Despite the challenges during recording, was well-received by critics and fans alike. The album marked a triumphant return for Cheap Trick, cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
: The re-recorded "Hello There" was officially used in the video game Rock Band 2 . A version of "I Want You To Want Me" from these sessions also appeared on the TV show One Tree Hill . Typical Tracklist
For casual listeners, compressed YouTube rips or low-bitrate MP3s of the Albini sessions might suffice. However, for true audiophiles, the format is mandatory.
Audiophiles and die-hard fans track down this specific session in (Free Lossless Audio Codec) to bypass the thin, compressed quality of standard MP3 bootlegs. The lossless format preserves the acoustic dynamics of the room, Albini's signature drum micing, and the raw power that the band always felt was stripped from the original studio release. The Origin Story: Why Re-Record a Masterpiece?
"In Color" was a critical and commercial success, yielding hit singles like "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Take Me Tonight." The album's eight tracks, including the epic "If You Want My Love," showcased Cheap Trick's signature blend of catchy hooks, guitar-driven melodies, and Zander's distinctive vocals. "In Color" would go on to earn platinum certification and secure Cheap Trick's position as one of the leading rock acts of the late 1980s. A version of "I Want You To Want
The original In Color , produced by Tom Werman, gave the band a more polished, radio-friendly sound. The band, however, thought it was "wimpy" and "sounds like it was done in a cardboard box". This wasn't just ego; the band's live sound was famously more ferocious and raw, and they felt the slick studio production neutered their power.
: It's a classic power-pop record, but its production is undeniably soft. Robin Zander's vocals are front and center, layered with harmonies and effects that smooth out the band's rougher edges. Tom Werman's production—including the infamous honky-tonk piano on "I Want You to Want Me"—gives the album a clean, almost sterile feel.
Since then, the legend has grown. The band has periodically hinted at an official release, but for years, the only way to hear this raw, powerful vision of In Color has been through these “unauthorized” bootlegs, cementing its status as one of rock’s greatest “what ifs”.
The sessions typically include the full tracklist of the original 1977 album, though with Albini’s signature dry, aggressive engineering. Hello There I Want You to Want Me (features a faster tempo similar to the At Budokan You’re All Talk Oh Caroline Clock Strikes Ten Southern Girls Come On, Come On So Good to See You www.rocktownhall.com Key Differences Original (1977) Albini Sessions (1997/98) Tom Werman Steve Albini Polished, "AM-radio-friendly" Raw, dry, "punchy" drums and bass Aggressive Hard Rock Availability Widely available via Bootleg/Leaked only finding a specific physical bootleg copy, or would you like to know more about the technical recording gear Albini used for these sessions? Cheap Trick : In Color : Steve Albini : The Whole Story 12 Mar 2009 — Audiophiles and die-hard fans track down this specific
The polished pop sheen of 1977 was replaced by crunchy, thick guitars.
Werman was a master of radio-friendly pop polish. He recognized the band's immense melodic gifts and smoothed over their jagged edges. The resulting album was an undisputed songwriting triumph, featuring timeless tracks like: "Big Eyes" "Southern Girls" "I Want You to Want Me"
When Cheap Trick entered the studio in 1977 to record In Color , they were hot off their self-titled debut—a record teeming with sinister, Beatles-meets-punk energy. However, producer Tom Werman steered the band toward a highly polished, radio-friendly sheen.
However, in the early 2000s, the sessions leaked online. For tape-traders and early digital audiophiles, the Holy Grail became the lossless rip of these sessions. Unlike lossy MP3s that compressed the audio dynamics, the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format preserved the exact frequency response, room acoustics, and transient punch that Albini had captured on tape. Carlos’s drums brought to the forefront.
The album kicks off with 'Runnin' Wild', a high-energy opener that sets the tone for the rest of the record. 'If You Want My Love' showcases Robin's remarkable vocal range and emotional delivery. 'Only Wanna Get Close to You' is a feel-good, harmony-rich love song that epitomizes Cheap Trick's knack for crafting infectious hooks.
The opening tracks transform from catchy pop-rockers into heavy, driving proto-punk anthems. Nielsen's guitar tone is thick and menacing, biting through the speakers with a visceral crunch.
The sessions eventually saw limited release as Remake In Color: The Unreleased Steve Albini Sessions .
"In Color" is the band's eighth studio album, released on June 9, 1998, through Redbird Recording. The album features 12 tracks, including the hit single "Dust in the Wind". The album received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the band's ability to craft catchy, hook-laden songs.
: The recordings are characterized by a dry, heavy sound with Rick Nielsen’s guitars and Bun E. Carlos’s drums brought to the forefront.