Supertramp “Crime of the Century”

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#321 in the Series) is Supertramp, Crime of the Century

Crime of the Century was Supertramp’s third album. It was the first one that actually started putting the band in our ears. Their first album Supertramp peaked at #158 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart while the next album, Indelibly Stamped didn’t even chart.  Crime of the Century charted as high as #38. It featured a couple of hit singles; “Bloody Well Right” did hit the Top 40. Its raise ended at #35. I’d consider its success more as an FM hit however. The same could be said for “Dreamer. Dreamer” did not hit the singles charts but was definitely, a hit song!

Crime of the Century was completely written by Rodger Hodgson and Rich Davies. Hodgson would only stay with the band for three more studio albums. He would eventually leave in 1982. Rick Davies would stay as long as 1983. (Note that Rick has returned as part of the current reunion. John Anthony Helliwell is the other member from this album on the tour. )

I liked this album the best of the Supertramp’s classic era. Their most successful by far was Breakfast in America. That reached as high as it gets, #1.

Rodger Hodgson would go onto a semi-successful solo career. His first solo album did quite well. That being, In The Eye of the Storm.  IT featured the hit single “Had a Dream (Sleeping with the Enemy).”  He did record some decent things after this album but nothing really made a dent with the listening public.

Track listing

All songs written by Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies.

Side one

1. “School” – 5:35
2. “Bloody Well Right” – 4:32
3. “Hide In Your Shell” – 6:49
4. “Asylum” – 6:45

Side two

1. “Dreamer” – 3:31
2. “Rudy” – 7:17
3. “If Everyone Was Listening” – 4:04
4. “Crime of the Century” – 5:32

Personnel

• Bob C. Benberg – drums, percussion
• Roger Hodgson – vocals, guitar, keyboards, pianos
• John Anthony Helliwell – saxophones, clarinets, vocals
• Dougie Thomson – bass
• Richard Davies – vocals, keyboards, harmonica

Links

• Rodger Hodgson Official Website
• Listen to Crime of the Century via the “Cool Album” MySpace Page.
• See other albums we’ve featured from 1974

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