We Like to Rock cover

We Like to Rock

April Wine · 1988

33 min · 8 tracks · hard rock

A high-energy fusion of hard rock anthems and melodic hooks that showcase the band's classic sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Like to Rock — This track serves as the album's energetic opener, encapsulating the band's signature sound with catchy riffs and anthemic choruses that invite audience participation.
  • →
    21st Century Schizoid Man — The cover of this progressive rock classic showcases April Wine's versatility and ability to reinterpret complex compositions within their hard rock style.
  • →
    Say Hello — With its upbeat tempo and infectious melody, this song exemplifies the band's knack for crafting radio-friendly hits that resonate with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features solid hard rock compositions but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy anthem, 'I Like to Rock,' setting a fast pace that is maintained through the first half.
  • The final track, 'Ladies Man,' slows down slightly, providing a contrast to the preceding energetic songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady anthems for road trips
  • infectious energy for gatherings
  • short bursts of celebration
  • uplifting vibes for workouts

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking introspective soundscapes
  • prefer lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1988, 'We Like to Rock' came during April Wine's later career phase. At this point, the band had already achieved significant success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with albums like 'Nature of the Beast' and was looking to maintain their presence in the rock scene amidst changing musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Boston· Foreigner· Journey

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Say Hello

    A moment in the chorus where the lyrics shift from general greetings to a more personal invitation creates an engaging connection between the singer and listen…

    This transition enhances the song’s sense of intimacy, making it feel less like a mere anthem and more like a direct address to friends and fans.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I Like to Rock 3:41
  • 2 21st Century Schizoid Man 6:49
  • 3 Babes in Arms 3:26
  • 4 Say Hello 3:10
  • 5 Before the Dawn 4:37
  • 6 Better Do it Well 3:48
  • 7 Tonite 4:07
  • 8 Ladies Man 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata