2015 is a special year for the Scorpions as the legendary German rockers celebrate their 50th anniversary in rock and roll. They are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down with the release of their 19 song, 19th studio album, “Return To Forever,” and subsequent world tour. The new record is a mix of new songs and revamped versions of older songs that were never released and is by far the best thing they have done in a very long time.
From the grooving riff of the opening track “Going Out With a Bang,” the energy is palpable. It’s clear from the first few notes that musically the band is in top form. In fact, they seem almost renewed on this album as they take us through a rousing selection of songs that are a true statement to their career and their time in the world of rock. There are plenty of all out rockers with “We Built This House” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Band” leading the charge. With 19 songs, one would expect some filler tracks, but there are none here. Every song is solid and worthy of its place on the record. The guitars of Mathias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker light it up, especially on the old school metal of “Dancing With The Moonlight” and frontman Klaus Meine sounds better than ever even on the ultimate power ballads “House of Cards” and “Gypsy Life.” There were a few surprises as well with the laid back blues of “Rollin’ Home.”
“Return To Forever” is a real return to the glory years of rock and metal, a fitting showcase for the Scorpions 50 years in rock and roll, and a must have for your collection.
