Comeblack

As Scorpions made the rounds of their farewell tour, they released this collection of re-recorded versions of their most infamous songs and tracks that influenced them along the way. The new recordings don't compromise the power of the originals—the playing is tight and concise—but they let fans of the originals have a fresh experience. The true joy here, however, is in the covers. Scorpions' take on the Gloria Jones–to–Soft Cell hit "Tainted Love" fits into the band's gameplan. T. Rex's "Children of the Revolution" has a tasty crunch. The Beatles' "Across the Universe" brings out the band's gentle side, creating a dreamlike weave appropriate to the tune's universal appeal. The Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night" already served as the prototype for heavy metal, so it's no surprise it sounds completely in place here. The Small Faces' "Tin Soldier" and The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" capture Scorpions' ability to mix the hard and soft dynamics that made them a heavy metal/hard rock band of great taste.