You guys probably know how much I love Survivor, especially what they did in the 80s! Their music is a brilliant fusion of gorgeous lyrics and incredible melodies, creating the perfect mind-blowing rock&roll experience. They are one of the few bands with which I created a very strong and deep connection throughout the years and sometimes I feel like they wrote their music just so it can 100% fit my music taste buds. I won’t apologize for being so biased and pouring out my love for their exceptional music, because they are just that good and if you don’t realize how unique and brilliant their songwriting skills are (Jim Peterik is an absolute songwriting GOD, btw), then it’s your problem and you have to go listen to some Survivor right now!!
I’ve never hidden the fact that Jimi Jamison – Survivor’s second vocalist, who stepped in after Dave Bickler, is one of my favorite vocalists of all time (if not THE MOST favorite one of all). However, I can’t deny the fine work Dave did with Survivor as well, after all he was with the band for 4 years and it was his voice that epitomized one of the most essential and popular tunes of the 80s – that being “Eye of The Tiger”, of course!
All that aside, throughout their career Survivor released numerous hit singles, conquered many charts and many hearts, as well. They left quite the mark and became one of the most essential AOR American bands and the absolute staple of arena rock. But today, I would like to specifically shift your attention from the heavy or mid-tempo rockers they are famous for to the gentle, sweeter and much gentler ballads of Survivor which are just as equally outstanding as their heavier stuff. I am a ballad person – always was, always will be! So, the following collection of songs is for all those people around the world who have a soft spot for rock ballads and love Survivor. Or, if you get to yet discover these tunes (or the band itself), enjoy the beautiful music and spread the word! I chose 5 distinguishable ballads with both their vocalists – Dave and Jimi, because regardless of who sings, these songs are able to touch every little part of your soul, believe me! Here we go…
The Search Is Over
“Vital Signs” is my favorite Survivor album so I just had to start with this song. With Jimi behind the microphone and the brilliant signwriting partnership of Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan, this ballad is everything you’ve ever looked for in a song. A perfect marriage between lyrics and melody, no wonder this song was in the charts for so long in the 80s. “The Search is Over” is definitely a life-changing song!
I was living for a dream
Loving for a moment
Taking on the world
That was just my style
Now I look into your eyes
I can see forever
The search is over
You were with me all the while…
Everlasting
Another ballad from “Vital Signs” and not so popular, that’s why I included it in my selection. “Everlasting” impresses with the perfect vocals of Jimi more than anything. I remember the first time I heard this song – it’s like I was breathing for the first time in my life, the effect of his voice was just that strong. Definitely one of my favorite Survivor songs of all time!
I’m looking for a love that’s everlasting
I wonder if the feeling’s strong enough
Tell me are we merely lovers passing
Or an everlasting love
This could be an everlasting love…
Ever Since The World Begun
There are just a couple of songs that always make me very sad and I feel like crying every time I play them. But that is GOOD! When a song creates such strong emotional reaction, it means it’s really something special. “Ever Since the World Begun” comes from Survivor’s smashing hit album “Eye of The Tiger” (1982) and in my opinion marks one of the finest points of the record. Needless to say, I like it way more than the title song. Dave did a superb job with the vocals!
And we’re just another piece of the puzzle,
Just another part of the plan,
How one live touches the other,
Is so hard to understand.
Still we walk this road together,
We travel through as far as we can,
And we have waited for this moment in time,
Ever since the world began…
I Never Stopped Loving You
“I Never Stopped Loving You” comes from Survivor’s 1983 album “Caught in the Game”. Very underrated album and EXTREMELY underrated song – a song you can never find on those “ballad compilation” CDs! You can’t find it because people who make those compilations don’t understand much, but that’s a whole another story. Not many people know or remember it, but I promise you, it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of art you can listen to. It’s a hidden treasure that I’m revealing to you for free.
Now at last, we fall together,
We’ve been through it all together,
Ooh, I never stopped lovin’ you
When the money was short
And dreams were shattered
Faith in love was all
That pulled us through
I never stopped lovin’ you…
Man Against The World
“Man Against the World” was actually supposed to appear on the soundtrack of Rocky 4 but couldn’t make it. I guess I understand why – it’s a tender ballad, nothing compared to “Eye of the Tiger” or “Burning Heart” and they couldn’t just go soft. Jimi is also one of the writers of the song, along with Jim and Frankie, this time. Gorgeous vocal delivery and the lyrics are just outstanding! You must listen and truly feel it!
…And love, like a distant reminder
It tugs at my shoulder
It calls me home
I shout, can a single voice carry
Will I find sanctuary within your arms
Someday when the answer’s clearer
Someday when I even the score
You’ll reach and you’ll find me near you
Right beside you
Forevermore…
MY ROCK MIXTAPES 
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