10cc-Sheet Music (1974)

With their second release, 10cc reaffirmed their status as one of the pop-rock sensations of the early 70s, with an album as masterful as it was ingenious and diverse. The musical balance of its four members, all renowned instrumentalists and excellent songwriters, is perfect on this release. With its ironic and intelligent lyrics, Stewart's brilliant and powerful guitar work, and the beautiful vocal and instrumental harmonies of the rest of the band, the result is a captivating album. Each member interchanges instrumental roles, from Eric Stewart on guitars, mellotron, keyboards, and vocals, to Kevin Godley on drums, percussion, and vocals, and including guitars, keyboards, percussion, synthesizers, bass, tubular bells, and countless other instruments, in addition to vocals, performed by Graham Gouldman and Lol Creme. Here, the band showcases their best qualities with wonderful musical lines, as demonstrated by the irresistible songs "The Wall Street Shuffle", "The Worst Band in the World", "Hotel", "Silly Love", "Somewhere in Hollywood", and "The Sacro-Illac". With this recording, 10cc confirmed their status as one of the most innovative and original bands, a position they would solidify in the following years with the release of a series of gems such as "The Original Soundtrack" (1975), "How Dare You!" (1976), "Deceptive Bends" (1977), and "Bloody Tourists" (1978).