| Tattoo | |
| Type: | Album |
| Artist: | Rory Gallagher |
| Cover: | Tattoo6xi.jpg |
| Released: | November 1973 |
| Recorded: | August 1973 |
| Studio: | Polydor Studios, London |
| Genre: | Blues rock |
| Length: | 58:52 (1999 reissue) |
| Label: | Polydor 2383 230 (UK) Polydor 5539 (USA) |
| Producer: | Rory Gallagher |
| Prev Title: | Blueprint |
| Prev Year: | 1973 |
| Next Title: | Irish Tour |
| Next Year: | 1974 |
Tattoo is the fourth studio album and fifth album overall released by Rory Gallagher, in 1973.
Classic Rock magazine opined that Tattoo was an album that "crossed many genres of rock and roll and showcased the writing talents of Rory Gallagher more than any of his previous records."[1] BBC's reviewer noted that while Gallagher "toured constantly," he still "found time away from the stage to write so many great songs," adding that "Tattoo is perhaps the pick of the bunch: a near-perfect document of the powerful, passionate performances that placed Rory in a league of his own."[2] For the reviewer, the album was "a scintillating showcase for Rory’s mastery of his craft" from "the laid back vibe of opener "Tattoo'd Lady," the raunchy riffing of "Cradle Rock" and "Admit It" to quieter moments such as the acoustically driven "20:20 Vision."[2]
"Cradle Rock" was inspired by the "happy coincidence" that Gallagher "rocked literally all his life" having been born at the Rock Hospital in Ballyshannon, Ireland.[3] The track was also covered by Joe Bonamassa on his debut album A New Day Yesterday.
According to Rory's brother, Donal, Polydor did not "properly promote" the album.[4]
All songs composed by Rory Gallagher except where noted.
Side one
Side two
CD bonus track
Track listing on French LP