The Party Ain’t Over Yet was released on the 12th of September 2005, and was their first single on the Sanctuary label. The song would be the title track to their following album and a unique DVD release. The single was released onto CD, DVD single and 7″ vinyl.
Production Credits
- Artist: Status Quo
- Writers: John David
- Producer: Mike Paxman
- Musicians: Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andy Bown, John Rhino Edwards, Matt Letley
- Studio: Jacobs Studios
Background & Context
After their heyday in the 1970s, Status Quo had many moments of mainstream success. This includes top five hits in 1986, 1988 and 1990 respectively, along with publicity events that kept their name alive. While it looked like the Quo well had dried up by 2000 with the release of their second covers album, titled Famous in the Last Century, Quo roared back into public consciousness in 2002.
Their top 20 hit Jam Side Down, written by Terry Britten and Charlie Dore, earned the band an appearance on Top of the Pops. In 2004, they had two top thirty singles, You’ll Come ‘Round and Thinking of You. The momentum would keep rising, as 2005 turned out to be one of their busiest years ever.
This was the year that they infamously appeared on Coronation Street, where they took part in a comical story involving Les Battersby and his partner Cilla, played by Bruce Jones and Wendi Peters, respectively. This led to being invited onto TV shows, including ITV’s 50th anniversary celebrations, to perform their latest single.
The Party Ain’t Over Yet was written by John David, who had originally penned Quo songs including Rollin’ Home and Red Sky. The song had previously been recorded as an album track by the Country artist Patti Loveless in 1997. John David’s demo, which Quo’s arrangement is seemingly based on, is available to hear on his Bandcamp page.
The recording of Status Quo’s version is well documented, thanks to John Keeling’s documentary released the same year. It features extensive footage of the band recording this song with producer Mike Paxman, including vocal and acoustic guitar overdubs.
The Party Ain’t Over Yet was Status Quo’s highest charting credited single since 1990’s Anniversary Waltz, reaching number 11 in the UK singles chart. It was also a number 1 single on the UK indie chart that same year. Despite gaining top ten albums in the years since, none of Quo’s successive singles have matched up to their 2005 success.
The Music & Performance
This song is possibly one of Status Quo’s most commercial sounding in recent years, with a polished production that serves the song well. The single version, which is a slightly punchier mix, pierces through the speaker. The arrangement sticks closely to John David’s demo but has a few Quo flourishes in places. Rossi’s vocals, along with harmonies by other members, make it recognisably Quo.
Music Video
The music video, building on the success of Jam Side Down, took things sky-high! The concept featured the band performing in a number of shots, while planes flew overhead. Later in the video, Francis Rossi is seen singing in the seat of the plane as it flies; Rick Parfitt is seen sat atop the plane’s wings while playing guitar.
The B-Side
The song’s B-side on the CD was a Rossi / Young composition called I’m Watching Over You. It’s not wholly original as a concept, but it motors along quite nicely. It’s what some might think of when they consider the term “Quo by Numbers”, given the basic structure of the song.
The B-side on the 7″ vinyl is a 2005 live version of the band’s 1971 song Gerdundula. This song was a live favourite around this time, which saw the band swap guitars to play the song’s memorable licks.
Personal Take & Rating
The Party Ain’t Over Yet still ranks as one of my favourite Status Quo singles of all time. It was pleasingly commercial but had all the elements of the band’s music that I enjoyed. There was a nice jig-filled hook, a catchy chorus and inspirational lyrics that lifted things higher. When you’re having a bad day, stick this on and you just know things will be ok!
Rating: 9/10
