A successful album for Thin Lizzy in the UK, ‘Black Rose’ reached No#2 on the charts, and spawned two major hits in leadoff track ‘Do Anything You Want To’ and ‘Sarah’.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Thin Lizzy
ALBUM: Black Rose: A Rock Legend
LABEL: Vertigo
SERIAL: 9102 032
YEAR: 1979
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Ireland
LINEUP: Phil Lynott – vocals, bass * Scott Gorham – guitars * Gary Moore – guitars * Brian Downey – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Do Anything You Want To * 02 Toughest Street In Town * 03 S&M * 04 Waiting For An Alibi * 05 Sarah * 06 Got To Give It Up * 07 Get Out Of Here * 08 With Love * 09 Roisin Dubh (Black Rose) A Rock Legend
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
1979 was a period of consolidation for Irish rockers Thin Lizzy. Following on from the seminal live classic ‘Live And Dangerous’ the previous year, the band again set their sights on the US market, with this album ‘Black Rose – A Rock Legend’, encompassing historical references to legendary tales of battle.
The Legend of The Roisin Dubh (Dark Rosaleen) harks back through the Gaelic history books, as does the legend of Cuchulain, both represented in lyrical form on the title track. By this stage of Lizzy’s career, the musical turnstile that was to rear its head particularly in relation to their second guitarist role, made another appearance, but by no means was it the last.
Out went Brian Robertson who went off to form Wild Horses, and in came ex Colosseum II guitarist Gary Moore, this time on a permanent basis, adding more out and out speed, plus hints of his previous jazz works.
The Songs
True rockers include the kick-ass triumvarate of ‘Toughest Street In Town’, ‘Waiting For An Alibi’ and ‘Get Out Of Here’. The trade-off guitar duels between Gorham and Moore are a stand-out feature on this trio.
A track with a difference is the black but smooth funk of ‘S&M’, with the lyrics living up to the title. My favourite tracks include the smooth and highly melodic ‘With Love’, and the ballad ‘Sarah’, which was about his recent baby daughter.
We cannot forget the title track ‘Black Rose’ (Roisin Dubh), which contains all sorts of lyrical and musical tributes to the Gaelic tradition from years gone by. Fantastic stirring stuff. Makes you want to raise your pint of Guinness in tribute!!
In Summary
A successful album for Thin Lizzy in the UK, ‘Black Rose’ reached No#2 on the charts, and spawned two major hits in leadoff track ‘Do Anything You Want To’ and ‘Sarah’. The musical turnstile took yet another turn later that year, with Gary Moore on the outer.
Moore was replaced with the unlikely addition of Midge Ure (Ultravox) filling in, who in turn was replaced by Snowy White (ex Pink Floyd) by the time Lizzy’s next studio album ‘Chinatown’ was released.
The Thin Lizzy tale continued on for a few more years, including the excellent ‘Thunder And Lightning’ effort from 1983.
Thin Lizzy on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
3 major hits surely. Waiting For An Alibi was the biggest hit of them all
Yes Steve, you are dead right. It made it into the Top 10, the other two were #14 and #24. Good spotting.
First time I really noticed Gary Moore was when i was a kid watching The Kenny Everett Video Show and Thin Lizzy were on it playing Waiting for a Alibi. He was the cool guitar player in the dark sunglasses and jacket. Fan ever since