Raspberries (band)

The Raspberries were an American power pop/pop rock band formed in 1970 from Cleveland, Ohio. They had a run of success in the early 1970s music scene with their pop sound, which Allmusic later described as featuring "exquisitely crafted melodies and achingly gorgeous harmonies." The members were known for their clean-cut public image, with short-hair and matching suits, which brought them teenybopper attention as well as scorn from some mainstream media outlets as "uncool". The group drew influence from the British Invasion era—especially The Beatles, The Who, The Hollies, and Small Faces—and its mod sensibility. In both the U.S. and the UK, the Raspberries helped pioneer the power pop music style that took off after the group disbanded. They also have a following among professional musicians such as Jack Bruce, Ringo Starr, and Courtney Love.

The group's "classic" lineup consisted of Eric Carmen (vocalist/guitarist/bassist), Wally Bryson (guitarist), Jim Bonfanti (drummer), and Dave Smalley (guitarist/bassist). Their best known songs include "Go All the Way", "Let's Pretend", "I Wanna Be with You", "Tonight", and "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)". Producer Jimmy Ienner was responsible for all four of the Raspberries' albums in the 1970s. The group broke up in 1975 after a five-year run, and Eric Carmen proceeded to a successful career as a solo artist. Bryson and Smalley resurrected the group's name in 1999 for an album, which included singer/songwriter Scott McCarl working as the vocalist. In 2004 the original four-man lineup reunited and undertook a well-received reunion tour in 2005.

Raspberries (album)

Raspberries is the debut album from the Raspberries, released in 1972 (see 1972 in music). It was their second-highest charting LP, reaching #51 on the Billboard album chart, but spent more weeks on the chart than all of their other albums combined.

The American version of this LP (cat #SK11036) carried a scratch and sniff sticker scented with a soft fruit perfume.

This album was re-released on CD as part of the 'Power Pop vol. 1,' also containing their second album Fresh Raspberries.

It contained two charting singles, "Don't Want to Say Goodbye," which reached #86, and their biggest hit, "Go All the Way," which reached #5.

Track listing

Band members

References