Way of the World (Cheap Trick song)
"Way of the World" | ||||
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Single by Cheap Trick | ||||
from the album Dream Police | ||||
B-side | "Oh, Candy" | |||
Released | February 2, 1980 | |||
Genre | Rock, power pop | |||
Length | 3:41 | |||
Label | Epic Records | |||
Songwriter(s) | Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander | |||
Producer(s) | Tom Werman | |||
Cheap Trick singles chronology | ||||
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"Way of the World" is a song by American rock band Cheap Trick, which was released in 1980 as a single from their fourth studio album Dream Police (1979).[1] The song was written by Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander and produced by Tom Werman.[2] In February 1980 it was released as a 7" vinyl single in the UK only, backed by "Oh, Candy," from the first Cheap Trick album, and peaked at #73.[3][4][5] It attempted to capitalize[citation needed] on the success of the mid-1979 single "I Want You to Want Me" and the live album Cheap Trick at Budokan which both entered the top 30.[6]
In some countries "Way of the World" was released as the B-side to Cheap Trick's 1980 single "Everything Works if You Let It."[7]
"Way of the World" was produced by American producer Tom Werman who produced the entire Dream Police album as well the band's 1977 album In Color and the 1978 album Heaven Tonight.[8][9]
No artwork was created for the single, with the 7" vinyl itself being packaged in an official Epic Records sleeve.[10]
Background
The album "Dream Police" showed the band expanding into longer, more complex songs and incorporating orchestration on several tracks. "Way of the World" used this orchestral theme.
"Way of the World" was one of the first Cheap Trick songs to be written by both Nielsen and Zander together.[11]
A music video was released to promote the single, largely featuring the band performing the song on stage.
The song originally had different lyrics and was titled "See Me Now",[4] where this version has been available on unofficial Bootleg releases.[citation needed]
The song was a minor success in the UK, peaking at #73 for a total of 2 weeks in early 1980.[4][14]
The bonus tracks of the American 2006 reissue of Dream Police consisted mainly of rare live versions of songs from the album, including a live version of "Way of the World".[15] "Way of the World" was also released on a number of Cheap Trick compilation albums, including Sex, America, Cheap Trick and The Essential Cheap Trick.[16]
The band have performed the song live numerous times. They performed it on television for the Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, along with "Dream Police" and "Voices," in 1980.[17] It was the band's typical concert opener throughout 2010.[18]
Critical reception
Track listing
- 7" Single
- "Way of the World" - 3:30
- "Oh, Candy" - 4:14
Chart performance
Chart (1980) | Peak position |
---|---|
UK Singles Chart[6] | 73 |
Personnel
- Robin Zander - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Rick Nielsen - lead guitar, backing vocals
- Tom Petersson - bass, backing vocals
- Bun E. Carlos - drums, percussion
Additional personnel
- Jai Winding - organ, piano, keyboards
- Tom Werman - producer
- Jack Douglas - producer on "Oh Candy"
- Gary Ladinsky - engineer
- Mike Beiriger - engineer
- Ken Adamany - assistant engineer
- George Marino - mastering
- Writers of "Way of the World" - Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander
- Writers of "Oh Candy" - Rick Nielsen
References
- ^ "Cheap Trick - Dream Police at Discogs". Discogs.com. 2011-09-05. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- ^ "Cheap Trick - Way Of The World (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- ^ "The Official Charts: Cheap Trick". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-03-14.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-9662081-0-8.
- ISBN 978-0-7894-4613-8.
- ^ a b "CHEAP TRICK | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
- ^ "Cheap Trick - Everything Works if You Let It". Hung Medien. Retrieved 2012-03-14.
- ^ "Cheap Trick - In Color at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- ^ "Cheap Trick - Heaven Tonight at Discogs". Discogs.com. 2011-01-29. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- ^ "Photographic image of record label" (JPG). 4.bp.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
- ^ "Cheap Trick Discography at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- ^ "Way Of The World - Cheap Trick - 1979 Promo". YouTube. 1978-08-26. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-03-14.
- ^ "Cheap Trick - Way Of The World". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- ^ "Cheap Trick - Dream Police (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-03-15.
- ^ "TV Guide listings". Triangle Publications. 1980. p. 25.
- ^ "Cheap Trick 2010 setlists". Cheap Trick Unlimited. Retrieved 2012-03-15.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-03-15.
- ^ Swanson, Dave (September 21, 2015). "40 Years Ago: Cheap Trick's 'Dream Police Becomes Belated Smash". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2019-09-24.
- The Edmonton Journal. p. 120. Retrieved 2012-03-15.
- ^ Dave Marsh (1979-11-29). "Dream Police | Album Reviews". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-03-12.