Track Listing
Side 1
| 1 | I’ve Never Been in Love | Melissa A. Connell | 3:02 |
| 2 | Mind Demons | Suzi Quatro, Len Tuckey | 2:25 |
| 3 | She’s in Love with You | Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn | 3:32 |
| 4 | Hollywood | Suzi Quatro, Len Tuckey | 2:57 |
| 5 | Four Letter Words | Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn | 3:27 |
Side 2
| 1 | Mama’s Boy | Suzi Quatro, Len Tuckey | 3:35 |
| 2 | Starlight Lady | Suzi Quatro, Len Tuckey | 3:36 |
| 3 | You Are My Lover | Jack Lee | 3:12 |
| 4 | Space Cadets | Suzi Quatro, Len Tuckey | 4:18 |
| 5 | Love Hurts | Suzi Quatro, Len Tuckey | 2:45 |
“Suzi… and Other Four Letter Words” is Suzi’s sixth studio album, released in 1979. This album is her highest-charting album in Norway (reaching number 4) as of August 2012 and her second-highest-charting album in the United States (peaking at number 117).
The album features a mix of pop/rock styles. It marked a continuation of Suzi’s move away from hard rock, which began with her previous album “If You Knew Suzi”.
“Suzi… and Other Four Letter Words” is characterized by a more diverse tracklist and a brasher, more energetic style compared to the softer, image-changing approach of the previous album
Album Overview
“Suzi… and Other Four Letter Words,” released in 1979 under the RAK label, showcased a more mature phase in Suzi’s musical journey. This album, arriving in the latter part of the 1970s, captures a period of transition and experimentation as she navigates through the evolving landscape of rock music.
The album reflects a shift from the hard rock elements that were prominent in her earlier albums to a more eclectic mix of styles. It embraces a broader spectrum of pop/rock, intertwining elements of contemporary pop/rock, glam rock, hard rock, and glitter.
Recording was completed in California in 7 days between June 25th to July 2nd, 1979. It was the last album on RAK Records.
Changing Times
The late 1970s saw a shift in rock music. A transitional phase where traditional rock was infused with new pop elements. Rock artists began experimenting with more diverse sounds and incorporating pop elements into their work. This album fits perfectly into this narrative, offering a mix of catchy hooks, rock rhythms, and engaging lyrics reflecting the era.
This stylistic evolution is indicative of Suzi’s versatility as a musician and her willingness to explore and integrate different musical influences.
The album’s production, helmed by Mike Chapman, along with Nicky Chinn’s contribution as a writer, played a crucial role in shaping its sound and success.
The track “She’s in Love with You” is particularly notable for its success. This single achieved a peak position of 11 in the United Kingdom, 4 in Austria, 6 in the Netherlands, 24 in New Zealand, 10 in Norway, 6 in Switzerland, and 41 in the United States on The Billboard Hot 100
Album Inner Sleeve
Singles Released From The Album
Aside from the lead single, “She’s in Love with You,” the other singles from the album “Mama’s Boy” and “I’ve Never Been in Love,” also enjoyed chart success. “Mama’s Boy” reached number 34 in the United Kingdom and 43 in the Netherlands, while “I’ve Never Been in Love” peaked at number 56 in the United Kingdom and 44 in the United States on The Billboard Hot 100
- She’s in Love with You: (Released 1979) This single achieved notable success, charting in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States. It showcased Quatro’s ability to blend catchy pop elements with her rock roots.
- Mama’s Boy: (Released 1980) This track also enjoyed chart success, reaching #34 in the UK and #43 in the Netherlands..
- I’ve Never Been in Love: (Released 1980) United Kingdom: Peaked at #56. United States (The Billboard Hot 100): Reached #44.
Song Facts
The album features a diverse range of tracks, each contributing to the overall texture of the album.
Suzi and Len Tuckey wrote 6 out of the 10 songs on the album,
- “Mind Demons” – this song delves into a darker, introspective theme.
- “Hollywood” – reflects on the allure and pitfalls of Hollywood.
- “Mama’s Boy” – The only Quatro and Tuckey from the album that was song released as a single.
- “Starlight Lady” – A softer, more melodic song.
- “Space Cadets”
- “Love Hurts” – The album’s closer, a reflective track exploring the complexities of love and relationships.
“She’s in Love with You” and “Four Letter Words” were penned by the songwriting duo Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn.
“I’ve Never Been in Love” – was a cover originally recorded by the band The Heaters.
“You Are My Lover” – This is a composition by Jack Lee, an LA-based singer-songwriter from the 70s LA band The Nerves. Jack was most well known for writing Blondie’s hit “Handing on the Telephone” and several songs recorded by Paul Young. Jack’s song adds another unique flavor to the album.
The album’s tracks demonstrate Quatro’s adeptness in various musical styles, ranging from hard-hitting rock to introspective ballads. The collaboration with Len Tuckey across multiple songs is notable, as it brings a cohesive yet dynamic quality to the album. Additionally, contributions from external writers like Melissa A. Connell and Jack Lee add diversity to the songwriting.
“Suzi… and Other Four Letter Words” stands out for its blend of powerful vocals, compelling songwriting, and musical versatility that resonates with listeners even decades after its release.
Album Chart Positions
The album appeared on several album charts and wass Suzi’s 2nd highest charting album in the US.
- Australian Albums (Kent Music Report): Peaked at #47.
- Norwegian Albums Chart: The album’s most remarkable achievement was in Norway, where it reached #4, marking it as Quatro’s highest-charting album in Norway.
- Swedish Albums Chart: Achieved a peak position of #36.
- United States (The Billboard 200): Reached #117.
The album was still Quatro’s highest-charting album in Norway as of August 2012, reaching the 4th position, and was her second-highest-charting album in the United States, behind “If You Knew Suzi…” (1978)
Album Credits
Personnel
- Suzi Quatro – Lead vocals, bass guitar, writer
- Len Tuckey – Lead guitar, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, writer
- Jamie Crompton – Guitar, backing vocals
- Bill Hurd – Keyboard, backing vocals
- Dave Neal – Drums
| Producer | Mike Chapman |
| Engineer | Dave Tickle & Peter Coleman |
| Mastered by | Steve Hall |
| Recorded at | MCA Whitney Studios, Glendale, California June 25th to July 2nd 1979 |