If you haven't heard of 'Siogo'—that electrifying rock album by Blackfoot—you might as well have been living under a rock. Released in 1983 by the Southern rock band Blackfoot, hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, 'Siogo' shook the very foundations of rock music. Why? It was their sixth studio album and, although not initially a chart-topper, it carved out a unique niche in the rock music landscape. For those wondering, 'Siogo' is an acronym for 'Suck It Or Get Out', a title that already lets you know it was made for those who live unapologetically—people who actually believe in rugged individualism.
First off, Rick Medlocke, the band's frontman, brought the guitar riffs to a new level with this album. Medlocke, who had previously been a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, knew a thing or two about how to captivate an audience. With 'Siogo', he took those years of experience and channeled them into a hard-hitting musical masterpiece that spoke to the hearts of real rock enthusiasts. You won't find auto-tuned vocals here—just raw talent, and guitar solos that would make even a liberal pretend not to tap their feet.
The track list in 'Siogo' reads like a battle cry for those who refuse to be complacent. Each song has a spine-tingling energy that demands attention. 'Send Me an Angel,' the intro track, kicks things off with a bang and doesn't dial down the intensity. It's a melody that interlaces heartfelt lyrics with shredding guitar, serving as an anthem for those who feel misunderstood by the mainstream simps. The band's defiance comes across in every note, proving that rock music indeed has elements of fighting spirit and rebellion.
What's more, 'Siogo' gave fans the smash hit 'Teenage Idol', the track that might as well be a public service announcement for standing your ground. This song specifically resonates with anyone who has ever been told to sit down and be quiet when they knew they were destined for something more. The track carries on with a hint of nostalgia that appeals to anyone who remembers what real music was like—before pop culture decided it wanted to take a nose dive into meaningless beats with no backbone.
The title of the album mischievously reflects the no-nonsense attitude of the band. Blackfoot wasn’t ready to cater to anyone's fragile sensibilities. Rather, they laid out a challenge to their listeners: either you love it or you go home. It was a statement that dared people to embrace life fully, without reservations. Even the album cover had a certain grittiness that oozed confidence and charisma.
If you think about its timing, 1983 was an interesting year for rock. Glam bands were sprouting like weeds, pushing away traditional rock's raw energy in favor of flashier outfits and stage sets. But Blackfoot stood their ground, holding onto gritty authenticity. 'Siogo' was a statement that screamed, 'Don't change us, we'll change you'. And guess what? They succeeded.
Another great addition to this album's legacy is the way it affected Blackfoot's live shows. The tracks are live-tested adrenaline shots. With a stage presence that could raise the dead, Blackfoot amped up their performances in venues across America, and around the world, bringing 'Siogo' to life in a way studio recordings could only hint at. Concert-goers would leave those shows changed, their souls temporarily freed from the dross of daily routines.
'Siogo' might not have gone platinum, but for a certain breed of rock purists, it is just as treasured as any chart-topping album. What it lacked in mainstream appeal, it more than made up for in authenticity and rawness. While critics today may drivel on about "nuances" and "stylistic overtones", the real fans are replaying 'Siogo' because it simply feels real.
Many fans might argue that rock music's lost its edge, but a quick listen to 'Siogo' can restore faith in what real rock sounds like. The growing divide in music preferences might be mimicking societal divisions, but you can trust 'Siogo' to remind you of simpler times when people lived by what they believed, without apology. Take a lesson from it and remember that sometimes rock'n'roll is about telling the world to 'Suck It Or Get Out'.