About this album
Where they were
By 1976, Nazareth was riding high on the success of their previous albums, particularly 'Hair of the Dog' which had solidified their place in hard rock. 'Play 'n' the Game' marked their sixth studio album, continuing to build on their established sound while exploring new lyrical themes and musical directions. This release came at a time when they were gaining traction in the North American market.
Why it matters
'Play 'n' the Game' is significant for its commercial success, reaching number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album features covers that showcase their versatility, including a notable rendition of 'Waiting for the Man,' which further cemented their influence within the rock scene of the 1970s.
Essential tracks
- "Waiting for the Man" — This cover of The Velvet Underground's classic captures Nazareth's hard-edged style while highlighting Dan McCafferty's powerful vocals, bringing a fresh intensity to the original.
- "Somebody to Roll" — Opening the album with catchy hooks and rhythmic grooves, this track exemplifies Nazareth's ability to merge rock with bluesy undertones, setting an engaging tone for the entire record.
- "I Want to Do Everything for You" — This song showcases a softer side of Nazareth, combining heartfelt lyrics with melodic guitar lines, demonstrating their range beyond just heavy rock.
Release Date
November 1, 1976
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Somebody to Roll 3:55
- 2 Down Home Girl 5:04
- 3 Flying 4:20
- 4 Waiting for the Man 4:53
- 5 Born to Love 3:58
- 6 I Want to Do Everything for You 4:18
- 7 I Don’t Want to Go On Without You 3:46
- 8 Wild Honey 3:04
- 9 L.A. Girls 3:52
- 10 Good Love (B‐Side) 3:51
- 11 I Don’t Want to Go On Without You (alternate edit) 3:23
- 12 Waiting for the Man (alternate edit) 6:12
- 13 Somebody to Roll (edit) 3:30