Label: Think Like A Key
The Raspberries have earned rock royalty status. Eric Carmen remains one of the most underrated lead vocalists, both with the band and as a solo artist.
They defined the tag “Power Pop” and with a string of hits that still ring true to this day. I remember when I first heard them, I felt a massive burst of energy and excitement, and I wanted more. When I saw them at Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert, I was hooked.
Housed in a deluxe 6-panel digipak with a 20-page booklet featuring liner notes by renowned music journalist Howie Edelson, Play On: A Raspberries Tribute is now the quintessential tribute album to their legacy. It is a superb 37-artist celebration spanning two discs that honors the Cleveland band that perfected power pop. The Think Like A Key label has released a bevy of albums over the years, bringing attention to underappreciated artists and their back catalogs.
I am always suspicious of tribute recordings and bands; however, this recording dispels those feelings instantly once the first track, “Go All The Way,” begins with Rick Springfield’s scream and the kick ass rock with superbly rendered vocals emulates the original recording beautifully.
There is something magical about this music and its vocals. Listening brings back a special, youthful feeling that I appreciate.
“Let’s Pretend” was another track that pulled on my heartstrings and was done beautifully by The Lemon Twigs. The melodicism and vocals are spot on.
One thing to keep in mind while listening to this compilation is that it’s a deep dive into The Raspberries’ catalog, essentially a deep cut journey. Many I have never heard, and it widens the musical aperture with an endless flow of power pop, each artist doing it in a particularly unique way. Indeed, there will be names you recognize instantly, which add to the appeal and legitimacy of this offering.
This bonus here is the discovery of bands and solo artists you may not have been exposed to. For anyone looking to rediscover a classic rock band and newer and older artists, this comp covers it all.
In addition to all the coverage provided by this massive roster of artists, you will hear more than power pop; the musicianship is outstanding, with some different flavors added without losing the original impact of the original recordings.
There is a lot of music to reflect on amongst the 37 tracks, and too much to read about track by track. The emphasis is on the quality of coverage of a great band, The Raspberries, who are getting an overdue nod on Play On: A Raspberries Tribute.
I highly recommend you check out the video and playlist for Play On: A Raspberries Tribute. Taking a few minutes to experience these tracks will show you the energy and artistry I’ve described throughout this review.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
December
13, 2025
Tracks:
DISC ONE:
01. “Go All The Way” - Rick Springfield
02. “I Wanna Be With You” - Vicki and Debbi Peterson (The Bangles)
03. “Let’s Pretend” - The Lemon Twigs
04. “Come Around And See Me” - Katie Ferrara
05. “Goin’ Nowhere Tonight” - The Caulfields
06. “Don’t Want To Say Goodbye” - Robin Taylor Zander
07. “Might As Well” - Jesse Bryson feat. The Kennedys
08. “It Seemed So Easy” - The Spongetones
09. "I Saw The Light" - Adelaide Estep
10 “Ecstacy” - Eric Dover (Jellyfish/Imperial Drag) feat. Eric Singer of KISS on drums
11 “On The Beach” - Darian Sahanaja (Brian Wilson band)
12 “If You Change Your Mind” - Ken Sharp
13 “Nobody Knows” - Chris Price
14 “I Reach For The Light” - Bird Streets
15 “Drivin’ Around” – Popdudes
16 “Hard To Get Over A Heartbreak” - P-Hux
17 “Waiting” - Olivia Rubini
18 “I Can Remember” - Karla DeVito (Meatloaf)
DISC TWO:
01. “Tonight” - Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
02. “Play On” - The Lemon Twigs
003. “I Don’t Know What I Want” - John Waite
04. “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – Shoes
05. “All Through The Night” - The Hudson Brothers
06. “Should I Wait” - Marshall Crenshaw
07. “Cry” - Kasim Sulton (Utopia)
08. “Making It Easy” – Brasko
09. “Last Dance” - Evan Stanley
10 “I Can Hardly Believe You’re Mine” - John Powhida
11 “Rose Colored Glasses” - Rob Bonfiglio (Brian Wilson band)
12 “I’m A Rocker” - Ken Sharp (feat. Wally Stocker of The Babys)
13 “Party’s Over” - The Chefs (feat. Stan Lynch from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites)
14 “Cruisin’ Music” - Ronnie D’Addario
15 “Starting Over” - Tori Holub
16 “Hands On You” - Cherie Currie (The Runaways)
17 “Every Way I Can” - The Toms
18 “With You In My Life” - Willie Wilcox (Utopia)
19 “Please Let Me Come Back Home" - Bambi Kino (feat. members of Nada Surf and Guided by Voices)
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