Tag: musicalbums

[’80s Rock Album Focus] GIANT – Last Of The Runaways

giant-last-of-the-runaways

Last Of The Runaways

Released: August 29, 1989
Genre: Rock/Hard Rock/AOR
Duration: 55:16
Label: A&M
Producer(s): Terry Thomas

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OVERVIEW

 

Giant’s “Last of the Runaways” deserved so much more than it actually got. Unfortunately, the time wasn’t right for it – by 1989, the heydays of album-oriented rock were long gone. Despite its high production value, melodic quality and outstanding vocals and riffs by Dann Huff, “Last of the Runaways” somehow got lost in the transition period from the ‘80s to the ‘90s. Nevertheless, there will always be rock fans like me and you, who can truly appreciate a piece of art when they see it, regardless of any other factors. The debut album of Giant has a lot to offer – from solid rockers, fueled with mind-blowing riffs, to emotional power-ballads, the whole album is a pure melodic paradise.

“Last of the Runaways” makes a clear statement right from the first tune – “I’m a Believer” is a solid rocker with one of the most chilling, hair-raising guitar intros. What follows next is a beautiful, well-balanced selection of arena rock tunes, perfectly demonstrating the artistic skills and qualities of Giant. “Innocent Days”, “Can’t Get Close Enough” and “No Way Out” are just a few of the dangerously obsessive rock tornadoes that could be heard on this album. I’m saving the best for last – “Last of the Runaways” gives us three of the greatest power ballads ever written – “Love Welcome Home”, “It Takes Two” and of course their most commercially successful song, “I’ll See You in My Dreams”. How Dann and the rest of the guys wrote such powerful and emotionally-charged pieces of art is beyond my understanding, but believe me when I say this – If you are searching for a heart-stirring musical experience, look no further than those three tunes, especially “I’ll See You In My Dreams”. (I mean just listen to those lyrics “…Time, time will never be a friend of mine again, It tries to make your memory fade, but I won’t let it end…”)

“Last of the Runaways” wrapped up the ‘80s in an outstanding way, with excellent music craftsmanship and gorgeous selection of rockers. I can’t recommend it enough! Giant’s next step – the sophomore album “Time to Burn” yet again proved that they weren’t your ordinary hard rock/hair metal band. Listen to the songs and I hope you will understand what I’m saying…

Tracklist:

I’M A BELIEVER
INNOCENT DAYS
I CAN’T GET CLOSE ENOUGH
I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
NO WAY OUT
SHAKE ME UP
IT TAKES TWO
STRANGER TO ME
HOLD BACK THE NIGHT
LOVE WELCOME HOME
THE BIG PITCH

I’m a Believer

I’ll See You In My Dreams

It Takes Two

No Way Out

 

References:
“Last of The Runaways” Official Wikipedia webpage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_of_the_Runaways
P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers.
The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment.
Cheers~
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[The Greatest Rock Albums of the 80s] Bryan Adams – Reckless

bryan adams - reckless

“Reckless” is undoubtedly one of the most successful and internationally appraised solo albums of Bryan Adams. The record sold over 12 million copies worldwide and spawned 6 hit singles all of which made it to the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100! The album also reached top chart positions in other countries, such as New Zealand, Norway, Australia and of course – Canada. Bob Clearmountain – a mastermind music engineer and producer stood next to Bryan Adams and helped craft this straight up rock ‘n’ roll record.  He had also worked with notable artists, such as Toto, The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Simple Minds and many more. The results were quite obvious – “Reckless” is a straight up, shockingly direct but well- schemed convergence of pop and hard edge rock ‘n’ roll! Let’s look more into it…

 

RECKLESS

bryan adams - recklessReleased: November 5, 1984
Recorded: March–August 1984 at Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver, Canada
(“Heaven” – recorded in June 1983)
Genre: Rock
Length: 37:58
Label: A&M
Producer(s): Bob Clearmountain, Bryan Adams
Singles: “Run to You”, “Somebody”, “Heaven”, “Summer of 96”, “One Night Love Affair”, “It’s Only Love”
Personnel: Bryan Adams – lead vocals, guitars, piano, harmonica, hand claps, foot stomping and a long list of awesome musicians who contributed (including Tina Turner)
Certified: 5xPlatinum (RIAA)

 

TRACKLIST:

“One Night Love Affair”
“She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin'”  
“Run to You”
“Heaven”
“Somebody”
“Summer of 69”
“Kids Wanna Rock”
“It’s Only Love” (w/ Tina Turner)
“Long Gone”
“Ain’t Gonna Cry”

vinyl reckless bryan adams

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OVERVIEW

“Reckless” is a rocker full of enthusiasm, energy and honesty. If you are in the mood for something soft and gentle, this is most definitely not the album for you. “Reckless” has a quite promising and directly-to-the-point start– “One Night Love Affair” hits us hard from the first second. One of the best nostalgia songs also features in this album – “Summer of 69” which in addition to bringing back tons of memories, impresses us with uplifting rhythm guitars and catchy melody. The absolute highlight of this album is the glorious duet with the soulful and brilliant Tina Turner – “It’s Only Love”. The duet was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1986 and we can only wonder why didn’t they get the award – the song is an absolute mood changer. The promising “Run to You” and “Somebody” are also the ultimate radio favorites due to their refined beats and friendly lyrics. “Heaven” is an evergreen – a ballad we can’t get enough and the ballad of the ballads! The album wraps things up the same way it started – with an atmospheric, confident and straight up rock ‘n’ roll vibe in the face of “Ain’t Gonna Cry”.

Overall, the album was done exceptionally and does what I believe should be the ultimate goal of each record – it makes people happy. The greatness of the album lies in its simplicity – yes, I do agree that the lyrics are too ordinary and not at all meant to trigger a deep emotional response and yes – the melodies are not as complicated and refined, however this is a fun, rock n’ roll radio-perfect album that is meant to be entertaining, fun and enjoyable. I personally find it quite pleasant and “It’s Only Love” will forever remain one of my favorite duets of all time!

Let’s listen to some music!

 

It’s Only Love

Heaven

Run To You

 

Credits:
“Reckless” official Wikipedia webpage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reckless_%28Bryan_Adams_album%29
P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers.
Cheers~

Record Madness! Check Out The New Music Releases For June 2016

June is almost here and let me tell you – it’s going to be a great month for people who still purchase and collect CDs/Vinyl and love classic rockstars! In June, we will get the chance to hear some new music from familiar names, as well as once again experience timeless classics, collected to celebrate anniversaries and long careers. Among the highlights would be Paul Simon’s first studio album since 2011, Rolling Stones’ live album and Beach Boys’ project, marking the 50th anniversary of “Pet Sounds”.

Let’s have a look at some of the essential releases for June! I cannot wait!

 

JUNE 3

  • The Cars, The Elektra Years 1978-1987 (vinyl set)

  • The Kinks, Everybody’s in Show-Biz: Legacy Edition

  • Paul Simon, Stranger to Stranger

  • Pink Floyd, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,
    A Saucerful of Secrets,
    More     and
    Ummagumma (vinyl reissues)

  • Rolling Stones, Totally Stripped

 

JUNE 10

  • Beach Boys, Pet Sounds: 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition

  • Electric Light Orchestra, The Studio Albums 1973-1977

  • John Mellencamp, American Fool, Uh-Huh, Scarecrow, The Lonesome Jubilee (vinyl reissues); The Vinyl Collection 1982-1989

  • Paul McCartney, Pure McCartney

  • Phil Collins, … But Seriously: Deluxe Edition, The Essential Going Back: Deluxe Edition (reissues)

  • Motörhead, Clean Your Clock: Live in Munich 2015 (DVD/Blu-ray)

  • The Monkees, Good Times

  • Van Morrison, It’s Too Late to Stop Now … Volumes II, III, IV & DVD

 

JUNE 17

  • Chicago, Chicago Quadio Box

  • Neil Young, Earth

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway

  • The Who, Volume 4: The Polydor Singles 1975-2015

 

Coming out in JULY

survivor the definite collection

  • Survivor, The Definitive Collection (2CD Set)

  • Jeff Beck, (New Untitled Album)

  • Fleetwood Mac, Mirage (reissue)

 

Credits:
June 2016 New Music Releases By Nick DeRiso, retrieved from http://ultimateclassicrock.com/june-2016-new-music-releases/?trackback=tsmclip
List of 2016 album, retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2016_albums#June