On this day April 5, 1988, Cheap Trick released The Flame, a power ballad that would go on to become the biggest hit of their career. Known for their energetic rock sound in the late 70s and early 80s, the band took a softer turn with this emotional anthem about love, loss, and longing.
The Flame connected with a wide audience and gave Cheap Trick their first number one hit in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100 from July 9 through July 22. It also hit number one in Canada and Australia, proving the band's staying power nearly a decade after their initial rise to fame. The success of The Flame marked a major comeback moment for Cheap Trick and introduced their music to a whole new generation of listeners. Its heartfelt delivery and soaring chorus made it a staple of 80s radio and one of the standout ballads of the decade.
80s insight: Cheap Trick was initially unsure about recording The Flame but changed their minds after hearing how well it worked with Robin Zander’s vocals.
The Flame connected with a wide audience and gave Cheap Trick their first number one hit in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100 from July 9 through July 22. It also hit number one in Canada and Australia, proving the band's staying power nearly a decade after their initial rise to fame. The success of The Flame marked a major comeback moment for Cheap Trick and introduced their music to a whole new generation of listeners. Its heartfelt delivery and soaring chorus made it a staple of 80s radio and one of the standout ballads of the decade.
80s insight: Cheap Trick was initially unsure about recording The Flame but changed their minds after hearing how well it worked with Robin Zander’s vocals.
