Ecstasy

"Ecstasy" is a song written by Eric Carmen that was first released by the Raspberries on their 1973 album Side 3. It was also released as a single but did not chart. Background Carmen said "Ecstasy" had a "Who/Small Faces feel" although on songs from Side 3 like "Ecstasy" and "Tonight" he felt that the band was able to be the Raspberries without being derivative of influences like the Who and the Beatles. "Ecstasy" was drummer Jim Bonfanti's favorite Raspberries' song, particularly because he "really got to let loose and play" and guitarist Wally Bryson similarly said that it was one of the greatest things the Raspberries had done. Anderson Daily Bulletin critic Randall L. Rohn described the song as starting with "very Who-ish" drums and guitars, similar to "The Kids Are Alright." Rohn said that "The band breaks into a three-part, almost syrupy-sweet chorus as the guitars and drumming churn stronger and stronger in the background. The decibel level builds until the song climaxes with a single, subdued guitar chord." Reception Cash Box called "Ecstasy" a "melodic gem" with an "appetizing mixture of smooth harmony and driving rhythm" and a "superb lead guitar break." Record World said of "Ecstasy" that "With vocal harmonies reminiscent of Beatle days and gutsy, driving guitar work, this Jimmy Jenner-produced masterpiece is a monster from the word go" and that the "tune molds vocals and instrumentals in a manner that belies its hard rock sound." Rohn regarded it as the best song on Side 3.