The Revolution by Night Songs Ranked

The Revölution by Night is the ninth studio album by American hard rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released in November 8, 1983. The album was intended to capitalize on the success of Fire of Unknown Origin two years prior, hence the blend of straight-ahead rock and pop elements. This was the first BÖC album not to feature all of the band’s classic members, drummer Albert Bouchard having been fired during the previous tour and replaced by roadie Rick Downey. Lead single “Shooting Shark” was modestly successful on radio, reaching #83 and #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock charts, respectively.  Its accompanying video became one of MTV’s most requested clips upon its release.. The lyrics to “Shooting Shark” were based on a poem by Patti Smith. “Take Me Away,” co-written by Eric Bloom and Canadian rock musician Aldo Nova, also received significant airplay on AOR. An earlier version of the song, titled “Psycho Ward”, was being written by Nova before Bloom offered to contribute some lyrics, coming up with the chorus. The song reached #11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. A music video was created for the song and was featured on MTV. Here are all of The Revolution by Night songs ranked.

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9. Take Me Away

“Take Me Away” proves why BOC are a bunch of creative geniuses- this song is irresistibly groovy during the verse with a catchy guitar riff utilized in between. How can you NOT enjoy the chorus? “I turn my hopes up to the sky, I’d like to know before I die, memories will slowly fade, I lift my eyes and say come on take me away”. It’s great! You’ll love it!”

8. Light Years of Love

“Light Years of Love” is a pretty unique way to take advantage of the 80’s technology. This would sound horribly dated coming from most artists, but Blue Oyster Cult obviously set out to stand apart from the crowd long, long ago so they’re able to back it up with a memorable verse melody. I love the ballad-like and believably sincere way this song is sung.”

7. Dragon Lady

“Dragon Lady” contains the best opening riff EVER! Oh heck, make that best verse melody EVER too! What a crunchy guitar riff. Seriously, if you’re a young aspiring band that wants to make an impression and get recognition, take a chapter out of “Dragon Lady’s” book. The song turns into an assortment of vocal melodies- all of them equally spectacular. Lyrically the song’s probably about – at least I imagine without actually checking- most certainly about drugs”

See more: Blue Oyster Cult Albums Ranked

6. Eyes on Fire

“Eyes on Fire” plods along somewhat generically and simplistic which makes it immediately stand out (ha, funny isn’t it? A simplistic written song stands out in a negative way on a *hard rock* album! That almost never happens!) I feel this song never lives up to the creepy piano line in the beginning but I like the chorus “Eyes on fire glowing like coals in the night”.

5. Let Go

“Let Go” contains a speedy rocking rhythm- BOC’s specialty (when they want to write music this way that is, which is usually once or twice per album). Obviously influenced by the 50’s rock scene- LOVE the catchy chorus! Some might find it cheesy since the lyrics are uninspiring and basically a perfect example of 80’s cheese, but… how can I resist a melody so catchy?”

4. Shooting Shark

“I definitely remember I originally had a problem with “Shooting Shark”. My initial feeling is that the 80’s totally wrapped up the members of Blue Oyster Cult under a rug and wouldn’t let go… that’s another way of saying, the artificial commmercialized nature of the 80’s had BOC firmly under its dreaded spell for this track! However, I was honestly overlooking the great verse melody. It’s sung in a really beautiful and sincere way.”

See more: Blue Oyster Cult Songs Ranked

3. Feel the Thunder

“Feel the Thunder” shows an *awesome* display of guitar riff exchanges in the middle. Fantastic chorus too. “Feel the thunder of the midnight ride, they’re torn asunder by those who died”. The aggressive nature of the guitar playing makes it one of the more underrated songs from the album. I believe it’s a song about bikers. The enchanted Dracula-like “Mr. Crowley”-resembling intro (Ozzy Osbourne song) is pretty cool.”

2. Veins

“Veins” is alright, but doesn’t interest me as much as the rest of the material here. An awkwardly put together string of melodies and some of them clearly don’t appeal to me such as the one that goes “Veins on the sidewalk, veins know the score wins, veins in my mind”.

1. Shadow of California

“Shadow of California” has an addicting sing-along chorus with a steady Nazareth-resembling guitar riff carrying a magnificent song. Might take a few listens to warm up to this one, though. I’m not exactly sure what the lyrics are referring to, but the line “Night makes right, the symbol remains” makes me think it’s about a gang of explorative bikers stumbling upon (or searching for) symbolism hidden in a distinct spot somewhere in the upper mountainous portion of California.”