First-Time Reaction to "The Flame" - Vocal Analysis and Review featuring Cheap Trick

[@toddism]

He's rock's most underappreciated vocalist. Great tone. Amazing presence.

[@taylortyler1867]

First concert I ever went to, at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. I was 16. I'm 61 now. Robin is in my top 10 of rock vocalists.

[@toddism]

@@taylortyler1867 they were my real first concert (not claiming a buddy taking me to see the osmonds at 15) and I never looked back.

[@taylortyler1867]

@@toddism My sister was crazy about Donny Osmond. She had a $h!tload of Osmond records and played them incessantly. They really weren't half bad. 🤫 Shhh!!! Don't tell anyone I said that.😉

[@gregsworkshop2]

For sure.

[@caperboy1169]

? He’s in the Hall of Fame

[@jeffreyhoehn9307]

This song has to be one of the greatest rock power ballads ever. Epic.

[@rmsmith2396]

for sure

[@jefflamb5218]

Over the years, this song has come to mind for absolutely no reason…the lead into the chorus, “you were the first, you’ll be the last” just comes to me at random times and really puts the power into power ballad.

[@thomaslilly9558]

My paradox song. It was our song for over 20 years. When she died after 45 years together, it became my song to smile and cry with. When I saw you reacted, I had to listen, thank you.

[@samclark4595]

i have one of those too. when you hear it its like theyre still here.

[@turnerdan53]

This also was one of the songs I used to express my feeling to my late wife of 42 years and brings the tears also. Neil Diamond's version of God Only Knows is another.

[@poppajretired410]

This was the first song I heard on the radio the day my brother died so it always takes me back there.

[@zeprulz1]

This is our song. It has been for 15 years. This was her wake up song. We finally got to see it performed live together. She recently passed. I'll never forget how much this song meant to us.

[@lw7520]

God bless you man

[@FlyFisher-xd6je]

Robyn Zander is/was just incredible. His voice is so powerful, and what a range.

[@thomasluby1754]

Agreed. Amazing sound and amazing range. It is ironic that when we talk about the best voices in rock and pop, his name never comes up. Always hear about Freddie Mercury, Steve Perry and a few others. Zanders' name should definitely be in that group of best rock singers of all time.

[@jvidalw]

Robin*

[@TooOldToCare-kl3co]

He is one of the best live performers, in fact the whole band are amazing, pity they don’t come down under to often.

[@Cabover58]

He is touring today. Still awesome

[@FrankieMyers-q2o]

He IS THE BEST!I keep hearing about him passing. Is this TRUE?

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

Rock's most criminally underrated vocalist, in my humble opinion. Great choice!

[@jeremiahrose4681]

Sure it.

[@MrGlenndwyer]

Agree 100%

[@aplaingirl]

Same with Ben Orr. ❤

[@nicholaskruger9460]

Criminally underrated is the most over used cliche way of say … I love it

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

@@nicholaskruger9460 Or it's simply a statement of fact.

[@wully8088]

I asked my wife to marry me to this song...for our 25th wedding anniversary I secretly took piano lessons to learn this song for over a year. On our 25th wedding anniversary I surprised her by playing it. Yes she cried❤

[@rp1526]

I’m crying. Great job.

[@TS-nk5yx]

That’s so awesome! She’s one lucky gal. Congrats too.

[@The_Rebeliate]

My man

[@GutterBallet]

I’m a lifelong heavy metal guy, but the best concert I ever saw was Cheap Trick from this same year. The guys just brought it, and you could tell they loved what they were doing and wanted to make it a great experience for everyone there.

[@donaldengel4128]

I have seen Cheap Trick like 7 or 8 times. Headlining stadiums or playing as opening, opening, opening act... they bring it. Never a bad show that I have seen.

[@MrBobbytot]

Cheap Trick were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 on their very first nomination. So well deserved. One of the best bands ever.

[@jayoh13]

36 years later, he is still one of the best rock vocalists out there. Never miss a show when they’re in the area!

[@danwilliams5867]

Cheap Trick is from my hometown of Rockford IL . When I was 15 I got snuck into a bar by older friends and Cheap trick was playing in 1976. They were awesome

[@clauswalter9586]

You happier!

[@johnr423]

Robyn is one of the best. I was watching a documentary a few years ago about a record producer and Robyn Zander's name came up. They said when he stepped into a recording studio everybody's jaw would just drop. He could basically sing anything you could throw at him and he could usually do it on only one take.

[@jeremiahrose4681]

I've heard the same thing about Mr. Zander. That's insane.

[@KremerJim]

Bun E. Carlos on drums and Tom Peterson on the 12 string bass. Holding it down. Vital to their sound.

[@philharnett2884]

8 string bass, not 12 string. 😅

[@kato64]

I’ve seen CT live twice. Unfortunately after the rift developed between RZ and BEC. I wish they’d mend fences. I’d love to see the classic lineup play live.

[@fritzmuller8246]

Man that Drummer is insane . Can't stop praising him

[@williamh4172]

​@@fritzmuller8246 it's sad they dumped him.

[@Utah57668]

I saw this group in the early 70's when they were playing at local small town bar in Wisconsin called 'the Roost'. I don't even know if it's there anymore. They were a great band back then and it doesn't surprise me that they made it big.

[@soakman2000]

And no autotune needed !

[@AnthonyMcInerney-vl5bf]

I wondered about that. I've learnt by watching 'Wings Of Pegasus' that live performances are being auto tuned, and still promoted as live. If it is an authentic live performance as you say, then his live singing is sublime. That was bloody awesome 👍

[@ColdPotato]

@@AnthonyMcInerney-vl5bf I don't think they had that technology in the late 80s. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that stuff didn't appear until the late 90s or 2000s.

[@SteveoGregg]

Absolutely not

[@ronalddavignon9990]

An amazing song! Never gets old! Great vocalist.

[@lumineria1]

Loved this! Cheap Trick has been killing it since the 70’s and always sounds so good! This song and also Surrender were on heavy rotation on MTV for years! Wow, what a throwback!

[@billsimmons5186]

One of the Best Vocal Performances ive ever heard and seen!!! The climax were he sings THE FLAME is so freaking AWESOME!!! I back it up and watch it over and over and over!!!!

[@jodyphillips4284]

One of the best live bands you will ever see! I have seen many times and hope to again!

[@RexBell303]

Saw them in concert Sunday night at Coors field with Def Leppard and Journey. Great concert

[@borgcutus5780]

Great band, great vocalist, great performance and video. Cheap Trick always laid it all out there. Pro's pros.

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

Robin's voice is a force of nature. One of rock music's finest.

[@lindafifield713]

Vocals are still on fire, and still gives me goosebumps

[@erickandsuzanne]

My wife's and my song is If You Want My Love. It was November 26, 1982. We were on our first date at the local skating rink, i had requested it, and we were about to leave for the evening. I took a risk and went in for a kiss. It was all perfect. Almost 42 years, two kids and a grandson later, we are still together. I love her more than ever.

[@tracybuck4829]

My brain has been melted multiple times by seeing that voice live!!

[@PeterJarvis-h8v]

Seen 8,9 times and they never disappoint,Robin is an absolute live singer and one of the best in the business !

[@ALong-fo5so]

The way he hits those notes. Spot on. Love his vocals

[@InsaneWayne355]

This is a great live performance. The music and the vocals all sound phenomenal.

[@jaegerjae]

Amazing live vocals, one of my favorite songs

[@kyokushinkuma]

I did security for a Biker festival 24yrs ago. Cheap Trick were the headliners. They’re still one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I’m mainly into punk and Metal, but these guys genuinely love what they do, and it shows, they put it all out there.

[@ArM4ND01]

He was really nice when I met him back in the 90's. He was low key and so chill.

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

He is, and has always been an absolute true professional. It's amazing how great the band sounds live. He's always been a great inspiration to me. ❤

[@stevesnvegas9040]

One of my all time favorite vocalists. Lost count of how many times I've seen Cheap Trick.

[@nannettefreeman7331]

Me too! Definitely over 40x. Saw them last month. Going to see them twice next month. ❤️🏁

[@RHicksjr777]

Really enjoyed your reaction. Admiring and seemingly cheering at the same time. Very cool. He's still at it in 2024!

[@Majestic167]

Robin Zander is an iconic vocalist. He STILL sounds good at 71. Cheap Trick as a band has always been great.

[@jennifertarango9536]

My absolute favorite band and vocalist. I’ve seen them over 100 times. They are still working very hard with live performances. I have never stopped. They are pros and really nice people. Thank you for your review. I adore Robin Zander. ❤

[@southmountainbiker]

Probably my favorite song, was in basic training in the army summer of 88 and they played this song on the radio in the chow hall all the time and it made me miss my girlfriend terribly and I could hardly eat, lol, brings back such strong memories of that time

[@21AirDrop]

Absolute same experience but for me was Air Force. Miss those days.

[@Featuringtim]

Thanks for choosing this song, Bethany. Robin Zander has one of the most versatile voices in R&R! if you peruse their catalog you'll find so many different styles from "The Flame" to I want you to want me" to "Surrender" to "Dream Police." Listen and be smitten. Robin Zander is incredible!

[@happyguy61]

One of my all time favourite bands! Awesome reaction Beth❤ Side bar: I started following you at 7000 subscribers and now you’re just shy of 400000 subs! A truly amazing achievement and testament to how you’ve developed your channel! Congrats!❤❤❤

[@TheVocalyst]

I'm so grateful you stuck around! 😁

[@happyguy61]

@@TheVocalyst I’ve enjoyed every minute of the ride Beth! Oh I’ve also subbed to your new singing channel which I really really enjoy too!❤️ Chris x

[@TracyN67]

@@happyguy61 She has another channel? May I ask where I can find it? I’m a singer and would love it! Thanks!

[@happyguy61]

@@TracyN67 youtube.com/@bethany.hickman?si=Hyy0F9e-65ry6NEQ

[@patof72clune51]

​@@TheVocalyst David Glen Eisly sung on two LP's for the band Guiffria during mid 80's..... His voice is stunning & sumptuous & versatile.

[@rw8680]

Robin is one of the greatest rock singers of all time. He doesn’t get enough credit for his amazing ability. Love Cheap Trick

[@buzzbomb67]

Man, Robyn Zander… just, seriously, one of the absolute great voices!

[@ScottSkinner-k2x]

This might be my favorite analysis video of yours. It's fun watching you react when you're clearly impressed by Robin's range...which, of course, is the point of these reaction videos. I, too, love watching him try extra hard on that high-pitched "over yoooooou" in the middle of the song and "the flaaaaaame" towards the end. Watching a classically-trained singer and vocal coach give the song your seal of approval is the icing on the cake.

[@David-zu3br]

Absolutely love, Cheap Trick! I never got to see them live, I'm a lifetime fan. Robyn Zander is one of the elite rock singers who doesn't get the recognition he rightly deserves. I love how his bandmates stand back and let him do his thing. Great respect. I think the vocalyst is all giddy for Robyn Zander 😂

[@cougarlove8542]

I always loved the music of this group. His voice is so unique. Plus he plays an instrument which adds to the complexity of the vocals. Really awesome

[@victoriaburns9967]

I Love this guy. Love his hair, his voice, his looks. ….. ❤️🥹🍁😉LOL

[@video728]

Great vocalist and one of the most underrated power ballads of the 80s

[@themighty6]

Such a beautiful song and a stunning performance.

[@MontanaCindyLou]

I absolutely love this song!! Amazing, amazing, amazing!!! Thank you for your reaction.

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Not just one of the U.S.’s greatest vocalist. One of the world’s greatest vocalist. I first heard Robin sing around 77-78, and to sound literally the same, and sing like that, still, is just, frankly, AMAZING.. And he still looks great, and with style.

[@PaulStewart-jr3gm]

Saw Cheap Trick in ‘78 and was immediately impressed by everyone in the band. Fantastic group.

[@michaelvisser9191]

I’ve seen Cheap Trick around 10 times in the last 20 years opening for other bands since they are from the Chicago area. They have never played this song in all the times I saw them and I wish they did. It’s so good!

[@hansnoordzij4257]

It was the song of my wife and I. We both had a Flame tattoo on our hands. We saw them in Orlando and Vegas last year. We are from the Netherlands. My wife died totaly unexpected 3 months ago. We played the song on her funeral. And the first 7 senteces are now tattood on my arm......Our Flame burns forever.......😢

[@xtreme4stringbass]

Peace and love brother, my heart aches for you.

[@algiepinero6320]

I love this song.so much to remember,way back younger day.

[@kylekerwin4993]

Incredible performance of this song. Probably my personal favorite from this band. The vocal range and music balance is so pure and clean. A love song that is like a tug of war with your heart and feelings with beautiful fluidity.

[@The400lbgorillas]

She sounds very knowledgeable about why he sounds great. I've been listening to him since 1978 and I don't know "why" he's so good, but I think he may have the best voice in rock n roll.

[@martydufer9024]

One of my favorite bands ever. They are great live. Listen to the early albums. Fun band.

[@LewStewls]

Robin Zander never makes it high on the list of greatest Rock singers which is crazy. I love his expression after he hit the big vocal part. He's like 'yep, I nailed it.' Also, The Flame is a top 5 80s Rock balled. Beautifully crafted song. I was disc jockey in the 80s when this song was a hit, and the requests to play it were massive. Listeners couldn't get enough of it.

[@jeanclaude7018]

It's strange how that works. Many people also don't know who Bradley Delp is, even though his voice is still everywhere you go.

[@mr.fredsaid1894]

My Favorite Cheap Trick song no doubt. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@allen_p]

A wonderful power ballad. Hits you right in your heart.

[@stevenhaffner3299]

Robin did a duet with Ann Wilson for movie Tequila Sunrise called Surrender To Me. Incredibly passionate song.

[@parrisprice5892]

Those Wilson sisters are rock goddesses, one of the best concerts I ever saw,Heart

[@SlitherWhisp]

I lost track decades ago of how often I played this song. It came out just as I was trying to get over a break-up. The power of music to take someone back to a time and place.... Thank you for reviewing this song. :)

[@refuztosay9454]

Same.

[@faith8139]

I think you mean gorgeous face! LOL. Saw them in Cleveland, July 2024. Robin still looks and sounds great!

[@ChrisWagner-u3l]

Keep in mind by this point they’d been playing about 180 dates a year every year since 1974…which they still do to this day…he’s one of the greatest rock singers ever…he’s an anomaly. He also has perfect pitch…and his overall tone and range have remained reasonably intact until recent years…but he’s 72 now and after 50 years of 150+ shows a year it’s pretty impressive in general.

[@Vintage_ImageNYonIG]

I saw cheap trick in 93 at the Norwalk Oysterfest😊. First cassette I got in 1977 was Live at budokan

[@RockandRant1]

One of the most underrated rock vocalist ever from one of the most underrated rock bands ever

[@blackhawksfan2525]

This song came out when I was 9. It was the first song in my life that I identified as my 'favorite'. I remember watching MTV for hours on end waiting for them to play it so I could record the video on VHS. Still one of my all time favorite songs. In 1991 Zander did a solo album with a song on it called 'I've Always Got You' that I don't remember ever being popular, but it's a tear jerker as well.

[@2PopRonB]

Robin has a voice unlike any other in rock. Crystal clear with a full range. That he’s done it for decades is mind boggling.

[@kolchak357]

Just saw Cheap Trick two days ago. Still sounds great! 🤘 And yes, they did The Flame.

[@lorencasey8999]

did they have Robyn's son playing guitar and singing with them? saw them this way a month and a half ago at Busch stadium in St Louis (with Journey and Def Leppard)

[@kolchak357]

@@lorencasey8999 Yes, Robin Taylor Zander is still playing guitar and singing backup. They usually have him sing lead on one song too (usually on Downed). He has been there for at least the last few times I’ve seen them. Can’t remember exactly when he became a permanent fixture though. I know Bun E Carlos was gone around 2010. Daxx Nielsen is an excellent drummer, but I still miss Bun.

[@HarryBrett-c5j]

I was there when they came out and they rocked. Great Band! To you Vocalyst, your awesome.

[@KellyDaye]

Seen them a few months ago in Nova Scotia, Canada. Still put on a good show and Robin still has the pipes...

[@joeyb.8613]

First saw Cheap Trick open for Foreigner in around 1979... Been hooked ever since. Seen them at least 25 times live... Always a terrific show! And definitely love you and your channel!

[@thbenton4]

I too first saw Cheap Trick open for Foreigner. I was an remain beyond impressed!

[@cathyopthof8136]

This song chills me to the bone!! Not only is He gorgeous, the song is gorgeous! I played this over and over and over.........💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@daviddahlstrom592]

I was hooked on Cheap Trick after I heard Live at Budokan. Glad I got to see them live. Yes, played at my wedding.

[@debranelson1987]

Cheap Trick is one of my absolutely favorite bands. The musicianship and stage performance is captivating and the virtuosity of Robin Zanders voice is mesmerizing. This is just my humble opinion.

[@Cashcrop54]

Cheap Trick is incredible live. Rick Neilson on guitar, Tom Peterson played a 12 string bass. And Bun E. Carlos the most stealth rock drummer in history. Robyn Zander's voice is so great live. Saw them many times and they were all on point every time.

[@Johnny67557]

Robin is one of the greatest rock voices. And still is amazing!!

[@shorerocks]

What a voice. I am a fan since early 80s. Robin Zander's voice is so powerful, pristine, just... wonderful. I'd die for a voice like that. At least I play a bit of guitar.

[@brainrussell6811]

Legendary voice... so distinctive.

[@hanginwithkh2021]

My husband and I got married in June of 1988 and the very first song that was played at our reception was 'The Flame.' We had not heard it before then, and it quickly became our song. Every time we went somewhere on our honeymoon, it was playing on the radio. One of the best songs of the 80s.

[@stuartharris4062]

Bethany - you have a connection to this era of music ❤❤

[@bruinbro23]

This is my favorite band in life, older brothers had albums, when gone and a kid, listened, haven't stopped since! Robin Zander nickname by producers of them is Man with 1000 voices. He can yell in hard Rock songs like others do in hard Rock bands, listen to Gonna Raise Hell, on same album Dream Police, as Voices, as softest ballad ever. Every album of them has one slow and soft, then hard and fast, but rest in middle , why they started in 70s genre Power Pop, because of Robin. He had a movie soundtrack song with Ann Wilson, of course Heart, and interview with her asking about other singers she likes, brought up Robin, she shook her head, got serious, and said "He could do anything! The Best". To get that from one of best singers ever, all needed to know! Their 25th anniversary, 1999, at home in Rockford, IL, was a DVD in 2000, outside at night, many thousands long back there, band in 40s, prime, all their hits, look up, someone put it on KZbin. He's ok to start before singing songs like this high by singing without Mike in back yeah, yeah, stretching his throat, getting prepared...not afraid to let all see and hear his practice before. Why band leader, and oldest, guitar player has shirt, saying My Singer is Better than Yours in huge letters. They have fun, all friends in HS, the greatest garage band ever! ❤💋❤

[@bruinbro23]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4C8iqmVqKaGrposi=cBEPnTJTewcHCISq In their 40s, Robin singing song albums before The Flame, on my top 5 of them!

[@briandoyle3507]

She is really focused on Mr.Zander.That little smile on her face.Good choice.

[@robertpearce5553]

It's great to see how music can affect any excite a such a babe as you!!! Thanks for sharing!!❤❤

[@salmanilla7943]

The band seems loud and rockin, and he's right there with them and nailing it. It's on another level.

[@LilMissHockeyRocker]

I've probably seen Cheap Trick 25 or more times over the last 45+ years, from huge stadium shows to a small venue in Boulder, CO. They never, ever disappoint and are still rocking just as hard now as they did back in the Live at Budakon days. Still have their stuff on vinyl... and, yes, I still listen to them that way! Old rock never dies, it just gets better with age! Love your reviews, Bethany. It's so cool to watch someone experience my "life" music for the first time. Even my SO watches you now, 'cuz I made him listen to a Black Sabbath review (he's a rabid Ozzy fan). Thanks for always bringing a smile to my face. Keep rockin'! :)

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

Robin Zander is one of the best vocalists ever!!! Long live Cheap Trick!!!

[@jasonlohorn268]

When this song came out I was living in Nashville going to college and working part time at an auto dealership… my 17 year old girl friend for 2.5 years was back home finishing up high school. I would drive 70 miles home each weekend to see her…. But this song was close to me back then. Played it on my cassette player a million times. Thanks for the video, the guy can definitely sing.

[@rileyhalls9301]

I think that this was about the best taped live performance of this beautiful song that I've seen him do.( & I think I've seen most tapes & also saw him on concert when he was older). Such a moving performance.

[@LesSmith45]

Two more killer power ballads by Cheap Trick are Tonight Its You! If You Want My Love You Got It! There is one more I am forgetting at the moment! Oh ya Voices!

[@heted1]

Great analysis of the vocals by Robin. To be that good live is very impressive

[@garyrowe5984]

I am glad I am old enough to have grown up with this music , it was just normal to us !!

[@darrinashby9019]

I was fortunate to see them open for Pat Benatar the year this song came out. 2 amazing vocalists in one night.

[@louiefish1991]

Robin has incredible pipes! One of the greatest vocalists that’s not appreciated enough!

[@vaughnnewman8903]

One of the best things the 80's have cornered the market on is the ballad- every type of ballad.

[@mitchelperkins6723]

Always enjoyed Robin's singing. I have been enjoying your analysis of singers now for about 3 years. There is a reason your subscription numbers have climbed so fast these past few years. You really break down how the singers do their art. You are super pleasant to listen too and watch. I love the amazement on your face when you get surprised by a new to you artist. Is old rockers lived these eras you are reviewing now. Music is to be appreciated and enjoyed, and when a song speaks to your heart and soul it is an amazing gift. Love what you do Bethany

[@cookypuss8603]

They have a reputation of being one of the best live bands.

[@sweetmess904]

One of the Best singers in Rock!

[@John_Dreams]

Love this band, awesome choice, Rick Nielson had some crazy guitars, one had I think 5 necks! Oh and the movies, Guardians of the galaxy and top gun. Choice which ever you recall or was your genre. amazing. Thank you again

[@toddmathers5075]

Great reaction. It's so funny how the passage of time changes the impressions of some bands, or the songs of some bands. This song, while a hit, was not popular among many Cheap Trick fans who were with them from the beginning (similar how many early Supertramp fans did not like Breakfast in America at the time it was released). Cheap Trick's first three albums were really, really good, though not mainstream hits. Then they released Live at Budokan which was a smash and is their best selling album, then Dream Police, their top selling studio album (but inferior to their first 3 IMO). Then their bassist left the band and after that they released a number of medicore albums during the 80's. Out of nowhere, this song hit the airwaves at the end of the 80's. It's aged well. You described it perfectly...it's a power ballad...and for that type of song, it's among the best. Glad to see Robin's vocals being profiled because, as others have said, his vocal talent really has been underappreciated in the great book of rock 'n roll. Have always loved this band. I've seen them live 5 times and they are there is no pretention with them. Playing live has always been their thing.

[@EscutCavaller007]

I saw Cheap Trick twice in the 80s-90s (I'd like to be young again. MTV Spring Break). What a blast! I love how he switches from the McCartney sound to Ringo in "Voices" and on "If you Want my Love." Thanks for your phenomenal reviews!

[@zingermike]

Decades later people finally realizing what great vocals that Robin had. Saw them 2 years ago, great trip down memory lane.

[@ralphus555]

Incredible vocal performance by Robin. My absolute favorite ballad... Heaven from Bryan Adams and Amanda from Boston also up there.