Not at All cover

Released 37 years ago this October

Not at All

Status Quo · 1989

10 min · 3 tracks · hard rock

Punchy guitar riffs and driving rhythms combine with catchy hooks, embodying the classic boogie rock sound of the late '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Not at All — The title track opens the album with an infectious energy, encapsulating the band's trademark sound and setting a lively tone for the record.
  • →
    Everytime I Think of You — This track showcases a more melodic side of Status Quo, featuring heartfelt lyrics that contrast with their usual boisterousness, illustrating their depth as songwriters.
  • →
    Gone Thru the Slips — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies the band’s ability to blend rock with pop sensibilities while maintaining their energetic vibe.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid rock elements with catchy hooks but lacks significant innovation or depth.

What we noticed

  • The title track opens with a punchy guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained throughout the first two tracks.
  • The last track shifts to a slightly slower tempo but retains the driving rhythm, providing a contrast to the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases the band's familiar sound but isn't a standout in their catalog.
Themes
British rock swagger· late '80s musical evolution· anthemic live energy
Career context
Released on October 16, 1989, Not at All is Status Quo's follow-up to their 1988 album, In the Army Now. By this time, the band had established themselves as staples of the rock genre in the UK, continuing to build on their legacy with consistent releases. The album reflects their ongoing evolution while still adhering to their signature style.
Stylistic neighbors
The Who· AC/DC· Foghat

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Not at All 2:56
  • 2 Everytime I Think of You 3:50
  • 3 Gone Thru the Slips 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata