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The Revölution by Night

by Blue Öyster Cult

Released: November 08, 1983

Hard rock, pop rock, heavy metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

This album marked a significant change for the band, as it was the first not to feature all of their classic members; drummer Albert Bouchard had been fired during the previous tour and replaced by roadie Rick Downey. "The Revölution by Night" is the ninth studio album by American rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released on November 8, 1983. The album was intended to capitalize on the success of their 1981 release Fire of Unknown Origin, blending straight-ahead rock with pop elements.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The song's accompanying music video became one of…

The song's accompanying music video became one of MTV's most requested clips upon release.

The lyrics of "Shooting Shark" were inspired by…

The lyrics of "Shooting Shark" were inspired by a poem by Patti Smith.

Another notable track from the album, "Take Me…

Another notable track from the album, "Take Me Away," was co-written by band member Eric Bloom and Canadian rock musician Aldo Nova.

An earlier version of the song, titled "Psycho…

An earlier version of the song, titled "Psycho Ward," had been written by Nova before Bloom contributed lyrics, including the chorus.

A music video was also made for "Take…

A music video was also made for "Take Me Away" and featured prominently on MTV.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Blue Öyster Cult - The Revölution by Night

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Then

Reception

Despite the band's efforts, the album did not achieve the same commercial success as Fire of Unknown Origin and failed to go Gold in the United States. The lead single, "Shooting Shark," had modest success, reaching #83 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Mainstream Rock charts. The song received significant airplay on AOR radio stations and reached #11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"The Revölution by Night" is the ninth studio album by American rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released on November 8, 1983. The album was intended to capitalize on the success of their 1981 release Fire of Unknown Origin, blending straight-ahead rock with pop elements. This album marked a significant change for the band, as it was the first not to feature all of their classic members; drummer Albert Bouchard had been fired during the previous tour and replaced by roadie Rick Downey.

Despite the band's efforts, the album did not achieve the same commercial success as Fire of Unknown Origin and failed to go Gold in the United States.

The lead single, "Shooting Shark," had modest success, reaching #83 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Mainstream Rock charts. The song's accompanying music video became one of MTV's most requested clips upon release. The lyrics of "Shooting Shark" were inspired by a poem by Patti Smith.

Another notable track from the album, "Take Me Away," was co-written by band member Eric Bloom and Canadian rock musician Aldo Nova. The song received significant airplay on AOR radio stations and reached #11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. An earlier version of the song, titled "Psycho Ward," had been written by Nova before Bloom contributed lyrics, including the chorus. A music video was also made for "Take Me Away" and featured prominently on MTV.