Released in October of 1977 Light’s Out would prove to be UFO’s highest charting album on the US charts. With production by Ron Nevison the album had killer Michael Schenker riffs, complex song structures with thought provoking lyrics, yet many tracks had added strings and horns that turned off some UFO fans. But to many this is their favorite UFO album because of Schenker’s guitar work and the strong performance of Phil Mogg’s vocals. Through the years UFO would perform live a number songs from this album with “Lights Out” being the most played song by the band. Many bands such as Def Leppard and Guns N’ Roses credit this album as being highly influential to their own sound. Kerrang! magazine listed the album at No. 28 among the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time".

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   Ah 1977… I remember it like it was just 46 years ago. For me some of the best music was being released. To name a few, Styx: The Grand Illusion, Rush: A Farewell to Kings, Heart: Little Queen. So, so many influential records for me. I could go on and on. It’s also the time I started exploring new music, not just what my friends were into, but bands I hadn’t heard yet. I had a job which means I had the dough to spend at the record store. The Budget Tapes and Records that I frequented was a new and magical place. The sign in the window said, “Sorry we’re open” with the back side as you guessed, “Yes we’re closed” that’s good stuff! The scent of incense wafted over me as I stepped through the coolness portal and was greeted by a cheerful portly gentleman behind the counter. Steve was always cordial and easy to talk to. Never talked down to the 15-year-old kid that was me.To the right read “New Releases” with racks of LP’s just waiting to be fondled and explored. Frank Frazetta posters hung amongst the Pink Floyd, Kiss, Alice Cooper and Captain and Tennille promo posters as well. All this wonderful-ness took hold of me, and I ran headfirst into the unknown. With my weekly meager income of 10 bucks made from torture and pain that is mowing lawns, I had a system in which I would always buy a poster, a Beatle’s album, and something new, which left me with enough to get some ice cream or soda for the bike ride home. And one of the ‘something new’ was UFO: Lights Out!

Mark

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   My favorite memory of this album is sitting in Mark's bedroom and him putting on this album, strapping on his guitar and playing along with the whole first side. Good times! I was a frequent customer of that Budgets too. I enjoyed looking at UFO in the Imports section, the "Force It" album had a different cover than the stateside version. I owned "No Heavy Petting" and liked it well enough to buy "Light's Out" when it came out and then went home, listened and found one of my favorite songs of all time!

Jeff

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   Disclaimer: UFO was a band I knew only because I bought every music magazine, I could get my hands on as a kid and I always looked at their albums in the record store but didn't pull the trigger on a single one. I knew of Schenker's reputation as a guitarist but had never heard him play until about a year ago when Jeff made me a “sample” UFO CD.

Kip

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1.Too Hot to Handle (Pete Way, Phil Moog) A-

 

   This is a great opener! Super chunky opening riff that escapes out of the speakers and slams into your inner ear! Phil Moggs vocal are just right for the band. He’s not a vocal acrobatic like Ian Gillian or Steve Walsh but has a more working man appeal for me. His lyrics are deep and at a street level, even when it comes to matters of heart. For me Phil Lynott has the same gritty poetic sensibility Mr. Mogg has. Michael Schenker guitar solo just gets me humming. His timing and tone are amazing. I’m not sure if there is a cooler looking guitar slinger than Michael. Shredding a Flying V wedged between the legs singing to the heavens with masterful melodic phrases cranked through a Marshall full stack.

A

Mark

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   Great riff to open this album. I always thought this was such an original song, the riff and chorus never reminded me of anything but the best of UFO. I always loved the bridge of “Sha la la la, roll you over…” The second bridge has the changed-up drum pattern that I love. This was a song to play if someone said they had never heard UFO. Good stuff!

A

Jeff

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   A logical album opener. I was pleasantly surprised with the guitar sound, as I was expecting more “metal”, rather than the almost BTO vibe of this one, especially on the chorus. Phil Mogg's vocals were a surprise as well, as the era seemed to feature more vocal gymnastics than this rather Phil Lynott understated style. The guitar solo is much less flashy and more tasteful than I expected. Again, the reality was much different than my expectation, in a very positive direction. The lyrics and repeated chorus cater to the jean jacket boys that this was written for. A solid opener.

B+

Kip

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2. Just Another Suicide (Paul Raymond, Mogg) B+

 

   How was this song not a worldwide hit?! Man!! Tasty acoustic guitar gives way to another amazing guitar mini solo. Phil’s lyrics reflecting the fight a young person goes through to make his or her mark, or even just get a little ahead in life. Love his voice. Pete Way’s bass playing is so melodic, reminds me of Paul McCartney in how he moves through the chord progression, and yet stays in the pocket with Andy Parker the drummer. I must say the real hero of this tune is its creator keyboardist Paul Raymond. He wrote the song with Phil. Paul’s piano playing gives a fresh texture to the band and the middle piano breakdown is so inspiring. Another killer guitar solo! Can Michael play a lame phrase? I think not. One of my favorites.

A+

Mark

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   I was thinking about this song as I revisited the album, I knew the song but not well. Why? It never went to one of my cassettes that I made back in the day. I would play the album and listen to it but put only my faves got put on on tape. This song never made the tape playlist for me. It wasn’t the lyrics, I mean this is an Alice Cooper fan, so lyrics don’t bother me, it’s all about the melody, the groove and production that catch me. This song has its moments, but not a favorite.

B-

Jeff

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   Considering the title, I wasn't expecting the upbeat, jangly guitar riff that opens this song, nor the piano throughout the piece. This has an almost Alice Cooper, Broadway feel to the chorus, with the layers of instruments and soaring strings. Again, not what I was expecting with the title. Mogg's almost “speaking” singing style on this lends a story feel to this one. Schenker's lyrical solo really fits with the song. The “lift” in the fadeout fits the show tune feel as well.

B+

Kip

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3. Try Me (Michael Schenker, Mogg) A+

 

   Again, Paul Raymond shines with his piano sensibilities. And Phil impresses with his lyrics and vocal delivery. The lead melody feels like a broken heart… the harmony just intensifies the pain of a love that’s not returned. This is truly the blues. Michaels soaring end solo is just wonderful. Full of yearning.

Drenched in soul crushing emotion.

A+

Mark

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   Oh my gosh! I cannot tell you how much this song means to me. I don’t care if it’s not some rocker or what fans expected from UFO because I think this song is perfection. I have listened to this piece literally hundreds of times and even to this day the whole thing puts a lump in my throat. And when the lead guitar comes in, I see God and all the Beauty of the Universe. The tone on the guitar at 3:43 for the second piece of the lead is one of the greatest pieces of music I ever heard in my life. A pure masterpiece!

A+

Jeff

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   This one stunned me when Jeff included it on the CD he made for me. Absolutely beautiful arrangement with a gorgeous, understated guitar solo. Mogg's rather limited range really works in this one, as it contributes a plaintive, sad feel, rather than the soaring vocals typical of this time. Was definitely not expecting the piano opener, which is very tasteful as well. The strings really work on this one. This song has become an absolute favorite of mine. Interesting that Schenker is the lead writer on this, as there is no guitar until his first, wonderful solo. The twin lead makes me tear up every time. Even the “electric” solo is more emotive and restrained than expected from a player of his repute. Just a flat out a great song.

A+

Kip

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4. Lights Out (Schenker, Andy Parker, Mogg, Way) A-

 

   The meanest nastiest position on the guitar is F sharp minor. I think we can all agree to that. Lights Out is proof of just that fact. What a crushing head banging start to one of the best hard rock juggernauts of all time…. Now I know this sounds a bit pompous, but man this song is slammin! From the tight galloping guitar chugging to the epic chorus “Lights out lights out in London” this song tickles all the rock and roll funny bones!

A+

Mark

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   Another great rocker! I wish they would have kept on creating more like this in future releases. I always thought this song was the ultimate UFO sound signature, This song and “Too Hot” were perfect songs to put on friend’s car tapes for blasting down the highway. I was always surprised how few of my friends didn’t have this album. Great song!

A

Jeff

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   This is more in line with what I was expecting in terms of style. The bass driven riff and vocal style remind me of a really solid Thin Lizzy song. Schenker's tasty, razor accents underneath were more in line with how I thought he played. It's interesting how far “back” in the mix the vocals are recorded. This is very typical of a first side closer for a '70's band. This song never develops into the more epic piece that it promises at the beginning. A really solid song, but somehow feels incomplete.

B

Kip

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5. Getting Ready (Schenker, Mogg) B

 

   After listening to a near perfect side one, it feels good to kind of cleanse the palette if you will. To get a different view of this album. “Getting Ready” pays the bill nicely. I love the balance between the electric and acoustic guitar. Both have an equal footing and are mixed pretty even. Just move evidence of this band’s sonic capabilities. The bridge middle section changes chord progression for a nice affect. Giving Michael a soft and comfy musical bed to solo over. Back into a verse and we’re out. A really good tune. One of their best? I would say no, but I still dig it.

B

Mark

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   It doesn’t mean that much now with streaming, but back in the day I always thought this song should have been the last song on side one and “Lights Out” the first song for side 2. Another song I thought was alright, but not a worthy of a tape playlist for me. There is a video of Bob Ezrin working with Deep Purple and after listening to a new song proposal he slams his chest and states, "Gentlemen! I don't feel anything!". That is me with this piece.

C

Jeff

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   Man, the vocal sounds like Lynott. Love that dry tom sound on the drums in the opener. Schenker is a very tasteful acoustic player. Mogg's vocals are really cool in the chorus, though again, the vocals are really deep in the mix. Mogg's voice really works in this song. Schenker's little accents fit perfectly in this one. A real upbeat, uplifting vibe that fit the vinyl style of a side two strong opener. I love this song, though, again, it feels like it ends just as it's getting going.

A-

Kip

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6. Alone Again Or (Bryan MacLaen) B

 

   For me this song is a bit of an anomaly…I’m not sure what influenced this sort of Spanish-Mediterranean toe tapper, but it does have a certain kind of savior-faire to it. Bumping along quite cheerfully I must say. The Spanish flamenco guitar sections are cool, and the scoring of the strings is a nice touch. The guitar solo sounds like it’s not really in Michael’s wheelhouse, but he maneuvers through it competently. Ending in a tasty duo guitar flurry at the end. It’s nice what a week in the Spanish riviera will do to rocker… isn’t it?

B-

Mark

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   I really like this song. I enjoyed it for years and then found out it was a remake of a Love tune. It definitely sounds somewhat out of place, but I like that kind of quirky stuff and this one works for me. Some people probably prefer the original on this, but I think UFO’s version is much better.

A

Jeff

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   The Latin, flamenco style of this song SHOCKED me on first listen. Schenker again is really tasteful rather than flashy on this one. This has a very '70's, AOR feel to it that doesn't fit the rest of the album. A showcase for Schenker, though even that is fairly restrained. This is a cool song, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the album.

C

Kip

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7. Electric Phase (Way, Mogg, Schenker) B+

 

   Now we're back on track with electric phase! Electric phase… I just like the sound of Electric Phase. This would be a great title for a motorcycle movie with Jan Michael Vincent! Is that a slide guitar I’m hearing? Yes, it is, and it sounds really cool. Michael and Paul’s playing on this is so good! The solo section is so vibey! Going from a minorish shred buffet to a melodic major key soft serve delight.  Now I’m hungry. Hungry for more UFO!! ;~)

B

Mark

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   What a great guitar tone on the opening riff. This song is lively and pounding, with several rhythmic changes and different melodies. When I listen to this song I focus on the guitar work in the right speaker and appreciate the variety of ideas that Schenker plays. This song is quite intricate near the end, bordering on progressive rock, all building to a nice segue way into "Love to Love"!

B+

Jeff

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    Wow, does that opening riff sound like Nazareth. Was just waiting to hear McCafferty's raspy voice kick in. This one has a great groove/swagger that Mogg's voice doesn't do full justice. Some great slide work from Schenker, as well as that super cool guitar effect under the verse that really emphasizes the “strut” feel of the song. There's some Tommy Bolin feel to this, though the tremendous, tasty solo really demonstrates a distinctive style that various guitarists in the near future would emulate. This song is really in my wheelhouse. How about that Brian May sounding outro (or intro to the next song.?)

A-

Kip

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8. Love to Love (Schenker, Mogg) A

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   What can I say about Love to Love? I love, Love to Love! For me this is one of their best tunes. The eerie electric piano intro brings shades of the Exorcist from the back of my fear laden past (that movie freaked me out!). Chugging guitars escort you to a safer place as Phil takes over with an almost Springsteen like verse. More orchestra strings coax and support the vocals to a misty green and blue electric piano. And then it’s off to a sweet sensitive guitar melody that pulls the heartstrings. I’m going to call the next section “The Coming of Pazuzu”. We’re back to the Tubular Bells ostinato made meaner by heavy guitar chunks being flung at your face by “The Pazuzinator!” Luckily more holy vibes prevail, and we’re into another verse.  Friendly and insightful. Whew…but just when you think it’s safe to go back to the Iranian desert… “The Pazuzinator” strikes you down with his oh so amazing guitar skills and drags you to somewhere uncool. Ok, most kidding aside it is rare that a band can produce so many good songs on one album. Maybe it’s the impressionable 15-year-old me getting swept away with all this great music. Either way this album is a full-on classic that’s up there with all the biggies.

A+

Mark

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   Powerful opening to this piece! I always like the piano which is very similar to "Tubular Bells" and then it builds with guitar that is still similar to Mike Oldfield's work. But it stops there and becomes UFO's closing masterpiece for this album. Phil Mogg’s vocals are perfect for this song. He conveys such vigor and passion with vocals that are intense with real emotion and then this is all perfectly matched with the growling yet sweet lead that ends the song. The closing energy of this combo is awesome!

A

Jeff

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   Tasteful keyboard intro and how about that bass sound?? Love that guitar build. Again, wow does he sing like Lynott on this one, both in voice and style. What a gorgeous song. “Misty green and blue.” Got to love the '70's. Feel like “less is more” would have applied here though. The strings almost overwhelm this song, especially in that initial, soaring guitar solo. But wow, when he returns to that “build' from the intro, with the acoustic/electric combo; man that works. The piece does suffer from too many “ingredients,” as I think the guitar/bass/drums emphasis would have made this more dramatic and understated, but this IS a great album closer. I understand why so many future guitarists would mention this as having a huge influence.

 A-

Kip