Supertramp were anything but tramps………They were Rock Royalty, who regrettably didn’t rule the music world for as long as they should have, based on their talent and creativity. Their chart reign was relatively short, spanning seven years between 1975 and 1982, when they consistently produced high quality music that flirted with the Top 20 in the UK. Their incredibly moving music never received the recognition, by consumers and critics, that it deserved and warranted!!
The author’s introduction to Supertramp was in 1975, through their initial chart hit “Dreamer”. On the strength of this I listened to the
album “Crime of the Century” and discovered the track “School”. That was it, I was hooked. Later that year Supertramp released the single “Lady”, the follow up to “Dreamer”, which was a track off the “Crisis What Crisis?” album. Although a great song, which received much Radio 1 airplay, it somewhat mystifyingly didn’t chart in the UK or US!!
Two years elapsed before another modest hit was to register for Supertramp, when “Give A Little Bit” from the album “Even In The Quietest Moments” reached the outer reaches of the Top 30 in the UK. Although loved by the critics and radio stations, the music buying public simply did not embrace Supertramp as much as they should have!! However as the old adage goes, “Everything comes to those who wait” and Supertramp only had to wait until breakfast time!!
In 1979 Supertramp released “Breakfast in America” to both critical and consumer acclaim. “Breakfast in America” served up their biggest hit single in the UK and US – “Logical Song”. There was no logic whatsoever as to why this single and album should give Supertramp their greatest success, as they followed up the chart success with the title track from the album. Once again, somewhat inexplicably “Take the long way home” when released as a single failed to chart in the UK, although it reached the Top10 in the US.
Supertramp’s chart swansong was “It’s Raining Again” in 1982 and then the band slipped away into relative obscurity. Let’s bring them back from obscurity one last time. Rarely does a group move you through the complete “Holy Trinity” – lyrically, musically and vocally. Supertramp are one of very few exceptions to dovetail so perfectly on all three levels in the last 50 years, which is why I have crowned them “Rock Royalty”. If you like melancholic, haunting but simultaneously uplifting, life affirming lyrics, music and vocals, then I suggest you either buy Supertramp’s live double album “Paris” or go onto You Tube and check out all of the Recordpress Top 10 Best Supertramp Songs –
Top 10 Best Supertramp Songs
1) Logical Song
2) Hide in your shell
3) Soapbox Opera
4) Give a little bit
5) Fool’s Overture
6) School
7) Take the long way home
8) Lady
9) It’s Raining Again
10) Dreamer
Post date the publication of this article, this week BBC Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson admitted to Danny Baker on BBC4’s “Album Showdown” that Supertramp’s “Crime of the Century” was his favourite album and “Hide In Your Shell” was his all time favourite song. If anyone ever doubted that behind the laddish, cynical facade, that Jeremy Clarkson has a heart and a soul, doubt no more………
Which are your favourite Supertramp songs? Let us know in the Reply Box below.
Celebrate your favourite Supertramp song in your home or office, by ordering your favourite Supertramp song in a vinyl or CD format; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque……
ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/
Also available – the DVD of your favourite film or TV programme framed with a personalised engraved plaque ORDER NOW… www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/
Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!! THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!
For further information, merchandise or memorabilia, go to Supertramp’s website…….. http://supertramp.com/
And Roger Hodgson’s website…….. http://www.rogerhodgson.co.uk/
This article walks you through the history of Supertramp highlighting the songs that left impressions in your heart. As a fan of the group and the music each writer (Roger Hodgson/Rick Davis) offered (songs written separately then offered to the group), is dynamically different from the other. However, that is the element that created this groups chemistry/magic.
The interesting thread that develops as the reader moves through this piece…..the music discussed is all Roger Hodgson’s. His offerings are poetry in motion, so elegantly expresses how so many have felt growing, trying to determine who we are the people to become. As you listen to Rogers body of music he truly tries to offer answers to that very question, with the strong message of being true to yourself, following your dreams and love each other…… he shares his personal, life awakenings with us through his music and offers this amazing walk through the music with you see him live.
Because of his distinctive sound, vocally, lyrically, and musically, Roger is easily recognized and quickly remembered. His music finds a place in your soul and each time you hear those familiar notes winding their way to your ears, feel comforted.
Roger has been touring solo for over 10 years, check out his website listed above….. experience the magic for yourself…for his music is unforgettable.
Thank you Heartsong62, for your heartfelt sentiments on Supertramp!!
You wax lyrical about Roger Hodgson and Supertramp with total justification!! It’s great to find someone who shares my passion for Supertramp, but does them greater justice than I have achieved in my article. Therefore I would like to invite you to write a guest blog conveying your feelings and passion for this wonderful band.
Rarely does a group move you on the “Holy Trinity” – lyrically, musically and vocally. Supertramp are one of very few exceptions in the last 50 years, which is why I have crowned them “Rock Royalty”.
Regards
Simon
I would be honored to do so Simon, would you walk me through the process as to how to accomplish this…… Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Simon,
Thanks for a great in-depth piece on one of my most favorite bands! All my life I’ve been greatly inspired by Roger Hodgson’s music, his songs are the ones that resonate with me. The spiritually seeking, soul searching meanings reflect a lot of my own feelings. I’ve actually seen him live a handful of times so far this year, each show was so unique and special in its own way- you could say I’m overjoyed he’s touring the world again this year!! (Lucky for you Simon, he’s playing six nights in the UK! Here’s Roger’s official facebook for all the info- http://www.facebook.com/RogerHodgsonOfficial
Hi Rissa
That’s my pleasure!! I’ve find it very gratifying to find other Supertramp-ites responding to my article with such enthusiasm. I just think it’s one of the great musical mysteries why such a talented, emotion evoking and thought proviking band have not achieved a universal appeal and following. That said, I like the fact that they are almost a cult and niche band!!
Regards
Simon
Nice article indeed!
I’m a huge fan of Roger Hodgson since Supertramp times. I’ve always loved his voice and songs, his way to write, expressing so many feelings and thoughts I also have!
It’s obvious who was the soul in Supertramp, all the songs we love were written by Roger, if you ask for Supertramp songs, always Roger’s ones are the first that came out. Your 10 Supertramp Top Songs are all penned by Roger, what else I can say?
And nowadays we are very fortunate to can get all these great songs together in Classics Live album, I’m already looking forward to have the double album!!! Really, his voice is better than ever!!!
And I must say, What a wonderful experience is to attend a Roger’s show. When you see him once, you can’t stop, and need to see him once and another. It doesn’t matter how far you have to travel, you are sure you’ll enjoy. A show by Roger is a big party, a big celebration of love,peace and happiness. All together clapping, singing, dancing, and sometimes, also weeping…It’s a thrill, a blast, chills and goosebumps, all at the same time… So, nobody should miss a concert of Roger. It’s really worth!!!
Cheers from Spain!
Cheers Ana for your kind words.
It’s gratifying for the author’s words to be appreciated, but much more gratifying to find that Roger Hodgson’s words and music are still appreciated over 30 years after Supertramp’s swansong” chart hit!! God Bless you Roger Hodgson!! Thank you for the music!!
Regards
Simon
Luckily, we have to Roger Hodgson in the UK next May. The best way for many who have not yet seen live to reconnect with the true soul of the band Supertramp, and who composed his greatest successes.
I have the great fortune to enjoy the concert in London, on May 25 at the Royal Albert Hall, but would also like be able to attend several more. His live concerts are unique moments that keep him in your soul and in your mind, magical moments full of feelings and exploding of emotions.
I had the great pleasure of attending several concerts of Roger in recent years, and I am very, very happy to continue enjoying them in this new Tour “Breakfast in America” 2013. Greetings from Spain.
Hi Candy
Thanks for your comments and feedback. I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing Supertramp or Roger Hodgson in concert. This is something I need to address and rectify whilst both Roger and I are still alive!! :-)
Regards
Simon