Rabbitt – Boys Will Be Boys! (CD cover 2006)
Fifty years ago, a young South African rock band was putting the finishing touches on what would become one of the most influential albums in the country’s music history. Rabbitt’s debut studio album “Boys Will Be Boys!” didn’t just mark the arrival of a new band – it announced the emergence of a musical genius named Trevor Rabin and helped define the sound of South African rock for generations to come.
A Golden Debut That Changed Everything
Released in 1975 on Jo’Burg Records, “Boys Will Be Boys!” achieved something remarkable: it reached gold certification faster than any other album previously released in South Africa at the time. This wasn’t just commercial success – it was cultural impact. The album also earned the group a prestigious Sarie Award, cementing their place in South African music history.
At the heart of this success was Trevor Rabin, the mastermind behind six of the album’s ten original compositions. His songwriting ranged from smoldering rock anthems like “Savage” to velocity metal tracks like “Hard Ride,” showcasing a versatility that would later serve him well in his international career with Yes and as a film composer.
The Locomotive That Started It All
The story of “Boys Will Be Boys!” actually begins with a cover. Rabbitt’s 1972 version of Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath” had become a runaway hit, reaching #11 on the Springbok Radio charts and #3 on LM Radio. Producer Patric van Blerk, recognising the potential in this young band, approached Trevor Rabin in 1974 to put together a deal based on that success.
What neither van Blerk nor Rabin fully realized at the time was the musical powerhouse they had on their hands. When “Locomotive Breath” was re-recorded for the album in 1975, the band made a bold artistic choice – they restored the original Jethro Tull lyrics that had been “cleaned up” for South African censors in the earlier single version. It was a brave move that signaled their artistic maturity.
More Than Just Rock: The Musical Tapestry
“Boys Will Be Boys!” showcased Rabbitt as far more than a typical rock band. The album’s ten tracks revealed sophisticated arrangements and diverse influences. Trevor Rabin handled vocals, guitars, and keyboards while also serving as producer and arranger. Duncan Faure contributed keyboards and took lead vocals on “Hard Ride,” Neil Cloud (who turned 70 this week) provided the rhythmic foundation on drums and percussion, and Ronnie Robot anchored the sound on bass.
The production (by Trevor Rabin, Patric van Blerk, and Julian Laxton) featured lush string arrangements by Pro Arte, led by Bram Verhoef, and even included a violin solo by Trevor’s father, Godfrey Rabin, on “Hard Ride.” This attention to musical detail set the album apart from its contemporaries and helped create a polished sound that was both accessible and sophisticated.
The Songs That Defined a Generation
Each track on the album contributed to its lasting appeal:
- “Something’s Going Wrong With My Baby” opened the album with infectious energy
- “Savage” delivered the kind of smoldering rock that would become a Rabin trademark
- “Lifeline” (co-written with van Blerk) became a six-minute epic that showcased the band’s range
- “Charlie,” perhaps the album’s most intriguing track, told the story of van Blerk’s close friend Charles Coetzee and their Persian cat Lady Marmalade – proving that great rock songs could come from the most unexpected places. Reached #9 on Springbok Radio (and #8 on Radio 5) in June 1976.
International Recognition and Lasting Legacy
The album’s impact extended far beyond South Africa’s borders. International releases followed in 1976 (USA via Capricorn Records), 1976 (UK via Jet Records), and 1977 (Japan via Capricorn), introducing Rabbitt’s sound to global audiences. The album has remained in print through numerous reissues, including CD versions released in Germany, the UK, USA, and a 2006 South African reissue with bonus tracks.
Critics recognized the album’s significance from the start. As reviewer Kurt Shoemaker noted, “This album rules, ok?” – capturing both the enthusiasm and the lasting appeal that has kept “Boys Will Be Boys!” relevant for five decades.
The Trevor Rabin Connection
For fans of progressive rock and film music, “Boys Will Be Boys!” offers a fascinating glimpse into the early development of Trevor Rabin’s distinctive style. The sophisticated arrangements, memorable melodies, and technical prowess that would later characterize his work with Yes and his film scores are all present in embryonic form. Amazon reviewers have noted that this album, along with Rabbitt’s other work, clearly provided the foundation that led to Rabin’s later international success.
A Half-Century Later
Fifty years on, “Boys Will Be Boys!” remains essential listening for anyone interested in South African rock, the development of Trevor Rabin’s musical genius, or simply great rock music from the mid-1970s. The album captured lightning in a bottle – a moment when a young band’s ambition, talent, and timing aligned perfectly.
The album’s influence can still be heard today. Cover versions by artists like Wonderboom (who tackled “Charlie” in a RocKwaito style) and Lorraine Shannon (featuring a guitar solo by Rabin himself) prove that these songs continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Boys Will Be Boys!”, we’re not just honouring a great album – we’re recognising a pivotal moment in music history. This was the moment when South African rock announced itself to the world, when Trevor Rabin began his journey to international stardom, and when a group of young musicians created something that would endure for half a century.
In an era when albums are often consumed as individual tracks, “Boys Will Be Boys!” reminds us of the power of the complete artistic statement. From the opening notes of “Something’s Going Wrong With My Baby” to the gentle fade of “Charlie,” it takes listeners on a 33-minute journey that feels like “a rocking live set that also has a few slow numbers thrown in for close dancing.”
Here’s to “Boys Will Be Boys!” – fifty years of rock excellence, and counting. The boys became legends, and their music remains timeless.
Thank you for this review. I have spent the last 30 years trying to learn these songs on the guitar (and this is the easier album – try to learn the songs on Croak, that is a challenge), only to discover that my guitar just doesn’t have the notes that Trevor could play when he was in his late teens. The trick is to learn Ronnie’s basslines, whilst solid they do outline the chords. In fact learn Ronnie’s basslines because he’s a brilliant bassist.