Too Much (Cheap Trick song)

"Too Much"
Single by Cheap Trick
from the album Special One
Released	2003
Format	CD
Genre	Rock, Power Pop
Length	4:42
Label	Victor
Writer(s)	Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson
Producer(s)	Chris Shaw, Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick singles chronology
"My Obsession" (2003) "Too Much" (2003) "Perfect Stranger" (2006)

"Too Much" is a single by American rock band Cheap Trick, released as the third and final single from their 2003 album Special One.

Background

Like the previous two singles from the album "Scent of a Woman" and "My Obsession", "Too Much" was also a promotional single aiming for radio station play only. However, it was not released in America but in Japan only.^[1] It was the band's last single for three years.

The song was written by Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson.^[2] It was produced by both the band and Chris Shaw. Including the rest of the Special One album, the song was mastered at Masterdisk.^[3]

Release

The single was released in Japan only as a promotional CD single, where it aimed solely at radio station play. It was not released through Big3 Records as with the band's American releases but via Victor. The release was a 1-track radio promotional only CD, housed in custom picture sleeve with Japanese bio and band picture.^[1] The release artwork used a similar design to the front cover of the album Special One.^[4]

Following the song's original release as a single and on the Special One album, the song was included on the 2004 live DVD From Tokyo to You, which was released through Steamhammer. However, it was not on the main DVD release of the same name but on the DVD+CD Set edition.^[5] Another version also appeared on the 2005 extended play "Sessions@AOL".^[6]

Promotion

No music video was created for the single, although the song was part of the band's live set around the time of the album's release.^[7]

On August 25, 2003, the band performed the song live on Seattle EMP TV, along with "I Want You to Want Me", "Scent of a Woman" and "Surrender".^[8]

On August 21, 2003, the band performed a set of songs for the session at AOL. The band performed various songs, with at least six songs from the Special One album, including "Too Much". On April 5, 2005, a five track extended play "Sessions@AOL" was released by the band, where ethe song was included as the second track.^[6]

On July 1, 2003, the band played a short acoustic set at the new Apple store in Chicago as part of Apple's "Made on a Mac" series. The band played four songs - "Too Much", "I Want You To Want Me", "Scent of a Woman" and "Goodnight Now" which were recorded onto an Apple laptop using Pro Tools. Producer Harry Witz then took over to demonstrate editing and mixing the songs on the laptop.^[9]

Track listing

CDr Single (CDS-1594)

1. "Too Much" - 4:42

Critical reception

In the Chicago Tribune of July 24, 2003, Blair R. Fischer stated "God bless Cheap Trick for still making music and keeping their original lineup intact after all these years. Too bad "Special One" is our only reward for their perseverance. Replete with worn, lumbering melodies (even one stolen from '70s soul group Three Degrees on "Too Much") and one saccharine, female-empowering anthem, "Scent of a Woman," that'll make you cringe, Cheap Trick's latest is special in the same way that 10-car pile-ups are interesting."^[10]

In the Buffalo News issue of July 18, 2003, pop music critic Jeff Miers described the song as "pure, irresistible pop".^[11]

On December 23, 2004, Star-News released an article based on the band and highlighted the song, where the author described the song as "dynamic".^[12]

In the Dallas Morning News of August 3, 2003, writer Teresa Gubbins stated "The harmonies on "Words" are very Beatles, while "Too Much" evokes John Lennon in his post-Beatles solo days."^[13]

Las Cruces Sun-News reviewed the album in the issue of March 12, 2004, where the author stated "On their newest release "Special One," Cheap Trick wears their influences on their sleeves. But the biggest influence is themselves. "Too Much" is one of their most effective ballads."^[14]

In the July 25, 2003 issue of Lexington Herald Leader, a review of the album spoke of the song, stating "Singer Robin Zander sounds as comfortable with the light stroll of Too Much as he does with the raise-the-dead scream of If I Could."^[15]

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reviewed the album on October 24, 2003, where author Rob McCuen stated "Make no mistake, this is Robin's record, and the thin man flexes the velvet of his million dollar voice on each and every number. "I Want You to Want Me" this ain't. So yeah, so what if they only "rawk out" in two songs? This is a sad, melancholy soundtrack to lose your love to. I pace, I sing, I cry. For three days, I didn't leave my house cuz I was obsessed with first "Words" and later "Too Much." Robin never stops aching and yearning and the diminishing minor chords ala George Harrison guitars will saw your soul in half. The band basically lays back — mean, lean and pretty from top to back — and lets Robin's voice carry the tunes. Robin Zander has simply become the finest white singer of anywhere or anytime. Living or dead, he’s the best there is."^[16] The review was also posted in the Vital Source Magazine issue of November 1, 2003.^[17]

Knac.com writer Frank Meyer reviewed the album upon release, stating "Whoever decided to open this album with "Scent of a Woman" should be shot. Not only is the title borrowed from a horrible, schmaltzy romantic comedy, but it is the worst track on the album and one of the worst they have ever recorded. And this is coming from a diehard fan who likes most everything they've ever done. "Too Much," "My Obsession" and the title track prolong the boredom even further and find this once ferocious band sounding as tame and declawed as ever."^[18]

On MelodicRock.com, reviewer Andrew J McNeice reviewed Special One track by track, and wrote "The tempo drops immediately for track two - Too Much. Despite the tempo drop, the song works really well here and is a great feel good mid-tempo pop track that would have been right at home on singer Robin Zander's solo album. Another possible radio hit."^[19]

Personnel

• Robin Zander - lead vocals, rhythm guitar, producer
• Rick Nielsen - lead guitar, backing vocals, producer
• Tom Petersson - bass guitar, backing vocals, producer
• Bun E. Carlos - drums, percussion, producer

Additional personnel

• Howie Weinberg - Mastering
• Chris Shaw - Mixer, Producer
• Writers of "Too Much" - Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson

References