Cut Above the Rest

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Cut Above the Rest is the seventh studio album by the English glam rock band Sweet. It was released in April 1979 in the United States and in October 1979 in the United Kingdom. The album runs about 40 minutes and 50 seconds and blends progressive rock, pop rock, and glam rock. It was issued on Polydor and Capitol and produced by the band.

This was Sweet’s first album after lead singer Brian Connolly left the group. Connolly had begun recording, but his vocals were eventually wiped and replaced by bass player Steve Priest and guitarist Andy Scott. Some early Connolly vocals for tracks like “Play All Night” and “Stay With Me” (also known as “Log One/That Girl”) were later released on the rarities collection Platinum Rare.

Cut Above the Rest was issued with two different cover designs: a standard sleeve for the US, Canada, Japan and the UK, and a European edition featuring a wood-carved image of the three band members.

Critically, AllMusic described the album as a strange mix of hard-rocking pop, with progressive touches in a style reminiscent of 10cc and Electric Light Orchestra, plus a soft-rock ballad vibe. Some portions work well and stand out, but the album is uneven, making it memorable but perhaps too erratic for casual listeners.

All songs were written by Steve Priest, Andy Scott and Mick Tucker, unless otherwise noted.