After releasing the hard and perhaps excessively raw Live album in March 1977, Status Quo decided it was time to give a new turn to their music, trying to achieve a cleaner and fresher sound. Recruiting Pip Williams to produce the new album, this was the first time since 1972 that Quo gave such control to someone outside the band. Subsequently, Williams played an essential part in the British band's evolution. A clean, focused, and friendly pop record, Rockin' All Over the World displeased the band's hard rock-oriented fans.