Next Position Please
Next Position Please is the seventh studio album by the American rock band Cheap Trick, released on August 15, 1983, by Epic Records.[1] Produced by Todd Rundgren at his Utopia Sound Studios in Lake Hill, New York, it features bassist Jon Brant, who had joined the band in 1982 following founding member Tom Petersson's departure in 1980.[2][3][4] The album features 10 tracks blending the band's signature power pop with 1980s new wave influences, including "I Can't Take It," "Borderline," and the title track "Next Position Please."[5] The core lineup consisted of vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, drummer Bun E. Carlos, and Brant on bass, with Rundgren contributing keyboards and additional production.[4] Recorded amid the band's efforts to revitalize their career after a period of declining commercial success, Next Position Please showcased Cheap Trick's adaptability, incorporating synthesizer elements and polished arrangements reflective of Rundgren's style.[3][6] Upon release, the album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its energetic tracks and the band's musicianship but critiqued it for sounding disjointed and overly influenced by contemporary trends.[7] AllMusic's user rating averages 3.75 out of 5 stars, noting its role as a transitional work in Cheap Trick's discography.[3] The lead single "I Can't Take It" achieved moderate airplay, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, while the album itself reached number 61 on the Billboard 200. Despite not matching the commercial heights of earlier releases like Cheap Trick at Budokan, Next Position Please has gained appreciation among fans for its raw energy and as a precursor to the band's late-1980s resurgence.[1]Background and Production
Conception
Following the release of their sixth studio album, One on One in 1982, which achieved gold certification and featured MTV-friendly hits like "If You Want My Love," Cheap Trick sought to sustain their momentum amid the evolving rock landscape of the early 1980s.[8][9] The band's core lineup remained stable during this period, consisting of vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Jon Brant, and drummer Bun E. Carlos, who had joined the band in 1981 following Tom Petersson's departure in 1980, providing continuity after the experimental phases of prior releases.[5] This stability allowed the group to focus on refining their sound without major personnel disruptions, building on the arena rock foundations established in the late 1970s while addressing the pressures of declining chart performance compared to their Budokan era peaks.[10] In late 1982, as song ideas began to coalesce, Cheap Trick decided to enlist producer Todd Rundgren, departing from the polished, orchestral approach of Roy Thomas Baker on One on One. Rundgren, known for his eclectic work with artists like Patti Smith and Meat Loaf, was chosen for his power pop expertise and innovative edge, aiming to inject a more experimental, new wave-inflected production that contrasted Baker's arena-oriented gloss.[1][11] This collaboration was motivated by the band's desire to explore a fresher, radio-ready aesthetic suited to the rising MTV era, hoping to reinvigorate their commercial trajectory after One on One's moderate success failed to fully recapture their earlier breakthroughs.[12] Songwriting for Next Position Please was led primarily by Nielsen and Zander, who contributed the bulk of the material, drawing on themes of romantic relationships, playful fantasy, and high-energy rock escapism. Nielsen provided signature riffs and structures, as seen in tracks like "I Don't Love Here Anymore," while Zander penned "I Can't Take It" as a solo effort reflecting personal relational tensions.[13][14] The title track originated as an older demo from the 1979 Dream Police sessions, reworked in 1982 to emphasize its quirky, fantasy-driven narrative about sexual exploration, highlighting the duo's collaborative process of revisiting and updating ideas.[15] Internally, the band discussed pivoting from their expansive arena rock roots toward a tighter, pop-oriented style to align with 1980s MTV visuals and new wave trends, influenced by frustrations over softening sales and the need for more concise, video-compatible songs.[14][10] These conversations, occurring amid late 1982 rehearsals, underscored a strategic effort to blend their power pop heritage with contemporary polish, though tensions arose over track selection, such as the label's preference for a cover over the band's favored originals.[14]Recording
The recording sessions for Next Position Please took place at Utopia Sound Studio in Lake Hill, New York, beginning in December 1982 and extending into early 1983.[14][16] The studio, owned by producer Todd Rundgren, provided an intimate setting for the band to experiment with their sound during this period of transition.[16] Rundgren adopted a hands-on production style, prioritizing live band performances captured in basic takes to emphasize simplicity and energy, while incorporating limited overdubs to maintain a cohesive power pop feel.[17] He encouraged the group to dial back on elaborate arrangements, such as multiple guitar layers and vocal effects, leading to tensions over creative direction as the band adjusted to his streamlined vision.[17] The sessions lasted about four weeks, during which Rundgren contributed rhythm guitar parts and participated in a notable lead guitar exchange with Rick Nielsen on the title track.[17] Technical aspects included the integration of synthesizers and electronic effects to infuse a contemporary 1980s edge, alongside multi-tracked guitars from Nielsen and layered vocals by Robin Zander for depth and harmony.[1] The band's lineup featured Nielsen on guitars, Zander on lead vocals, Bun E. Carlos on drums, and Jon Brant on bass.[1][18] These efforts wrapped by summer 1983, aligning with the album's August release.[3]Artwork and Packaging
Cover Art
The cover art for Cheap Trick's Next Position Please depicts the band members in a black-and-white photograph parodying the famous pose from Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run album cover, with frontman Robin Zander leaning casually against guitarist Rick Nielsen, who grips his guitar in a stance echoing Clarence Clemons' saxophone hold, while bassist Jon Brant and drummer Bun E. Carlos stand nearby in supportive positions.[1] The design, credited to John Berg, was photographed by David Michael Kennedy and emphasizes the group's theatrical rock stage presence through exaggerated, performative body language that ties into their signature humorous and energetic image.[5][6] This visual choice symbolizes the album title's playful double entendre, blending innuendo about physical positions with the literal shifting of roles in a live performance, consistent with Cheap Trick's tradition of cheeky, self-aware artwork.[1] The back cover features a straightforward layout with production credits, track listings, and liner notes acknowledging the contributions of producer Todd Rundgren and the Epic Records team.[5] While the 1983 original vinyl edition presented the artwork in a gatefold format with full-band interior photos, later CD reissues from 1989 onward maintained the core design but adapted it to jewel case packaging; a notable 2010 bundle pairing Next Position Please with One on One preserved the imagery with updated digital formatting and bonus content annotations.[5][19]Formats and Packaging
Next Position Please was originally released on August 15, 1983, by Epic Records in the United States, available in LP format (catalog number FE 38794), cassette (FET 38794), with the initial CD edition following in 1988 (EK 38794).[6][5][20] Subsequent reissues include a standard remastered edition by Sony in 1997 without bonus tracks, a 2008 two-CD bundle by Legacy Recordings pairing it with the band's prior album One on One, and various Japanese CD editions such as the 2003 remaster (MHCP 2018) and 2017 limited Blu-spec CD2 (SICP 31069).[5][21][22] The album has been available for digital streaming on platforms including Spotify since 2008.[23] The original LP packaging featured a standard sleeve with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics, while CD editions used a jewel case with a booklet; no major variants such as picture discs were produced.[24][25][26] International editions were largely similar to the US version across markets like the UK (EPC 25490), Canada (FE 38794), and Australia (ELPS 4361), though the 1983 Japanese pressing (25·3P-463) included a traditional obi strip and minor variations in cover color shading.[5][27][28] Vinyl pressings became scarce and out of print in most markets after the 1990s, with availability limited to occasional Japanese reissues and a 2013 European 180-gram remastered edition (Steamhammer SPV 265-681 LP).[5][29][30]Music and Lyrics
Style and Composition
Next Position Please represents a shift in Cheap Trick's sound toward a blend of power pop with elements of new wave and synth-rock, moving away from their earlier hard rock foundations. The album incorporates glossy production that emphasizes arena rock and contemporary pop/rock sensibilities, characterized by tight, hook-driven arrangements that align with the burgeoning MTV era's visual and sonic aesthetics.[3][31] This evolution is evident in the use of layered harmonies and rhythmic precision, diverging from the raw live energy of prior works like Budokan.[1] Key influences on the album include Todd Rundgren's production style, which infuses quirky, Beatles-esque arrangements reminiscent of his work with Utopia, adding experimental flair to the band's established formula. Cheap Trick's longstanding nods to the British Invasion are prominent, with tracks evoking the melodic punch of 1960s rock acts through concise riffs and vocal interplay. Rundgren's touch brings a polished, effects-heavy sheen that bridges classic power pop with 1980s innovation, while the band's core influences from earlier albums like In Color maintain thematic continuity in love, escapism, and humor.[14][32] Structurally, the songs average 3 to 4 minutes, prioritizing prominent hooks, Rick Nielsen's riff-heavy guitar work, and Robin Zander's soaring vocals to create radio-friendly accessibility. This format contrasts with the longer epics on previous releases, fostering a sense of immediacy and pop efficiency. Themes revolve around relational dynamics and lighthearted escapism, delivered with the band's signature humorous edge.[1][14] The album's cohesion stems from its compact 44-minute runtime on the original LP, designed for broad appeal and replay value, though it occasionally feels transitional amid internal band tensions. Specific innovations include an increased reliance on keyboards—played by Nielsen—and various effects like vocal manipulations and electronic drums, marking a phase of sonic experimentation. Rundgren's production enables these elements, such as multi-tracked echoes and robotic vocal repetitions, enhancing the new wave leanings without overshadowing the power pop core.[3][18][32]Track Listing
The original LP release of Next Position Please features 12 tracks divided into two sides, with six tracks on Side A and six on Side B. The album's total running time is approximately 44:19. All songs were produced by Todd Rundgren, with "Dancing the Night Away" additionally produced by Cheap Trick and Ian Taylor. No bonus tracks were included on the original 1983 release, and standard reissues have added minor content such as B-sides or alternate mixes without major expansions.[5] The track listing reflects the band's power pop style, blending catchy hooks and energetic arrangements.[5]| Side | No. | Title | Length | Writer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | "I Can't Take It" | 3:28 | Robin Zander | Lead single and opener with an upbeat tempo. |
| A | 2 | "Borderline" | 3:34 | Rick Nielsen | Mid-tempo rocker highlighting vocal harmonies. |
| A | 3 | "I Don't Love Here Anymore" | 3:51 | Rick Nielsen | Ballad-like track with emotional lyrics. |
| A | 4 | "Next Position Please" | 2:51 | Rick Nielsen | Title track featuring humorous lyrics. |
| A | 5 | "Younger Girls" | 3:14 | Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander | Playful power pop number. |
| A | 6 | "Dancing the Night Away" | 4:54 | Andy McMaster, Nick Garvey | Cover of The Motors' song, serving as a danceable closer for Side A. |
| B | 7 | "3-D" | 3:36 | Bun E. Carlos, Rick Nielsen | Experimental track with 3D audio effects in mind. |
| B | 8 | "You Say Jump" | 3:05 | Rick Nielsen | High-energy anthem. |
| B | 9 | "Y.O.Y.O.Y." | 4:54 | Rick Nielsen | Acronym-based song with driving rhythm. |
| B | 10 | "Won't Take No for an Answer" | 3:13 | Rick Nielsen | Assertive rock track. |
| B | 11 | "Heaven's Falling" | 3:46 | Todd Rundgren | Rundgren-penned ballad providing contrast. |
| B | 12 | "Invaders of the Heart" | 3:54 | Rick Nielsen | Closing epic with thematic depth. |
Outtakes
During the recording sessions for Next Position Please at Todd Rundgren's Utopia Sound Studios in 1983, Cheap Trick and Rundgren completed 14 songs over the course of four weeks. The final album featured 12 tracks, resulting in several outtakes that were excluded from the original release.[17] Key outtakes from these sessions include "Twisted Heart," originally intended for the album but ultimately cut, along with "Don't Hit Me with Love." "Twisted Heart" first appeared officially on the 1996 career-spanning box set Sex, America, Cheap Trick. The latter was briefly included as bonus material on early cassette and CD editions of Next Position Please but was replaced in subsequent pressings with "Dancing the Night Away" and other selections; they were restored, alongside "Twisted Heart" and a revised track sequence preferred by the band, on the 2006 Legacy reissue titled Next Position Please: The Authorized Version.[33][34] Additionally, an unfinished medley of Yardbirds songs—produced separately by drummer Bun E. Carlos—was attempted during the sessions but left incomplete after Carlos departed for Rockford midway through.[17] Alternate demos and early versions of album tracks, such as "Next Position Please" itself, have surfaced on unofficial fan bootlegs since the 1990s, though no exclusive outtakes from these sessions appeared in official releases beyond the aforementioned reissues until the 2000s.[35]Release and Promotion
Release History
Next Position Please was released in the United States on August 15, 1983, through Epic Records with catalog number FE 38794.[5] The album debuted on the Billboard 200 and ultimately peaked at number 61.[31] Internationally, the album launched on the same date in the United Kingdom and across Europe via Epic Records, using catalog number EPC 25490.[5] In Japan, CBS/Sony issued the LP on October 21, 1983, under catalog number 25•3P-463.[36] Epic Records prioritized the album's timely rollout amid the band's ongoing contract commitments, ensuring no production-related delays impacted the schedule despite reported creative frictions during sessions with producer Todd Rundgren.[1] The album saw limited chart longevity and faded from prominence by late 1983.[37]Singles
The lead single from Next Position Please was "I Can't Take It", written by vocalist Robin Zander and released in November 1983 on Epic Records as a 7-inch vinyl single (catalog no. 34-04216), backed with "You Talk Too Much" written by guitarist Rick Nielsen. The single was available in standard and promotional formats, including 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl pressings.[38] A music video directed by Mark Rezyka accompanied the release and aired on MTV, contributing to its visibility on rock radio despite the album's polished production by Todd Rundgren.[39] "Borderline", co-written by Zander and Nielsen, followed as a limited promotional single in September 1983, primarily distributed to radio stations in 7-inch format without a commercial B-side release.[40] Like its predecessor, it garnered some album-oriented rock airplay but did not result in major commercial breakthroughs for the band.[41] Neither single achieved prominent positions on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting the album's transitional phase amid shifting rock trends in the early 1980s.[41]Marketing and Tour
Epic Records promoted Next Position Please through a music video for the single "I Can't Take It," directed by Mark Rezyka and aired on MTV during the album's release period. The campaign also included promotional posters that highlighted the album's production by Todd Rundgren.[42] The band supported the album with the 1983–1984 Next Position Please tour, consisting of over 50 dates across the United States and select international locations, with setlists emphasizing tracks from the new album alongside staples like "Surrender" and "Ain't That a Shame." Supporting acts varied, including Aldo Nova, Zebra, Blue Öyster Cult, Heart, REO Speedwagon, Ratt, and Twisted Sister on various bills.[43][1] Merchandise for the tour featured standard items such as posters and T-shirts incorporating the album's cover art, without notable tie-ins to other brands or products.[44] The promotion faced hurdles from the absence of a major hit single, contributing to subdued initial interest and a shift toward smaller theaters and shared bills compared to the band's earlier arena headline tours.[1][43]Reception and Performance
Critical Reception
Upon its release in 1983, Next Position Please received mixed reviews from contemporary critics, who praised the album's energetic hooks and Robin Zander's soaring vocals while critiquing its polished production as overly glossy. Rolling Stone gave the album 2 out of 5 stars, noting that despite Cheap Trick's "immense talent and tenacious commercial instincts," the record sounded disjointed and overproduced under Todd Rundgren's guidance, diluting the band's raw rock edge.[7] The consensus highlighted the band's persistent strengths in delivering catchy, high-energy power pop, with Zander's vocals standing out as a highlight on tracks like "I Can't Take It" and the title song, but many reviewers felt Rundgren's sleek sound shifted Cheap Trick too far toward mainstream pop, away from their harder-edged roots. AllMusic later described it as an underrated effort with solid songwriting and radio-friendly appeal, though acknowledging the glossy sheen as a point of contention among purists.[3] Overall, major outlets averaged around 3 out of 5 stars for the album, viewing it as a solid but non-breakthrough entry in Cheap Trick's catalog that captured their fun, hook-driven style without recapturing past commercial peaks.[6]Commercial Performance
Next Position Please peaked at No. 61 on the US Billboard 200 chart in 1983 and spent 11 weeks on the listing.[45] The album did not receive any RIAA certification, indicating sales below 500,000 copies in the United States.[46] Sales were lower than the previous album One on One, which sold over 500,000 copies and earned gold certification.[47] The lead single "I Can't Take It" peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart but did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100.[48] In 2010, the album was bundled with One on One in a reissue that increased streaming activity, though it did not result in new certifications by 2025.[22]Personnel and Credits
Band Members
The lineup for Cheap Trick's 1983 album Next Position Please consisted of the band's core members at the time, marking the debut recording appearance of bassist Jon Brant following Tom Petersson's departure in 1980.[4][49]- Robin Zander – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards[4]
- Rick Nielsen – lead guitar, backing vocals; primary songwriter for the album's tracks[4][3]
- Jon Brant – bass, backing vocals[4]
- Bun E. Carlos – drums, percussion[4]