Voices

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Voices" by Cheap Trick from their 1979 album Dream Police, and Zoo Freaks, you're in for some cool trivia about this track! This midtempo ballad, a standout on the album, hit #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 in Canada, showcasing the band's knack for blending heartfelt melodies with their signature power pop edge. Guitarist Rick Nielsen wrote the song, but it's lead singer Robin Zander's emotive vocals that steal the show, with critics praising his ability to convey raw emotion. In a 2006 reissue of Dream Police, it was revealed that Toto's Steve Lukather played guitar on "Voices," adding a subtle layer to its lush sound. Fans on Cheap Trick's Facebook often call it one of the band's most underrated gems, with some comparing its harmonic depth to The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever." A 2017 X post from the band shared a throwback photo from the Dream Police era, sparking fan comments about how "Voices" was their go-to slow dance song in the '80s.

Another tidbit comes from a 2024 Limelight Magazine article, which noted that "Voices" offered a breather among the album's harder rockers, with Zander's softer delivery and the song's rising flourishes creating a unique vibe. The track also featured contributions from Jai Winding on keyboards, giving it a polished, almost prog-rock feel. On fan-run sites like Cheap Trick Hot Hot Company, devotees share stories of hearing "Voices" live, where the band often extends the outro for dramatic effect. The Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group buzzes with discussions about how the song's lyrics, with lines like "You got me running, running, running," capture a sense of longing that resonates across generations. Unlike the paranoid energy of the album's title track, "Voices" leans into vulnerability, making it a fan favorite for its emotional depth.

Cheap Trick got their start in Rockford, Illinois, in the mid-1970s, emerging from the Midwest's gritty rock scene. Formed by Rick Nielsen (guitar), Robin Zander (vocals), Tom Petersson (bass), and Bun E. Carlos (drums), the band honed their sound playing dive bars and clubs for years, blending Beatles-inspired pop with hard rock energy. Nielsen, the band's eccentric songwriter, brought a quirky humor to their music, while Zander's versatile voice gave their songs a soaring quality. Their early years were tough, with endless gigs in obscurity, but their 1977 self-titled debut album caught the attention of critics. It was their 1978 live album, Cheap Trick at Budokan, that catapulted them to fame, especially in Japan, where they were treated like rock gods. The success of "I Want You to Want Me" from that album paved the way for Dream Police and hits like "Voices." The band’s persistence through years of paying dues in the Midwest shaped their raw, authentic sound, which still shines through on their Instagram posts showcasing vintage tour photos.

You can keep up with Cheap Trick on their official website, where they post tour dates and merch like their limited-edition vinyl box set. Follow them on Facebook for fan interactions and live performance clips, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. On X, they share updates and celebrate milestones, like the 2020 post marking Dream Police's platinum status. For deeper fan connections, visit the Cheap Trick Hot Hot Company fan site, which offers rare photos and memorabilia. The Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group is a great spot for Zoo Freaks to join discussions and share their love for "Voices" and the band's timeless catalog.