The Persistent Pulse of Glam’s Undeniable Heartbeat
On Sweet’s 2015 compilation Action – The Ultimate Story, “Still Got the Rock” emerges as a testament to the band’s enduring vitality and their unshakable connection to the raw spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Though decades had passed since their early seventies chart domination, the song captures a band still fiercely committed to the energy, swagger, and melodic immediacy that defined their glam rock era. This track is less about nostalgia and more a declaration: that even after the years and the changing musical landscape, Sweet still carried the unrelenting pulse that made them legendary.
Musically, “Still Got the Rock” crackles with the same infectious drive that fueled their classic hits. Brian Connolly’s vocals soar with charismatic conviction, backed by Dave Hill’s sharp, glittering guitar riffs, Steve Priest’s propulsive bass, and Mick Tucker’s driving drums. The arrangement blends glam exuberance with tight rock discipline, proving that Sweet’s ability to craft catchy hooks while maintaining rhythmic intensity had not dimmed with time. Each riff and harmony feels deliberate, a confident assertion that the band’s musical instincts remain honed and vital.
Lyrically, the song functions as both proclamation and celebration. It reflects a band aware of their legacy yet refusing to rest upon it, asserting that the spirit of rock they embraced in the early seventies remains alive. There’s a playful defiance in the words, a self-aware wink that acknowledges past glories while insisting that energy, creativity, and passion are not confined to youth. The song captures the duality of Sweet’s identity: pioneers of glam spectacle who could also deliver tight, hard-driving rock with sincerity and skill.
Within Action – The Ultimate Story, “Still Got the Rock” occupies a space of affirmation. It is not merely a retrospective nod; it is an active statement of relevance and resilience. By placing it alongside classics, the compilation contextualizes the track as part of a living continuum, showing that Sweet’s musical heartbeat continues to resonate beyond the heyday of their stardom. It bridges eras, linking the audacious charm of their early work with a seasoned confidence that comes from decades of performance and artistic refinement.
Ultimately, “Still Got the Rock” endures as a vibrant declaration that Sweet’s music is timeless, spirited, and unapologetically alive. It is a reminder that glam rock’s power lies not only in glitter and spectacle but in the persistent heartbeat of a band unafraid to prove, again and again, that they still have the rock.