Parfitt’s distinctive guitar riff and powerful vocals.

Mystery Song (1976)

Another top 20 hit, this song showcases the band’s ability to blend hard rock with melodic elements.

Rockin’ All Over the World (1977)

A cover of John Fogerty’s song, this version became one of Status Quo’s biggest hits, reaching No. 3 in the UK and becoming a live favorite.

Again and Again (1978)

This track continued their string of hits, reaching No. 13 in the UK.

Later Hits

Whatever You Want (1979)

One of their most enduring songs, “Whatever You Want” reached No. 4 in the UK and remains a concert staple.

What You’re Proposing (1980)

A catchy track that reached No. 2 in the UK, featuring the classic Quo boogie sound.

Rock ‘n’ Roll (1981)

A top 10 hit that blends rock and pop elements, showcasing their versatility.

Something ‘Bout You Baby I Like (1981)

A cover that reached No. 9 in the UK, demonstrating their ability to reinterpret songs with their unique style.

Dear John (1982)

This melodic track hit No. 10 in the UK and remains a fan favorite.

Ol’ Rag Blues (1983)

A top 10 hit in the UK, featuring catchy hooks and a sing-along chorus.

1980s and Beyond

Marguerita Time (1983)

A softer, more pop-oriented track that reached No. 3 in the UK.

The Wanderer (1984)

A cover of the Dion classic, this version reached No. 7 in the UK and showcased their ability to revive older hits.

In the Army Now (1986)

A major hit in the UK and Europe, reaching No. 2 in the UK and becoming one of their most recognizable songs.

Burning Bridges (1988)

A top 10 hit that combines rock with folk influences, featuring a catchy chorus.

Recent Hits

The Anniversary Waltz (1990)

A medley of rock ‘n’ roll classics, this track reached No. 2 in the UK and was a hit across Europe.

Fun, Fun, Fun (1996)

A collaboration with The Beach Boys, this song was a hit in the UK and showcased their ability to work with other major artists.

Jam Side Down (2002)

A return to their rock roots, this track reached No. 17 in the UK and was well-received by fans.

The Party Ain’t Over Yet (2005)

The title track from their 2005 album, this song became a favorite among fans and marked their continued presence in the rock scene.

Bula Bula Quo (Kua Ni Lega) (2013)

A catchy, tropical-themed track from their “Bula Quo!” movie soundtrack, showing their willingness to experiment with new styles.

Status Quo’s hits span decades, showcasing their versatility and enduring appeal in the rock genre. Whether it’s their early psychedelic pop, classic rock anthems, or later pop-rock hits, their music continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Conclusion: Celebrating Status Quo’s Legacy

Status Quo’s extensive discography is a testament to their enduring appeal and musical evolution. From their early psychedelic days to their hard rock peak and later pop-rock experimentation, their music has touched multiple generations of fans. Whether you’re a long-time follower or a new listener, there’s a Status Quo album for you.

Exploring these albums provides not just a history of the band but a journey through the evolution of rock music itself. Their best works remain timeless, proving that Status Quo’s influence on the rock genre is here to stay.