"Taken by Force" is the fifth studio album by German rock band Scorpions, released by RCA Records in December 1977. The album showcases hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal elements.
The band recorded the album from late August to mid-September of the same year, at Dierks Studios in Cologne, Germany. The album's recording marked the final appearance of long-term drummer Rudy Lenners, who later left the band due to health concerns and was replaced by Herman Rarebell.
Taken by Force includes not only hard rock songs but also ballads, like "Born to Touch Your Feelings," which became a trademark of the Scorpions and was a preview of what awaited in the future with their worldwide hits.
Particular highlights of the album are tracks like "Steamrock Fever" and "The Sails of Charon," the latter regarded as a classic, and was made a perennial feature of the Scorpions' live concerts. Notably, this album also contains "He's a Woman, She's a Man", which is considered one of the first songs to address transgender issues, showing the band's versatility and their knack for tackling sensitive topics.
The album's artwork caused some controversy upon its release as it featured a parent's worst nightmare. The original RCA Records cover photo featured scantily clad adolescents cavorting in a cemetery, which was replaced in some markets with a more benign cover featuring the band members.
Taken by Force was a success both commercially and critically, further establishing the Scorpions as a powerful force in the hard rock and heavy metal scene.
