"The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent"Album Description:
Released 1981, "The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent" by UFO stands as a timeless testament to the band's musical prowess and enduring impact on the rock scene during its release period. The 12" LP vinyl album, featuring the iconic track "Profession of Violence," not only achieved commercial success but also set itself apart with its distinctive sound and lyrical depth.
During the early 1980s, the music landscape was evolving rapidly, with rock and metal genres gaining prominence. Against this backdrop, UFO delivered an album that showcased a perfect blend of hard rock and melodic sensibilities. The band, led by the charismatic Phil Mogg on vocals, Michael Schenker's virtuosic guitar work, and the dynamic rhythm section of Pete Way and Andy Parker, crafted an album that resonated with fans and critics alike.
Commercially, "The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent" found its place among the charts, reaching audiences hungry for a sound that bridged the gap between the raw energy of hard rock and the melodic nuances of the era. The album's success was propelled by singles like "Lonely Heart" and the aforementioned "Profession of Violence," which showcased the band's ability to create both anthemic rockers and emotionally charged ballads.
What sets this album apart is its sonic diversity. Tracks like "Chains Chains" and "Long Gone" exude a gritty, bluesy edge, while "Lonely Heart" and "Profession of Violence" reveal the band's softer, more introspective side. UFO's willingness to explore different musical territories within the same album contributed to its broad appeal, attracting a diverse audience.
Beyond the music itself, the album cover, featuring distinctive artwork, became an iconic representation of the era. The visual aesthetic complemented the sonic journey within, adding to the overall immersive experience for fans.
|
Music Genre:
British Hard Rock |
|
Album Production Information:
The album: "UFO - The Wild The Willing and the Innocent" was produced by:
UFO
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Steve Churchyard
This album was recorded at:
Air Studios, London
Album cover design: Hipgnosis
Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.
more...
The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.
One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's
"The Dark Side of the Moon."
The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's
"Houses of the Holy,"
which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.
Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."
The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.
Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.
Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis
|
|
Record Label Information:
THTH Music, Rare Blue Music, Chrysalis CHE 1307 |
|
Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
|
Year & Country:
1981 Made in Canada |
