Album Review — Scorpions

Scorpions — Rock Believer

“Rock Believer” is the 19th studio album from the Scorpions. The album was recorded mostly in Germany during the pandemic with the band all playing live in one room as they did to record back in the 80s.

There are 11 songs on the regular version of the release with the deluxe version adding 4 more tracks plus an alternate version.

“Gas In The Tank” starts the album and as expected is a driving hard rock tune. Right from the start we are reminded that after all of these years the band still rocks and that the band still has plenty of gas left.

“Roots In My Boots” is another raucous track. This one could have been taken off one of their classic records.

There are multiple allusions throughout the record to older songs and “Knock ’Em Dead” has a reference to the zoo which is appropriate with the similar sounding track.

“Rock Believer” has an opening riff that reminds me of “No One Like You” but slows down in the first verse. It’s an ode to their longtime fans and one of the highlights of the album.

“Shining Of Your Soul” has an almost reggae beat in the verses but still sounds like classic Scorpions.

The first single, “Peacemaker”, is another of the better tracks on the record. I really like the guitars on this record. There are a lot of great riffs and the leads are quite good as well. It’s my favorite aspect of the record.

“When You Know” closes out the regular version of the record and is a mostly acoustic track and the one slower song on the record. The track features a cool classical guitar solo.

“Shoot For Your Heart” probably should have made the regular version of the record. It’s a driving track that’s one of the highlight of the bonus tracks.

“Crossing Borders” closes the bonus tracks and also should have made the regular version of the album. It’s more mid-tempo but has a bluesy swing to it.

It’s been a long time since I listened to a new Scorpions record from start to finish. I do like this record. For me, the album doesn’t have that track or two that you keep coming back to. But every song is good and the band proves they can still put out some strong material.

I think fans of the band will be quite happy with “Rock Believer” and I don’t see any reason the band shouldn’t keep on going. They’ve certainly given us no reason to think otherwise.

90 out of 100

Track Listing

01. Gas In The Tank
02. Roots In My Boots
03. Knock ’Em Dead
04. Rock Believer *

05. Shining Of Your Soul
06. Seventh Sun
07. Hot And Cold
08. When I Lay My Bones To Rest
09. Peacemaker *
10. Call Of The Wild
11. When You Know (Where You Come From)*
12. Shoot For Your Heart *
13. When Tomorrow Comes
14. Unleash The Beast
15. Crossing Borders *

*Best Songs