Album Review: Scorpions – From The First Sting

The Scorpion’s Tail: ‘From the First Sting’ – A 60-Year Joyride Through Rock’s Enduring Legacy

There are bands that leave a mark, and then there are bands that carve canyons into the landscape of rock and roll. The Scorpions, celebrating an astounding 60th anniversary, belong firmly in the latter camp. With over 120 million albums sold, they stand as one of the best-selling hard rock and heavy metal bands of all time. Their latest career-spanning compilation, ‘From the First Sting,’ set for release on October 17th, isn’t merely a collection of hits; it’s a meticulously curated roadmap, a chrome-plated beast designed to take you on a high-octane journey through six decades of hard rock evolution. This definitive Scorpions 60th Anniversary Compilation traces their sonic path from the fuzzy psychedelia of their nascent days to the stadium-shaking anthems that defined generations. This 2-CD, 31-track behemoth isn’t just a retrospective; it’s an immersive narrative, a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect riff.

So, buckle up. We’re dropping the clutch and hitting the asphalt, tracing the scorpion’s enduring sting from its humble beginnings to its global dominance.

Scorpions 60th Anniversary Compilation The Ignition: The ’70s Dawn – Where the Rubber Met the Road

Our journey begins not with a roar, but with a more introspective hum. The opening track, “In Search Of The Peace Of Mind” from their 1972 debut, Lonesome Crow, is a stark reminder of where it all began. Here, we hear the Scorpions not as the polished stadium act, but as a young, hungry German quintet steeped in the experimental Krautrock scene, tinged with a psychedelic blues-rock swagger. Rudolf Schenker’s emerging guitar work and Klaus Meine’s distinctive, yet still developing, vocal presence hint at the colossal talent simmering beneath the surface. It’s the sound of a band finding its voice, the engine turning over.

Then comes a genuine gem for the die-hards: the unreleased 1973 live recording of “This Is My Song.” Recorded for the German music show Rock & Pop, this is a visceral snapshot of their early live energy before the studio sheen, stressing its historical importance. You can almost feel the sweat of the small German clubs, the crackle of distortion signaling a band straining at the leash.

By 1974’s Fly to the Rainbow, the gears begin to shift. “Speedy’s Coming” is our first real taste of the propulsion that would become their hallmark. The tempo picks up, the riffs become sharper, and the band starts leaning into the hard rock territory that would soon become their dominion. The Scorpions were shedding their skin, preparing for the leap.

And what a leap was made with “In Trance” (1975). This is a pivotal moment, a revelation. The title track from their breakthrough album defines their mid-’70s sound: a perfect alchemy of melody, aggression, and Klaus Meine’s now-soaring, emotionally charged voice. It’s majestic, haunting, and infectious – their first major international breakthrough, particularly in Japan. Following this, “Pictured Life” (Virgin Killer, 1976) and the progressive, Uli Jon Roth-showcasing epic “The Sails Of Charon” (Taken by Force, 1977) solidify the foundation, while the live rendition of “Top Of The Bill” proves they were already a ferocious touring machine.

Shifting Into Overdrive: The Lovedrive/Blackout Era – Global Assault

As we cross into the late ’70s, the Scorpions undergo another significant transformation, one that would cement their legacy. The arrival of Matthias Jabs on guitar ushered in the classic lineup and an era of unprecedented success. It was during this period that producer Dieter Dierks became known as the “Sixth Scorpion,” helping to define their sharp, polished commercial sound. Lovedrive (1979) is brilliantly showcased by the epic power ballad “Holiday,” the emotionally charged “Always Somewhere,” and the beautifully atmospheric, piano-driven gem “Lady Starlight,”tracks that perfected the balance between tenderness and rock punch, just as the band began to break into the US market. The heavy, raw energy of “The Zoo” (Animal Magnetism, 1980) firmly established their US hard rock credentials.

But it was 1982’s Blackout that truly put them in the fast lane to superstardom. “No One Like You” is a monument. This track wasn’t just a hit; it was the hit. Their first single to top the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, it was the crucial turning point, transforming them from a respected hard rock act into bona fide American arena headliners. Following it up, “When The Smoke Is Going Down” showcases the other side of Blackout—an atmospheric, dramatic ballad that proved their command of atmosphere.

Peak Horsepower: The ‘Love at First Sting’ Era

If Blackout was the drag race, Love at First Sting (1984) was the victory lap around the globe. This album catapulted the Scorpions into the pantheon of global rock gods. It is worth noting that its original cover art was so controversial that US retailers demanded a substitute, adding a layer of classic rock rebellion to its legacy. The compilation presents its undisputed twin pillars back-to-back: the universally loved “Still Loving You,” the multi-platinum defining 80s power ballad, and the undeniable, utterly timeless “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” the riff-driven masterpiece that remains the signature hard rock anthem. “Big City Nights” follows, perfectly encapsulating the album’s stadium-rock aggression.

The Open Road: Post-Wall Evolution and Enduring Longevity (CD 2)

CD 2 shifts gears, carrying us from the peak of their ’80s glory into the new millennium, proving that the Scorpions’ journey was far from over. We kick off this disc with a powerful Live version of “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” a sonic bridge cementing their enduring on-stage dominance. Following this, “Believe In Love” from 1988’s Savage Amusement marks the end of their long collaboration with producer Dieter Dierks, showcasing their polished, late-eighties arena sound.

The geopolitical landscape of the late ’80s and early ’90s found an unexpected voice in the Scorpions. It’s important to remember that throughout their career, the Scorpions viewed their music as a bridge between cultures, famously performing in places like the former Soviet Union, China, and Southeast Asia. This sense of global unity is perfectly captured by tracks like “Send Me An Angel” (from 1990’s Crazy World), a track that further solidifies their mastery of the arena ballad. This album also gave us “Wind Of Change,” which isn’t just a song; it’s a historical artifact. Emerging as the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Bloc dissolved, this whistle-driven ballad became one of the best-selling singles of all time, a universal anthem of hope and unity that transcended rock music.

As the band progressed, they weren’t afraid to explore new territory. “Under The Same Sun” (Face the Heat, 1993) continues their push into socially conscious lyrics, following the cultural moment of Crazy World.

A true highlight for the dedicated fan on this Scorpions 60th Anniversary Compilation is the inclusion of the unreleased 1996 live recording of “Still Loving You (ft. Vanessa-Mae).” This collaboration, captured during a taping of the French music show Taratata, is more than a rare gem; it’s a modern phenomenon. The associated video has been viewed over101
 million times on YouTube, and this release marks the first time the audio has been made available on streaming platforms, proving the enduring, multi-generational appeal of this power ballad.

Their capacity for experimentation is highlighted by “Mind Like A Tree” (Eye II Eye, 1999), a track that showcased their controversial late-nineties lean into modern digital production. The gorgeous “You & I” (Pure Instinct, 1996) then follows, becoming another massive international ballad. This artistic diversification continued with the orchestral version of “Wind Of Change (Moment of Glory)” (Moment of Glory, 2000), showing the band’s stunning ability to fuse their rock anthems with the might of a symphony orchestra.

The commitment to acoustic reinterpretation is captured by another version of “Always Somewhere” (Acoustica, 2001), representing their unplugged detour. Following this period, the band re-established their classic hard rock sound, evident in the powerful track “Maybe I Maybe You” (Unbreakable, 2004). This late-career grit continues with “Humanity”(Humanity – Hour I, 2007) and the heavy, mid-tempo “House Of Cards” (Sting in the Tail, 2010), demonstrating their ability to deliver powerful, contemporary rock that still retained their signature elements. Finally, “The Best Is Yet To Come” and the album’s closer, “Rock Believer” (2022), prove that the rock and roll flame still burns brightly, promising that their story is far from over.

Scorpions 60th Anniversary Compilation The Full Track-listing: ‘From The First Sting’ (2CD Edition)

For quick reference, here is the complete track breakdown of the Scorpions 60th Anniversary Compilation:

CD 1

1. In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
2. This Is My Song (1973 Live Recording)
3. Speedy’s Coming
4. In Trance
5. Pictured Life
6. The Sails Of Charon
7. Top Of The Bill (Live)
8. Holiday
9. Always Somewhere
10. Lady Starlight
11. The Zoo
12. No One Like You
13. When The Smoke Is Going Down
14. Still Loving You
15. Rock You Like A Hurricane
16. Big City Nights

CD 2

1. Rock You Like A Hurricane (Live)
2. Believe In Love
3. Send Me An Angel
4. Wind Of Change
5. Under The Same Sun
6. Still Loving You feat. Vanessa Mae (1996 Live Recording)
7. Mind Like A Tree
8. You & I
9. Wind Of Change (Moment of Glory)
10. Always Somewhere
11. Maybe I Maybe You
12. Humanity
13. The Best Is Yet To Come
14. House Of Cards
15. Rock Believer

Scorpions 60th Anniversary Compilation The Rock News Verdict: An Essential 10/10

‘From the First Sting’ isn’t just a meticulously crafted legacy statement; it’s an absolute necessity for anyone serious about hard rock history. The band, which has consistently thrived, adapted, and delivered music that resonated across generations, proves here why they are undisputed masters. Available in multiple formats, including a deluxe 2LP & 2CD book-pack featuring a 40-page book that comprehensively illustrates their influence, this compilation is built for collectors.

For the casual listener, it’s a comprehensive education in the sheer power and versatility of one of rock’s most enduring acts. While a devoted fan will likely own these tracks, this compilation allows you to beautifully span the Scorpions’ entire career as they progress from their early successes to the global phenomenon that still packs stadiums today.

Personally, listening to ‘From The First Sting’ evoked deep nostalgia, reminiscing over the years spent following the Scorpions’ journey. My own passion for live music, in particular, was greatly influenced by the energy captured on albums like World Wide Live, recorded at a time when hard rock and the Scorpions were truly at the top of their game. This comprehensive compilation, spanning their entire career, is the perfect companion piece, serving as the essential studio complement to that electric live influence.

It is easy to recommend this commanding celebration of hits. From the First Sting is an essential addition to everyone’s collection.

Rock News Verdict: 10/10 – Go order yours now. (Releases October 17th)

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE: https://scorpions.lnk.to/FromTheFirstSting

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