For the love of rock
Vol IX, Issue 1 – Tonight (01 Jan 2024)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Tonight
Band- Raspberries
Writer– Eric Carmen
Album- Side 3
Release year– 1973
Peak chart positions
# 37 – US Cash Box Top 100
# 43 – US Record World
# 69 – US Billboard Hot 100
# 80 – Canada RPM Top Singles
Resources– Wikipedia.org
Tonight
Raspberries are the pioneer prototype power pop of the early seventies who scored a number of hit numbers during their short span of career. Reviving the British invasion era with their clean-cut image and short pop songs with catchy melody and crunchy guitar, the Raspberries have been able to leave unforgettable mark in the seventies rock scene. With songs like “Go all the way”, “Overnight sensation”, “I wanna be with you”, “Let’s pretend”, “Tonight”, and others, the Raspberries have immortalized themselves among all the classic rock fans forever.
Formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1970, they had a guitar driven music of “the Who” with melodious swirl of “The Beach Boys”. Raspberries were formed from the reminiscences of two late sixties Cleveland bands “The Choir” and “Cyrus Erie.” The original line up consisted of Eric Carmen (Rhythm guitar, vocals, piano), Jim Bonfanti (Drums), Wally Bryson (Lead guitar, vocals) and John Aleksic (Bass guitar). Soon, John Aleksic was replaced by Dave Smalley who took over rhythm guitars and Carmen moved to bass. Line-up changes continued and with only three albums to their credit, they disbanded in 1975.
In 1972, they produced two successful albums “Raspberries” and “Fresh” with tremendous success. However, creative conflict started to appear between Eric Carmen and Bryson and Smalley. This subtle aggression resulted in “Side 3” in 1973 which is comparatively more aggressive, crunchy and guitar driven than the previous two albums.“Tonight” is among the most notable song from “Side 3”. The song opens up with amazing guitar hook, immediately followed by Carmen’s catchy vocals. The rhythm guitars by Smalley and Carmen then lifts the song magically to a greater level. A short poem with beautiful sensualism, the song is meticulously crafted with Bryson’s mesmerizing lead guitar as well as Jim Bonfanti’s thunderous drums. All in all, the song is a power pop dynamite consisting of raunchy lyrics, crunchy guitars and raspy vocals.
Raspberries were a power pop prototype with a short history, but they have proven that sometimes, short can be sweet too. Despite being short and sweet, they have a special place in the seventies rock and have been influencing and enchanting the musicians of yesterdays’, todays’ and hopefully tomorrows’!!
Happy listening!!!
Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
Tonight
One, two, three, four!!!!
Hey!
When you smiled at me,
And I saw your eyes,
All I ever wanted to be,
Was in your arms tonight,
You looked too young to know about romance,
Oh, yes you did,
But when you smiled, I had to take a chance,
I had to take a chance and be with you,
Tonight,
I’ll be with you tonight,
Tonight,
You’ll love me too tonight,
Woah baby, tonight,
I’m making love to you, oh, tonight,
Bop-om-doo-doh-woh-mop-shoo,
Woah, tonight,
You’re gonna love me too tonight,
Woah, tonight! Hey!! Give me, Oh!!!
Tonight,
I’ll be with you tonight,
Tonight,
You’ll love me too tonight,
Woah baby, tonight!!
I don’t know myself,
If it’s wrong or right,
All I know is what I can feel,
So be my love tonight,
You looked too young to know about romance,
Oh, you know what I mean,
But when you smiled, I had to take a chance,
I had to take a chance and be with you,
Tonight,
I’ll be with you tonight,
Tonight,
You’ll love me too tonight,
Woah baby, tonight!!
Woh, tonight,
Won’t you let me sleep with you, baby, oh yeah!!
Woh, tonight,
I just wanna make you feel good inside, baby, oh yeah!!
Woh, tonight,
Let me feel the love that’s in you,
Woh, tonight,
Come on, come on, come on,
And let me,
Come on, baby, oh yeah!!
Woh, tonight!!!
Lyrics link – https://genius.com/Raspberries-tonight-lyrics
Video link – https://youtu.be/_929OgSZO70