This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Hey, I love Cheap Trick as much as the next guy. But let’s face it: At this point, they haven’t made a great album since 1979’s Dream Police.
And their unfortunately titled 14th studio album Special One — initially released last year in the U.S. but just making its way north now — isn’t going to put an end to that losing streak. Like too many of their releases over the past couple of decades, most of these 11 instantly forgettable cuts toggle between by-the-numbers arena-pop and wussy FM-rock power ballads. Aside from a few slightly edgy cuts helmed by guests like revered indie-punk engineer Steve Albini and hip-hop mixmaster Dan the Automator, there’s nothing special about this one. Thankfully, the boys still kick out the jams live, so you have nothing to fear when they show up for their next appearance at an arena near you.
