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Raspberries

Raspberries, an American power pop band from Cleveland, Ohio, rose to prominence in the early 1970s with their rich vocal harmonies, catchy guitar riffs, and an unashamed embrace of the classic pop sound. The group consisted of Eric Carmen on lead vocals and bass guitar, Wally Bryson on guitar, Dave Smalley on rhythm guitar and bass, and Jim Bonfanti on drums. They found a sweet spot in rock music by blending the influence of British Invasion bands like The Beatles with the sensibilities of the burgeoning power pop genre.

The band's self-titled debut album "Raspberries" (1972) and its follow-up "Fresh" (1972) featured breakthrough hits such as "Go All The Way" and "I Wanna Be with You," which encapsulated the band's mastery of melodic hooks and youthful appeal. Their subsequent albums, "Side 3" (1973) and "Starting Over" (1974), demonstrated creative growth, with "Starting Over" being particularly noted for its mature songwriting and production. Though their run was relatively short, Raspberries left a lasting imprint on power pop, influencing future generations of musicians. After an extended hiatus, the band reunited for select live performances, leading to the release of "Pop Art Live" (2017), a live recording from a 2004 concert in their hometown. This release, along with its subsequent encore edition, reminded listeners of the group's electric stage presence and enduring songcraft, bolstering the band's reputation as influential craftsmen of 1970s pop-rock.

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