One on One

Released in 1982, One on One represents a pivotal moment for Cheap Trick as they navigated the departure of original bassist Tom Petersson and the rise of New Wave. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the album is sonically denser and more 'produced' than their previous work with George Martin. Interestingly, despite the addition of new bassist Jon Brant, guitarist Rick Nielsen performed bass on the majority of the tracks, giving the record a unified, riff-centric foundation. The album is notable for its heavy use of synthesizers and sequenced percussion, a hallmark of Baker's production style during this period. While it received mixed reviews from critics like Rolling Stone - who praised the hooks but dismissed some of the simpler lyrical content - it remains a fan favorite for its high-energy anthems like 'She's Tight' and the psychedelic-tinged balladry of 'If You Want My Love'. It stands as the band's most successful attempt at merging their power pop roots with the high-gloss aesthetic of the early 1980s.