The Raspberries were formed in 1970, out of Cleveland, Ohio by guitarist and vocalist Eric Carmen, guitarist Wally Bryson, bassist John Aleksic, and drummer Jim Bonfanti. Later, Dave Smalley replaced Aleksic on bass and added rhythm guitar to the mix. The members brought a diverse range of influences to the band, from the Beatles and the Who to the Small Faces and the Beach Boys.
The Raspberries’ breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album in 1972, released by Capitol Records. The album featured the hit single “Go All the Way,” written by Eric Carmen, which became a top 5 hit in the United States and defined their sound. The song’s success established the Raspberries as a significant force in the power pop movement.
The Raspberries disbanded in 1975, with members pursuing solo careers. Eric Carmen found success as a solo artist, particularly with hits like “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes.” Our Complete List Of The Raspberries Albums And Discography showcases the band’s catalog.
Raspberries
Released April 1972
Raspberries, the debut album by the American power pop band Raspberries, was released in April 1972 by Capitol Records. The album introduced the band’s classic lineup, featuring Eric Carmen on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and piano; Wally Bryson on lead guitar and vocals; Dave Smalley on bass guitar and vocals; and Jim Bonfanti on drums. Produced by Jimmy Ienner, Raspberries was recorded at the Record Plant in New York City.
This album showcases the band’s signature power pop sound, blending catchy melodies with rock influences. It includes the hit “Go All the Way,” which became a defining track for the band and a classic of the genre.
CD Track Listings:
- “Go All the Way” – 3:21
- “Come Around and See Me” – 3:00
- “I Saw the Light” – 2:42
- “Rock & Roll Mama” – 3:45
- “Waiting” – 2:47
- “Don’t Want to Say Goodbye” – 5:06
- “With You in My Life” – 2:47
- “Get It Moving” – 2:26
- “I Can Remember” – 7:05
Fresh
Released December 1972
Fresh, the second album by Raspberries, was released in December 1972, also by Capitol Records. The album was again produced by Jimmy Ienner and featured the same lineup as their debut. Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City, Fresh continued the band’s exploration of power pop, blending infectious melodies with a harder rock edge.
The album includes notable tracks like “I Wanna Be with You” and “Let’s Pretend,” which further established Raspberries as leading figures in the power pop genre of the early 1970s.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Wanna Be with You” – 3:05
- “Goin’ Nowhere Tonight” – 2:30
- “Let’s Pretend” – 3:42
- “Every Way I Can” – 2:06
- “I Reach for the Light” – 3:53
- “Nobody Knows” – 2:41
- “It Seemed So Easy” – 3:53
- “Might as Well” – 2:26
- “If You Change Your Mind” – 3:43
- “Drivin’ Around” – 3:04
Side 3
Released September 1973
Side 3, Raspberries’ third studio album, was released in September 1973 by Capitol Records. Jimmy Ienner and the band itself produced the album. It marked a slight shift in the band’s sound, with a more aggressive and edgy rock approach, while still maintaining their power pop roots.
Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City, Side 3 featured tracks like “Tonight” and “Ecstasy,” which showcased the band’s ability to blend powerful rock riffs with catchy pop melodies.
CD Track Listings:
- “Tonight” – 3:40
- “Last Dance” – 3:36
- “Making It Easy” – 3:10
- “On the Beach” – 3:05
- “Hard to Get Over a Heartbreak” – 3:51
- “I’m a Rocker” – 5:10
- “Should I Wait” – 3:53
- “Ecstasy” – 3:37
- “Money Down” – 4:08
Starting Over
Released September 1974
Starting Over, the fourth and final studio album by Raspberries, was released in September 1974 by Capitol Records. This album was produced by Jimmy Ienner and saw some lineup changes, with Scott McCarl replacing Dave Smalley on bass and vocals, and Michael McBride taking over on drums.
Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City and Criteria Studios in Miami, Starting Over represented an attempt to evolve the band’s sound. It includes tracks like “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record),” which became one of the band’s most acclaimed songs, blending ambitious production with their signature power pop style.
CD Track Listings:
- “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – 5:32
- “All Through the Night” – 2:55
- “Cruisin Music” – 3:08
- “I Don’t Know What I Want” – 5:06
- “Nobody Knows” – 4:20
- “Play On” – 3:44
- “I Can Hardly Believe You’re Mine” – 3:30
- “If You Change Your Mind” – 3:43
- “Starting Over” – 4:10
- “Party’s Over” – 2:20
THE RASPBERRIES LIVE ALBUMS
Live on Sunset Strip
Released 2007
Live on Sunset Strip, released in 2007, captures a historic reunion concert by The Raspberries, one of the seminal power pop bands of the 1970s. This live album, released by Rykodisc, was recorded during the band’s reunion show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles in 2005. The original members Eric Carmen, Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley, and Jim Bonfanti reunited for this performance, delivering a set that spanned their entire career.
The album features many of the band’s classic hits, performed with the energy and passion that characterized their original recordings. The live setting adds a new dimension to their music, showcasing the band’s dynamic performance and the enthusiastic response from the audience.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Wanna Be with You” – 3:21
- “Play On” – 3:44
- “I Can’t Explain” – 2:14
- “Nobody Knows” – 4:20
- “Let’s Pretend” – 3:45
- “Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye” – 5:06
- “Party’s Over” – 2:20
- “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – 5:32
- “Might as Well” – 2:26
- “It’s Cold Outside” – 2:55
- “Should I Wait” – 3:53
- “Ecstasy” – 3:37
- “I’m a Rocker” – 5:10
- “Go All the Way” – 3:21
- “Starting Over” – 4:10
Pop Art Live
Released 2017
Pop Art Live, released in 2017, is another live album by The Raspberries, capturing a reunion performance by the band. This album was released by Omnivore Recordings and features a concert recorded at the State Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2004.
Like Live on Sunset Strip, Pop Art Live offers fans a chance to hear the band perform their classic songs live. The album includes a diverse selection of tracks from their four studio albums, along with some covers, showcasing the band’s musical range and their influence on the power pop genre.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Wanna Be with You” – 3:25
- “Play On” – 3:50
- “I Can’t Explain” – 2:20
- “Tonight” – 3:40
- “Last Dance” – 3:36
- “Hard to Get Over a Heartbreak” – 3:51
- “Should I Wait” – 3:53
- “Nobody Knows” – 4:20
- “Let’s Pretend” – 3:42
- “Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye” – 5:06
- “Ecstasy” – 3:37
- “I’m a Rocker” – 5:10
- “Go All the Way” – 3:21
- “If You Change Your Mind” – 3:43
- “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – 5:32
THE RASPBERRIES COMPILATION ALBUMS
Raspberries’ Best
Released 1976
Raspberries’ Best, released in 1976 by Capitol Records, is a compilation album that brings together some of the most beloved songs by The Raspberries. This album serves as a great introduction to the band’s music, particularly for new listeners, and a nostalgic collection for long-time fans.
The compilation features a selection of tracks from the band’s four studio albums, capturing the essence of their power pop sound. With its mix of catchy melodies and rock influences, Raspberries’ Best highlights the band’s contribution to the genre and their knack for crafting memorable pop-rock tunes.
CD Track Listings:
- “Go All the Way” – 3:21
- “Tonight” – 3:40
- “Ecstasy” – 3:37
- “I Wanna Be with You” – 3:05
- “I Can Remember” – 7:05
- “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – 5:32
- “Let’s Pretend” – 3:42
- “Drivin’ Around” – 3:04
- “Starting Over” – 4:10
- “Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye” – 5:06
Capitol Collectors Series
Released February 26, 1991
The Capitol Collectors Series, released on February 26, 1991, by Capitol Records, is another compilation that delves into the musical legacy of The Raspberries. This collection includes some of the band’s most iconic songs, providing a comprehensive overview of their career.
This album is particularly notable for including lesser-known tracks alongside the band’s hits, offering a broader look at their discography. The Capitol Collectors Series is a testament to the band’s songwriting talent and their status as power pop pioneers.
CD Track Listings:
- “Go All the Way” – 3:21
- “Tonight” – 3:40
- “Ecstasy” – 3:37
- “I Wanna Be with You” – 3:05
- “I Can Remember” – 7:05
- “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – 5:32
- “Let’s Pretend” – 3:42
- “Drivin’ Around” – 3:04
- “Starting Over” – 4:10
- “Last Dance” – 3:36
- “Cruisin’ Music” – 3:08
- “Nobody Knows” – 2:41
- “I’m a Rocker” – 5:10
- “Party’s Over” – 2:20
- “Rose Coloured Glasses” – 2:47
- “If You Change Your Mind” – 3:43
Greatest
Released May 23, 2005
Released on May 23, 2005, by Capitol Records, Greatest is a compilation album that features key tracks from The Raspberries’ career. This collection includes the band’s most well-known songs, showcasing their unique blend of rock and pop elements that defined their sound.
Greatest is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore The Raspberries’ music, highlighting their ability to create catchy and enduring power pop songs. The album serves as a reminder of the band’s impact on the genre and their lasting influence.
CD Track Listings:
- “Go All the Way” – 3:21
- “Tonight” – 3:40
- “Ecstasy” – 3:37
- “I Wanna Be with You” – 3:05
- “I Can Remember” – 7:05
- “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – 5:32
- “Let’s Pretend” – 3:42
- “Drivin’ Around” – 3:04
- “Starting Over” – 4:10
- “Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye” – 5:06
- “I Saw the Light” – 2:42
- “Rock & Roll Mama” – 3:45
- “Waiting” – 2:47
- “With You in My Life” – 2:47
- “Get It Moving” – 2:26
Complete List Of The Raspberries Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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