SCORPIONS – "Gold Ballads" 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The definitive 1984 Spanish mini-LP of the band’s most passionate and enduring ballads

Album Front Cover Photo of SCORPIONS – Gold Ballads Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

A collector’s favorite from the height of the Scorpions’ global fame, "Gold Ballads" (1984) gathers five timeless tracks that define the band’s softer yet equally powerful side. Released by Harvest/EMI in Spain and produced by Dieter Dierks, the mini-LP captures Klaus Meine’s aching vocals and Rudolf Schenker’s melodic fire with cinematic clarity. Featuring Helmut Newton’s sensual photography, this release stands as both a sonic and visual landmark of 1980s rock romanticism.

Table of Contents

"Gold Ballads" Album Description:

SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads Spain, released in 1984, is a remarkable compilation that showcases the best ballads from the iconic German rock band, the Scorpions. Produced by Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music, Switzerland, this 12" mini-LP vinyl has left an indelible mark in the hearts of music enthusiasts. With a selection of five emotionally charged tracks, this album takes listeners on a journey through the band's most intimate and introspective compositions.

The first side of the album opens with the timeless classic "Still Loving You", originally featured on the critically acclaimed album "Love at First Sting". This power ballad has become an anthem of enduring love, with its heartfelt lyrics and Klaus Meine's soul-stirring vocals. The Scorpions capture the essence of passion and commitment in this emotional masterpiece, making it a favorite among fans worldwide.

Following "Still Loving You" is "Holiday", a track taken from the album "Lovedrive". This melodic gem blends acoustic guitars, captivating melodies, and poetic lyrics. It paints a vivid picture of an idyllic getaway, transporting listeners to a place of tranquility and freedom. The Scorpions' ability to craft catchy hooks and heartfelt choruses is evident in this enchanting composition.

Flipping the vinyl to side two, we are greeted by "When the Smoke is Going Down", extracted from the album "Blackout". This atmospheric ballad captures a sense of introspection and melancholy. Rudolf Schenker's intricate guitar work and Meine's emotive vocals create a somber yet captivating mood, reflecting upon the fleeting nature of life and the need for introspection.

"Always Somewhere", also from "Lovedrive", continues the theme of heartfelt introspection. This ballad delicately weaves together acoustic guitar melodies with poignant lyrics, evoking feelings of longing and nostalgia. Meine's tender vocal delivery adds a touch of vulnerability, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a deeply personal level.

Finally, "Lady Starlight", taken from "Animal Magnetism", concludes the album. With its ethereal atmosphere and haunting melodies, this track showcases the band's versatility. The Scorpions delve into a realm of mysticism and wonder, captivating audiences with their ability to create a captivating sonic landscape.

SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads Spain is a testament to the Scorpions' mastery of the melodic rock genre. Through this collection, the band showcases their ability to craft powerful and emotive ballads that have stood the test of time. From the passionate and intense "Still Loving You" to the ethereal beauty of "Lady Starlight", each track on this 12" mini-LP vinyl offers a unique listening experience.

Decades after its original release, this album continues to captivate audiences and serves as a reminder of the Scorpions' impact on the world of rock music. With their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics, memorable melodies, and impeccable musicianship, the Scorpions have solidified their place as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Hard Rock Ballads by one of Germany’s finest hard rock bands

These Hard Rock Ballads combine the intensity of Scorpions’ guitar-driven power with the emotional depth of melodic storytelling. Blending soaring riffs, powerful vocals, and dramatic slow tempos, this collection showcases the softer yet equally commanding side of one of Germany’s most successful rock exports of the 1980s.

Producers:
  • Dieter Dierks – Producer for Breeze Music, Switzerland
    Dieter Dierks, a renowned German record producer and sound engineer, shaped the careers of iconic bands like the Scorpions and Accept. His innovative studio in Stommeln became the hub for ‘Krautrock’ and hard rock in the 1970s and 80s. Learn more about his remarkable contributions in this Dieter Dierks biography
Management:

David Krebs, Steve Leber, Olaf Schrofer

Krebs and Leber were among the most influential rock managers of the late 1970s and 1980s, known for guiding the careers of Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Scorpions toward global arena success.

Photography:
  • Helmut Newton – Album cover photography
    Helmut Newton was one of the 20th century’s most influential fashion photographers, famous for his striking black-and-white portraits that blurred the line between elegance and provocation. His work lent rock albums a high-art, cinematic edge.
Label & Catalognr:

Harvest – Cat#: 056-2603361

Harvest Records, a division of EMI, became synonymous with European rock excellence, issuing albums by Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Scorpions during their international breakthrough.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Weight: 230g

The 12-inch LP format was the dominant medium for rock in the 1980s, prized by collectors for its analog warmth and full-scale artwork presentation.

Year & Country:

1984 – Spain

Released at the height of the Scorpions’ global fame, this Spanish edition of “Gold Ballads” reflected their immense popularity across Europe during the band’s Love at First Sting era.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. STILL LOVING YOU 6'27 © 1984 BREEZE MUSIC
    (M. R. Schenker / K. Meine)
    Published by BREEZE MUSIC Switzerland
    Taken from the album “Love At First Sting”
  2. HOLIDAY 6'31 © 1979 BREEZE MUSIC
    (M. R. Schenker / K. Meine)
    Published by BREEZE MUSIC Switzerland
    Taken from the album “Lovedrive”
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. WHEN THE SMOKE IS GOING DOWN 3'50 © 1982 BREEZE MUSIC
    (M. R. Schenker / K. Meine)
    Published by BREEZE MUSIC Switzerland
    Taken from the album “Blackout”
  2. ALWAYS SOMEWHERE 4'54 © 1979 BREEZE MUSIC
    (M. R. Schenker / K. Meine)
    Published by BREEZE MUSIC Switzerland
    Taken from the album “Lovedrive”
  3. LADY STARLIGHT 6'18 © 1980 BREEZE MUSIC
    (M. R. Schenker / K. Meine)
    Published by BREEZE MUSIC Switzerland
    Taken from the album “Animal Magnetism”

Disclaimer: Exact timings and publishing credits are reproduced exactly as printed on the 1984 Spanish EMI/Harvest release. All tracks © BREEZE MUSIC Switzerland.

Album Front Cover Photo
High-resolution front cover of SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads Spain (1984), a black-and-white Helmut Newton photograph featuring a man in leather kneeling before a confident woman in a low-cut dress. He embraces her waist while tattooing a scorpion on her thigh. The photo captures sensual tension and rock aesthetics, reflecting the Scorpions' fusion of desire, power, and performance art. The bold typography reads 'Scorpions' and 'Gold Ballads' in the upper corners.

The front cover of “Gold Ballads” radiates the visual language of 1980s rock glamour—seductive, theatrical, and unapologetically stylized. Shot in stark black and white by Helmut Newton, the image captures a man clad in a tight leather jacket, kneeling before a poised woman dressed in a plunging evening gown. He wraps his arm around her leg, tattooing a small scorpion on her exposed thigh while gazing upward with intensity.

The woman, confident and composed, looks down at him with a half-smile, embodying both control and allure. Her jewelry glints faintly under Newton’s high-contrast lighting, emphasizing the sculptural balance between light and shadow. The composition is meticulously staged—Newton’s signature mix of eroticism and fashion photography elevating the scene into mythic rock iconography.

The monochrome palette sharpens every contour: the leather’s sheen, the tension in their hands, the scorpion’s tiny inked form. At the top, bold sans-serif text announces “Scorpions” and “Gold Ballads” in opposing corners, echoing the raw energy and romantic drama of the music within. The image doesn’t just sell a record—it tells a story of seduction, rebellion, and the hypnotic pull of hard rock desire.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads Spain (1984) showing complete tracklist, songwriting credits, and album artwork references for Lovedrive, Animal Magnetism, Blackout, and Love at First Sting. Printed in Spain by Indugraf Madrid S.A., it features the EMI and Harvest logos, precise catalog number 056-2603361, and layout consistent with mid-80s European pressings.

The back cover of “Gold Ballads” presents a minimalist yet elegant layout that reflects the precision of mid-1980s European vinyl design. Across a clean white background, black typography announces five of Scorpions’ most powerful ballads, including “Still Loving You,” “Holiday,” “When the Smoke Is Going Down,” “Always Somewhere,” and “Lady Starlight.” Each song is meticulously credited with songwriting, publishing, and year.

At the bottom, four smaller album cover reproductions—Lovedrive, Animal Magnetism, Blackout, and Love at First Sting—visually trace the origins of these tracks, linking this compilation to the band’s greatest creative years. The EMI and Harvest logos appear neatly in the upper-right corner beside the catalog number 056-2603361, while production and photography credits acknowledge Dieter Dierks and Helmut Newton.

The Spanish printer’s mark, Indugraf Madrid S.A., confirms local manufacturing. The overall design exudes professionalism and restraint, balancing technical detail with Scorpions’ unmistakable branding—a perfect harmony of corporate precision and emotional rock legacy.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label for SCORPIONS – Gold Ballads Spain, showing the bright yellow and turquoise Harvest Records design with the distinctive circular 'seed pod' logo. Includes catalog number 056-2603361, 33 r.p.m. speed marking, and bilingual track titles in English and Spanish such as 'Still Loving You (Todavía te quiero)' and 'Holiday (Vacaciones)'. The label specifies 'Made in Spain' and credits producer Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music under EMI, with legal deposit number B.37.281-1984.

This close-up of Side One’s label from Scorpions – Gold Ballads (Spain, 1984) reveals the iconic Harvest Records color scheme—vivid yellow background and turquoise-blue print. The label design features a stylized circular logo resembling a seed pod or drop within a field—representing musical growth and the organic nature of sound. This emblem became the unmistakable symbol of EMI’s progressive and rock catalog throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The top section displays the catalog number 056-2603361, format marking 33 r.p.m., and the legal deposit code B.37.281-1984. All rights and reproduction warnings are printed in Spanish along the rim, reflecting the local manufacturing by EMI-Odeon, S.A. in Spain. The SGAE rights society logo appears on the right-hand side, confirming Spanish copyright registration.

Below, the song titles are printed in bilingual format: English followed by their Spanish translations—“Still Loving You (Todavía te quiero)” and “Holiday (Vacaciones)”—offering a uniquely localized presentation. The production credit acknowledges Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music, and the EMI logo is boldly framed at the bottom, anchoring the label’s symmetrical design. This pressing embodies the precision and artistry of mid-80s Spanish vinyl manufacturing.

Harvest Records, Spain Label

The Spanish variant of the Harvest label combines vibrant contrast and bilingual text. This particular design was used by Harvest between 1983 and 1985 for EMI-Odeon pressings, retaining the classic progressive-era motif while adapting to local rights and language standards.

Colours
Bright yellow base with turquoise-blue print
Design & Layout
Circular layout with bold sans-serif fonts and centered track listing; bilingual titles in English and Spanish
Record company logo
Harvest “seed pod” logo — a stylized circular form symbolizing organic growth and sound energy
Band/Performer logo
No band logo printed on label; only textual credit “SCORPIONS” in uppercase
Unique features
Bilingual song titles; Spanish copyright rim text; local legal deposit number and SGAE rights mark
Side designation
“A” printed on the right side within turquoise circle
Rights society
SGAE (Sociedad General de Autores y Editores)
Catalogue number
056-2603361
Rim text language
Spanish
Track list layout
Two tracks centered below album title, each followed by bilingual subtitle and timing
Rights info placement
Around the outer rim in uppercase, “Fabricado en España...” text
Pressing info
Manufactured in Spain by EMI-Odeon, S.A. Madrid
Background image
Solid yellow background with large turquoise Harvest logo spanning the center

Index of SCORPIONS - Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery

SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism (European Releases)
SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism album front cover

 

The album cover was created by Storm Thorgerson of the design firm Hipgnosis and, as with earlier Scorpions album sleeves, courted controversy. However unlike several of their previous album sleeves the controversy did not result in the cover being replaced with an alternate sleeve.

Animal Magnetism (Netherlands Release) Animal Magnetism (France Fame Release)
SCORPIONS - Best Of Scorpions Vol 2
SCORPIONS - Best Of Scorpions Vol 2 album front cover

  RCA Victor AFL1-5085 , 1984 , USA

SCORPIONS "Best Of SCORPIONS Vol 2" is a 12" LP vinyl album released in 1984, showcasing the German rock band's captivating music. This record, featuring tracks from various eras

Best Of Scorpions Vol 2 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Blackout (International Releases)
SCORPIONS - Blackout (Germany) album front cover

  

"Blackout" the 1982 masterpiece by Scorpions, remains a pivotal moment in rock history. Faced with challenges, the band crafted an album that blended hard rock and heavy metal, producing anthems like "No One Like You." The iconic cover art and European release's unique inner sleeve added to its allure, making "Blackout" a timeless classic.

Blackout (Germany) Blackout (France) Blackout (USA)
SCORPIONS - Crazy World
SCORPIONS - Crazy World album front cover

  Polygram Gong SLPXL 37497   , 1990 , Hungary

The Scorpions' "Crazy World" Hungarian release 12" Vinyl LP, born in the era of Eastern European upheaval, encapsulates the band's pivotal 1990 album. Reflecting the winds of change during the end of the Cold War, the vinyl's rarity, featuring limited edition nuances, elevates its significance as a sought-after collector's gem.

Crazy World 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow
SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow album front cover

- , 1974, -

"SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow" is a 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the German rock band's evolving sound and artistic vision. Released in 1974, this album captures the band's transition from their psychedelic rock roots to a more refined hard rock sound.

Fly to the Rainbow 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (Spain) album front cover
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (France & Spain Releases)

Released in 1984, the SCORPIONS' "Gold Ballads" 12" Mini-LP Vinyl showcases the band's mastery in ballads. This Spanish release features five of their finest ballads, encapsulating the essence of their emotional and melodic prowess. A testament to the band's contribution to the music scene during that era, the album stands as a timeless collection of soul-stirring ballads, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

Gold Ballads (France) 12" Mini-LP Gold Ballads (Spain) 12" Mini-LP
SCORPIONS - In Trance Uncensored Releases
SCORPIONS - In Trance Uncensored album front cover

 

"In Trance" is the 1976 album by German hard rock band Scorpions. The album cover shows a woman smashing a guitar, with one of her breasts exposed. This album cover gained controversy and has since been changed so that the breast is covered up. This is the original version of the album cover clearly showed the cover model's bare breast hanging down towards the guitar. Later releases have the breast blacked out so that it is not visible. This is the first of many Scorpions album covers that have been censored.

In Trance (Uncensored, England) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Black Label) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Love at First Sting
SCORPIONS - Love at First Sting album front cover

  Harvest 2400071   , 1984 , France

This is the original album cover, an alternate cover showing a photo of the band members is used in several department store chains since they refused to carry the original album cover art.

Love at First Sting 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (UK) album front cover
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (International Releases)

The album cover of "Lovedrive" has often featured in 'worst album covers ever' lists, this bizarre sleeve was replaced in some countries with a more sensible black sleeve featuring a blue scorpion. The album's artwork was named "Best album sleeve of 1979″ by Playboy magazine.

Lovedrive (UK) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (Original Album Cover) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (FAME) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Savage Amusement album front cover

  EMI Electrola Harvest 064 7 47 794 / Breeze Music   , 1988 , EEC

"Scorpions - Savage Amusement" is a powerful 1988 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the band's ability to craft memorable hard rock anthems. With their European release, the Scorpions deliver a collection of energetic and melodic tracks that captivate listeners from start to finish.

Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - The Scorpion
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS The Scorpion / In Trance album front cover

  RCA Victor NL 70615 C , 1975 , France

SCORPIONS - The Scorpion" is a comprehensive 3LP box-set that combines three iconic albums from the German rock band's discography: "In Trance", "Virgin Killer", and "Fly to the Rainbow".

The Scorpion 12" 3LP Box-Set
SCORPIONS - Still Loving You (Multiple Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Still Loving You album front cover

 

"Still Loving You" is the song of Scorpions from their 1984 album Love at First Sting. It was the second single of the album, reaching #64 on Billboard Hot 100. In France, the single sold 1.7 million copies.

Still Loving You 7" Single Still Loving You 12" Maxi-Single
SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (German & Italian Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (Italy) album front cover

  

"Taken by Force," Scorpions' 1977 masterpiece, takes on new allure with a rare Italian pressing on 150 grams vinyl. This collector's dream features the iconic guitar solo in "He's a Woman She's a Man," showcasing Uli Jon Roth's brilliance. Beyond the music, it's a tactile journey, a sonic ritual for enthusiasts.

Taken by Force (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP Taken by Force (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Tokyo Tapes
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Tokyo Tapes album front cover

  RCA Extra CL 28331-1 , 1978 , Germany

"Tokyo Tapes" is the first "LIVE" album released by the German Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band "SCORPIONS". It was recorded during concerts at Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo, Japan during their Japanese tour of 1978. It also marks the live performances with guitarist Uli Jon Roth's.

Tokyo Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer (German & Italian Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer Uncensored First German pressing album front cover

   

Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The title is described as being a reference to time as the killer of innocence, this is the original cover featured a nude prepubescent girl, which stirred controversy

Virgin Killer Uncensored First German pressing 12" Vinyl LP Virgin Kiler (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP Virgin Kiler (Best Buy Series) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - World Wide Live (European Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - World Wide Live album front cover

  

"World Wide Live," the 1985 live album by Scorpions, encapsulates the band's electrifying stage presence during the "Love at First Sting" tour. Recorded for European distribution, this gatefold 2LP 12" vinyl immortalizes iconic hits like "Rock You Like a Hurricane." A sonic journey through rock history, it remains a timeless testament to Scorpions' live prowess.

World Wide Live (Europe) 12" Vinyl LP World Wide Live (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP