Released as a single on August 11, 1979, ahead of the highly anticipated album bearing its title, Cheap Trick's "Dream Police" showcased their unique blend of infectious power pop melodies and hard rock muscle. The song's distinctive sound was significantly enhanced by dramatic orchestral string arrangements, creating a grand, slightly surreal, and instantly memorable listening experience that became a major chart hit.

"Dream Police" stands as one of Cheap Trick's most iconic and ambitious hits from 1979, known for Rick Nielsen's powerful guitar, Robin Zander's versatile vocals, and its compelling paranoid theme. This power pop gem, built on a solid hard rock foundation but elevated by sophisticated production, perfectly captured the band's quirky yet potent musical identity, remaining a beloved fan favorite.

SONG MEANING: "Dream Police" uses the central metaphor of an imaginary police force to represent the internal anxieties, uncontrollable thoughts, and paranoia that can invade one's mind, particularly during sleep or stressful moments ("The dream police, they live inside of my head / The dream police, they come to me in my bed"). It personifies these intrusive mental processes as an inescapable authority monitoring and controlling one's psyche.

Released as a single from the legendary live album Cheap Trick at Budokan, this track transformed the original studio version into a high-energy power pop anthem. Its driving beat, Rick Nielsen's catchy guitar work, and Robin Zander's pleading vocals resonated globally, rocketing up the charts.

This phenomenal 1979 live recording perfectly captured Cheap Trick's concert energy. The simple, direct plea for affection combined with irresistible power pop hooks cemented "I Want You To Want Me" as a timeless classic rock staple and the band's defining breakthrough hit.

SONG MEANING: The song is a straightforward, almost desperate-sounding plea for affection and attention from someone the singer desires. The lyrics express a strong yearning for the love interest to reciprocate their feelings ("I want you to want me / I need you to need me / I'd love you to love me").

Released as a single on April 16, 1988, "The Flame" achieved massive success, becoming Cheap Trick's first and only US #1 hit and spearheading the multi-platinum 'Lap of Luxury' album. This definitive soft rock power ballad, penned by outside songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham, showcased Robin Zander's incredible vocal range and brought the band back to widespread mainstream prominence.

"The Flame" stands as a defining power ballad of the late 1980s, marking a huge commercial resurgence for Cheap Trick. Its soaring chorus, polished soft rock production, and universally understood themes of undying love made it an instant classic upon its 1988 release. The song proved the band's capacity for delivering meticulously crafted, emotionally resonant anthems that dominated radio airwaves.

SONG MEANING: Written by Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham, "The Flame" is a passionate declaration of everlasting love and unwavering commitment. The singer uses the metaphor of fire, promising to be the constant, enduring "flame" that represents their devotion and passion for their partner ("I will be the flame"), assuring them this love will last forever and see them through anything.