Introduction:
“Go All the Way” is a classic rock anthem released in 1972 by the American rock band Raspberries. Written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist Eric Carmen, the song became their biggest hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over one million copies.
The song’s lyrics are notable for their sexually suggestive nature, which was considered quite daring for the time. The title itself is a reference to the 1970 novel “Going All the Way” by Dan Wakefield, which explores themes of teenage sexuality and coming of age. Carmen has stated that he was inspired to write the song after seeing Mick Jagger sing “Let’s Spend the Night Together” on television, where the lyrics were censored to “Let’s Spend Some Time Together.”
Musically, “Go All the Way” is a classic example of power pop, characterized by catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and a strong emphasis on harmonies. The song’s arrangement features a memorable guitar riff, a pounding drumbeat, and a soaring vocal performance by Carmen.
Released on the band’s self-titled debut album, “Go All the Way” helped establish the Raspberries as one of the leading bands of the early 1970s power pop movement. The song’s success also helped to popularize the genre and influence a new generation of musicians.
Despite its popularity, “Go All the Way” was banned by the BBC due to its explicit lyrics. However, the song’s impact on popular culture was undeniable, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, and Weezer.