Strung Up cover

Strung Up

The Sweet · 1975

74 min · 17 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant blend of glam rock anthems and bubblegum pop hooks that epitomizes the flamboyant spirit of the 1970s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ballroom Blitz — This track exemplifies The Sweet's explosive live energy, with its infectious chorus and dynamic instrumentation making it a fan favorite that captures their glam rock essence.
  • →
    Fox on the Run — Displaying vivid storytelling through catchy hooks, this song became one of The Sweet's signature tracks, embodying their unique blend of hard rock with bubblegum pop.
  • →
    Hellraiser Start here — Opening with an aggressive riff, this song captures the darker edge of The Sweet's music while maintaining their characteristic catchy style, illustrating their versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album captures The Sweet's energetic live performances but lacks strong cohesion due to its mixed track origins.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate extended guitar solos and audience interaction, enhancing the live experience.
  • The sequencing alternates between faster-paced songs and mid-tempo tracks, maintaining listener engagement throughout.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • catchy anthems for sing-alongs
  • wave-like pacing energizes listeners
  • for party playlists
  • vibrant sound for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, reflective music
  • dislike upbeat, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Captured The Sweet at their commercial peak, solidifying their glam rock status.
Themes
1970s glam rock· live stage energy· bubblegum pop hooks
Career context
Released in 1975, Strung Up is a pivotal live album capturing The Sweet at their commercial peak, following the success of hits like 'Ballroom Blitz' and 'Fox on the Run'. By this point, the band had established themselves as major players in the glam rock scene, blending hard rock with catchy melodies and theatrical performances. This album showcases their dynamic stage presence and the raw energy that propelled them into mainstream popularity.
Stylistic neighbors
Slade· T. Rex· David Bowie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Ballroom Blitz

    The lyrics shift from playful banter to chaotic imagery reflects a wild concert experience.

    This transition enhances the song’s narrative tension, contrasting the upbeat music with a sense of impending chaos that mirrors the excitement of live performance.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Hellraiser Start here 3:50
  • 2 Burning / Someone Else Will 5:30
  • 3 Rock 'n’ Roll Disgrace 4:15
  • 4 Need a Lot of Lovin’ 3:00
  • 5 Done Me Wrong Alright 8:08
  • 6 You’re Not Wrong for Lovin’ Me 3:28
  • 7 The Man With the Golden Arm 8:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Action 3:35
  • 2 Fox on the Run 3:24
  • 3 Set Me Free 3:57
  • 4 Miss Demeanour 3:24
  • 5 Ballroom Blitz 4:00
  • 6 Burn on the Flame 3:35
  • 7 Solid Gold Brass 5:26
  • 8 The Six Teens 4:00
  • 9 I Wanna Be Committed 4:04
  • 10 Blockbuster 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata