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Summary
In this episode of The Quo-Cast, Jamie & Alex discuss Status Quo’s twenty-fifth studio album Heavy Traffic, celebrating its twentieth anniversary.
Context
Status Quo entered the twenty-first century with a soft return to form after releasing Under the Influence. However, their next attempt, Famous in the Last Century, didn’t quite hit the heights of their first cover album Don’t Stop. Jeff Rich would depart after this album, leading to the arrival of seasoned drummer Matt Letley.
About Heavy Traffic
Heavy Traffic is Status Quo’s twenty-fifth studio album, released in 2002. This album marked a return to a heavier rock sound that fans loved, with tracks like All Stand Up, The Oriental, and Creepin’ Up on You becoming staples in their live set for many years.
Produced by Mike Paxman, the album reached No. 15 on the UK Albums Chart. The lineup featured Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andrew Bown, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards, and Matt Letley, along with the return of Bob Young, who co-wrote several songs with Rossi for the first time in decades.
The Singles
The first single, Jam Side Down, written by Terry Britten and Charlie Dore, peaked at No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart, earning them a performance on Top of the Pops. The second single, a Rossi/Young composition called All Stand Up (Never Say Never), stalled at No. 51.
UK Tracklisting:
- “Blues and Rhythm” (Francis Rossi, Andy Bown) 4:29
- “All Stand Up (Never Say Never)” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young) 4:08
- “The Oriental” (Francis Rossi, John Edwards) 4:29
- “Creepin’ Up On You” (Rick Parfitt, John Edwards) 5:01
- “Heavy Traffic” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young, John Edwards) 4:23
- “Solid Gold” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young) 4:14
- “Green” (Andy Bown) 3:35
- Jam Side Down (Terry Britten, Charlie Dore) 3:27
- “Diggin’ Burt Bacharach” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young) 2:32
- “Do It Again” (John Edwards, Andy Bown) 3:40
- “Another Day” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young) 3:47
- “I Don’t Remember Anymore” (Andy Bown) 3:38
- “Money Don’t Matter” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young) 3:46 (Bonus Track UK Edition)
- “Rhythm of Life” (Francis Rossi, Bob Young)
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