ALBUM REVIEW: UFO - Obsession (Deluxe Reissue)

1978 saw the seventh album by UFO and the final release by the classic line-up of Mogg, Way, Parker, Raymond and Schenker (until their reformation in 1993). Chrysalis records present the album in a newly remastered package which includes a previously unreleased 2024 mix of Live at The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, originally featured in parts on the seminal Strangers in the Night live record. Mixed from the original multi-track tapes by engineer Brian Kehew, this is the most sonic version of the recordings to date. Kehew comments that, “Our new mix of the Cleveland show is definitely a bit more aggressive than the original Strangers LP, sounding more like a front-row seat than Row 50 position.” 

But let’s drop back into the album first before getting to the live tracks. Having released the brilliant Lights Out in 1977, UFO were on a high and returned to the studio to record Obsession. It was on the subsequent tour that Strangers in the Night was recorded. Obsession may not have hit the commercial heights of Lights Out, but it maintained the band’s popularity both here and especially the US.

Opening track Only You Can Rock Me instantly became a live staple, the hook in the chorus, Moggs’ fine vocal and Schenker’s instantly recognisable sound soaring above the thick keys of Raymond. With all the band members contributing the writing, Obsession highlights the partnership between Mogg and Schenker, but also the wider influence of Paul Raymond, whose work wasn’t credited correctly until 2008’s remasters. 

The darker Pack it Up (And Go) sees the German’s guitar work underpinned by Parker’s huge drum sound, whilst later in the album, Cherry, written by Mogg and Way, would also become a firm fan favourite. Obsession does feature a rather incongruous instrumental, the one-minute medieval feel of Arbory Hill. Written by Schenker, it comes early in the album and Schenker's playing of a recorder on it still raises an eyebrow, yet somehow it fits. Phil Mogg told me that Schenker brought it to the recording on a tape, and that the band took it from there. 

The melodic side of the band was always present, and the delightful Ain’t No Baby changes tempo in classic UFO style. It’s evident from listening to the album that the band wanted a bigger sound. Schenker’s guitar work is a fantastic as ever, whilst Parker’s drum sound is huge. Schenker commented “Obsession was more of a rocking album. We wanted it to have something like a John Bonham drum sound”. Hot ’n’ Ready would become the opening song on Strangers, whilst Looking Out for No 1 is reminiscent of the mid-70s Alice Cooper with its symphonic arrangements. The album finishes strongly, with the upbeat One More for the Rodeo and the ballad Born to Lose, featuring one of Schenker’s best solos, closing the album. 

Obsession’s clever writing and variation of styles gives more to the listener and is certainly a more atmospheric record than those that went before it. There are four bonus tracks on the CD release to enjoy, including studio versions of Mother Mary and This Kid from the Strangers in the Night recordings and an alternative version of Cherry. All of which add to the package. 

And then there’s the Live at The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland set, which captures the band at their finest. It’s worth the purchase for this alone, with the band in sparkling form as they reached what many feel was their peak. Whilst I was too young to see this incarnation of the band in their pomp, just listening to this record gives goosebumps. A new mix by revered engineer Brian Kehew from the original multi-track tapes does it not harm at all, giving it the best sonic outing to date. 

Obsession is newly remastered from the original production tapes transfers at AIR Mastering and will be reissued on stunning 3LP tri-fold sleeve 180gm vinyl and 2CD Digipak formats on 22nd November 2024. In addition to the concert, the CD version features four bonus tracks (CD format only), and a poster booklet. Both formats feature new liner notes by Michael Hann featuring interviews with Phil Mogg, Andy Parker and Michael Schenker. 

Review by Hutch

Live photo from 1978 - Credit: Jim Summaria

Order here