Sweet: "Golden Greats" Album (1977)

On October 3, 1977, RCA Records released Sweet's Golden Greats in the UK, a 12-track compilation celebrating the glam rock icons The Sweet at the height of their chart-dominating run. This LP (catalog: PL 25114) was a vibrant snapshot of the band’s biggest hits from 1971–1976, showcasing their infectious blend of bubblegum pop, hard rock riffs, and theatrical flair. Curated by RCA to capitalize on Sweet’s UK success, Golden Greats targeted fans eager for a definitive collection of their anthems, produced by luminaries like Phil Wainman and Mike Chapman. While it didn’t chart significantly, it remains a beloved artifact of Sweet’s glittery legacy.

Album Overview

Label: RCA Records (UK).

Format: 12-inch vinyl LP, later reissued on CD and digital platforms.

Release Date: October 3, 1977, timed to keep Sweet’s hits in circulation after their peak glam era.

Context: By 1977, Sweet—Brian Connolly (vocals), Steve Priest (bass), Andy Scott (guitar), and Mick Tucker (drums)—were transitioning from glam to harder rock, with albums like Level

Headed (1978) on the horizon. Golden Greats was a nostalgic look back, compiling singles from their Chinn/Chapman hit-making days and later self-penned tracks.

Tracklist and Highlights

Golden Greats gathers Sweet’s most iconic singles, blending their early bubblegum pop with the heavier sound they developed later.

A1

Blockbuster

Nicky Chinn, Mike Chapman

1973 UK No. 1, with its wailing siren and stomping beat. A glam rock classic.

A2

Ballroom Blitz

Chinn, Chapman

1973 UK No. 2, a riotous anthem covered by everyone from The Damned to Krokus.

A3

Teenage Rampage

Chinn, Chapman

1974 UK No. 2, a rebellious call to arms with layered vocals.

A4

The Six Teens

Chinn, Chapman

1974 UK No. 9, a reflective ode to youth with lush harmonies.

A5

Fox on the Run

Andy Scott, Brian Connolly, Steve Priest, Mick Tucker

1975 UK No. 2, a self-produced hit with sleek production and biting riffs.

A6

Action

Scott, Connolly, Priest, Tucker

1975 UK No. 15, a defiant rocker later covered by Def Leppard.

B1

Wig-Wam Bam

Chinn, Chapman

1972 UK No. 4, bubblegum glam with a playful nod to Native American imagery.

B2

Little Willy

Chinn, Chapman

1972 UK No. 4, a cheeky earworm that broke them in the US (No. 3).

B3

Co-Co

Chinn, Chapman

1971 UK No. 2, their first major hit, blending calypso vibes with pop.

B4

Funny Funny

Chinn, Chapman

1971 UK No. 13, early bubblegum with sugary hooks.

B5

Poppa Joe

Chinn, Chapman

1972 UK No. 11, another tropical-tinged pop hit.

B6

Alexander Graham Bell

Chinn, Chapman

1971 UK No. 33, a quirky tribute to the telephone inventor.

The tracks, mostly from 1971–1975, highlight Sweet’s evolution from Chinn/Chapman’s pop factory to their own songwriting on Desolation Boulevard (1974) and Give Us a Wink (1976). Producers Wainman and Chapman gave the songs their polished, radio-ready sheen, while Sweet’s live energy—Connolly’s soaring vocals, Priest’s harmonies, and Tucker’s thunderous drums—shines through.

Band Lineup: Brian Connolly (lead vocals), Steve Priest (bass, vocals), Andy Scott (guitar, vocals), Mick Tucker (drums, vocals)—the classic quartet at their peak.

Cultural Moment: Released as glam rock waned and punk rose, Golden Greats reminded fans of Sweet’s chart dominance (13 UK Top 20 singles by 1977). It followed their 1976 album Give Us a Wink and preceded Connolly’s departure in 1979.

Legacy and Impact

Chart Performance: Golden Greats didn’t chart in the UK, as compilations rarely did, but it sustained Sweet’s fanbase. Tracks like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run” remain radio staples.

Cultural Reach: The album’s hits appeared in films (Dazed and Confused, Wayne’s World), TV, and games (Guitar Hero). “Ballroom Blitz” alone has over 100 covers, from Tia Carrere to The Struts.

Fan Reception: Praised as a “perfect glam primer” on forums like Rate Your Music, it’s a go-to for discovering Sweet’s hits. Some fans lament the absence of deeper cuts, but the tracklist is undeniably stacked.

Why It Resonates

Golden Greats captures The Sweet at their glittery best—big hooks, bold riffs, and unapologetic swagger. From the siren wail of “Blockbuster” to the raw energy of “Fox on the Run,” it’s a time capsule of glam rock’s golden age. For fans old and new, this compilation is a testament to Sweet’s knack for blending pop catchiness with rock muscle.

Crank up “Ballroom Blitz” and relive the ‘70s glitter explosion! What’s your favorite Sweet anthem? Share in the comments!