Crime of the Century (1974) – Album by Supertramp
Introduction
Released in September 1974, Crime of the Century is the third studio album by British progressive rock band Supertramp. The album marked a major turning point for the band, becoming their first commercial and critical success.
It was also the first album recorded by the band’s classic lineup, featuring Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, John Helliwell, Dougie Thomson, and Bob Siebenberg.
The album blends progressive rock, art rock, and melodic pop elements, featuring rich arrangements, dramatic songwriting, and the distinctive Wurlitzer electric piano sound that would become a trademark of the band.
Album Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Supertramp |
| Album | Crime of the Century |
| Release Date | September 1974 |
| Genre | Progressive Rock, Art Rock |
| Label | A&M Records |
| Producers | Ken Scott, Supertramp |
| Length | 43:27 |
Tracklist
Side A
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School
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Bloody Well Right
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Hide in Your Shell
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Asylum
Side B
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Dreamer
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Rudy
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If Everyone Was Listening
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Crime of the Century
Album Credits
Band Members
Rick Davies
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Keyboards
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Vocals
Roger Hodgson
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Guitar
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Keyboards
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Vocals
John Helliwell
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Saxophone
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Clarinet
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Backing vocals
Dougie Thomson
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Bass guitar
Bob Siebenberg
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Drums
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Percussion
Production
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Producer: Ken Scott
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Engineering: Ken Scott
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Recording Studios: Trident Studios and Ramport Studios, London
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Label: A&M Records
Producer Ken Scott was already well known for his work with artists like David Bowie, The Beatles, and Elton John.
Cover Art
The album cover is one of the most memorable in progressive rock history.
It features an illustration of a man locked inside a padded cell, raising his hands toward a window in the shape of a star, suggesting themes of isolation and mental struggle.
The artwork was created by Paul Whitehead, a famous illustrator who also designed covers for Genesis and Van der Graaf Generator.
The imagery reflects the album’s lyrical themes, which often explore society, individuality, mental pressure, and alienation.
Musical Style
Crime of the Century is widely regarded as a progressive rock masterpiece.
Key musical features include:
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the iconic Wurlitzer electric piano
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dramatic orchestral arrangements
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complex song structures
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melodic vocal harmonies
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expressive saxophone parts by John Helliwell
Songs such as “School” and “Rudy” demonstrate the band’s ability to combine storytelling lyrics with sophisticated musical arrangements.
Fun Facts
🎹 Breakthrough Album
This was the album that finally brought international attention to Supertramp.
🎹 Dreamer Was the Hit Single
The song “Dreamer” became the band’s first major hit single, reaching the UK Top 20.
🎹 The Famous Wurlitzer Sound
The distinctive electric piano sound heard throughout the album became a signature element of Supertramp’s music.
🎹 A Perfect Lineup
Many fans consider this album to be the beginning of the band’s classic era lineup.
Trivia
• The song “Bloody Well Right” became a radio hit in the United States.
• The album reached the Top 10 in the UK Albums Chart.
• The closing track “Crime of the Century” features one of the most dramatic orchestral endings in progressive rock.
• The album helped establish Supertramp as one of the leading progressive rock bands of the 1970s.
Did You Know?
💡 The band spent months perfecting the sound of the Wurlitzer electric piano to achieve the distinctive tone heard on the album.
💡 The sound effects at the beginning of “School” include a harmonica played by Rick Davies and recordings of a schoolyard playground.
💡 The album was later ranked among the greatest progressive rock albums of all time by many critics.
💡 The success of Crime of the Century allowed the band to record their next albums with larger budgets and greater creative freedom, leading to classics like Even in the Quietest Moments... and Breakfast in America.
Download Supertramp Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Supertramp - Supertramp (1970)
Supertramp - Indelibly Stamped (1971)
Supertramp - Crisis? What Crisis? (1975)
Supertramp - Even in the Quietest Moments (1977)
Supertramp - Breakfast in America (1979)
Supertramp - Some Things Never Change (1997)
