"Riffs" is the twenty-sixth studio album by the English rock band Status Quo, released in November 2003. The album contains ten cover versions of classic pop and rock standards, alongside five re-recorded tracks from their 1970s catalog. The mix of new covers and reworked older material gives the album a reflective quality, drawing from both the band's past and their enduring love for rock 'n' roll.
The initial release of Riffs included a bonus 9-track DVD, which featured television footage and the video for their 2002 Top 20 hit "Jam Side Down," filmed aboard the HMS Ark Royal. This video was particularly notable for its nautical setting, adding a unique visual element to the promotion of the album. Originally, Riffs was planned for release one week after their previous album Heavy Traffic, but the release date was pushed back by the record company.
The album booklet also included non-performance photos of the band taken at Powderham Castle in Devon, where they had played a gig shortly before finishing the album. These images added a personal and intimate touch to the release, showcasing the band outside of their usual live performance setting.
Riffs was part of Status Quo's long-standing tradition of staying true to their rock roots while celebrating their extensive musical legacy, blending the old with the new in a way that resonated with both longtime fans and newer listeners.
