“Go All the Way” is a standout single by American rock band Raspberries. Written by lead vocalist Eric Carmen, the song features a blend of power pop, soft rock, and hard rock elements. Its suggestive lyrics led to a ban by the BBC, yet it achieved significant success in the United States, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Gold certification for selling over 1.3 million copies. The track’s distinctive opening guitar riff, played by Wally Bryson on a Gibson double-neck guitar, has been praised for its enduring impact. “Go All the Way” remains Raspberries’ most successful hit and a defining moment in their musical career.
Go All The Way
Chart Success: “Go All the Way” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 4 on Cashbox, and No. 3 on Record World charts in 1972.
Gold Certification: The single sold over 1.3 million copies, earning Raspberries their only certified Gold Record.
BBC Ban: Due to its sexually suggestive lyrics, the song was banned by the BBC, limiting its exposure in the UK.
Guitar Riff: Lead guitarist Wally Bryson’s opening riff on “Go All the Way” has been described as one of the all-time great rock ‘n’ roll riffs.
Inspiration: Eric Carmen was inspired by the Rolling Stones’ “Let’s Spend the Night Together” and aimed to write a song with an explicitly sexual lyric that would resonate with youth while evading censorship.
