My choice for “song of the week” is Judas Priest’s “New Beginnings” from their 2008 concept album “Nostradamus”. To be honest, I totally forgot about this record and it is definitely not something I actually listen to on a daily basis. However, my heavy metal playlist was on shuffle and suddenly this rock opera started playing and somehow entranced me…To be honest, it took me a few seconds to comprehend what was going on. I carefully listened to the lyrics which I believe are the essence of the track and even re-played it only to once again experience those words. The atmosphere of “New Beginnings” is definitely a bit melodramatic, overly emotional and Rob doesn’t really sound confident or fully committed, however among those lines, I could find something I was truly in need of – hope and anticipation for new beginnings. Those words are for all the people out there who want to hear it – guys, it is tough out there but someday someone will come to your life and change everything.
For a better experience, listen to the track together with “Hope”~
“New Beginnings” Lyrics
Now at last my dream is real I found peace True love can heal On the journey throughout time A new beginning has arrived At the crossroads of my life This new love keeps me alive
I never knew that this could happen to me So many lonely days and nights I never knew that you were waiting for me Hope was out of dight And suddenly I see the future clearly No longer living in the past As I let go
Living the dream Of my life I was alone no-one in sight This love – make me believe that you’re the one Never give up – our day has come
I never felt that this could happen to me So many lonely days and lonely nights I never knew that you were waiting for me Hope was out of sight And suddenly I see the future clearly Finally I know at last I can let go
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~
This informative publication is for all the people who still, after all those years, believe that Eagles’ biggest hit single “Hotel California” (1977) is a song about a hotel…in California. In a recent conversation I had, I was once again reminded that even though the popularity of the track is immensely high – on a worldwide level, the lyrics continue to remain misinterpreted, even from people who claim they are fans. Of course, that is somehow understandable because the true meaning of the song is very well-disguised in clever words and genius metaphors. I grew up with Eagles and even as a kid with quite limited English language skills, I could somehow sense that there’s so much more behind that generic title. I will briefly talk about the lyrics and how to correctly interpret them. For those of you who already know, you can just sit back and listen to the song!
“On just about every album we made, there was some kind of commentary on the music business, and on American culture in general. The hotel itself could be taken as a metaphor not only for the myth-making of Southern California, but for the myth-making that is the American Dream, because it is a fine line between the American Dream, and the American nightmare,” said Don Henley in a 2013 documentary.
Don Henley has actually given a lot of interpretations of this song, all of them somehow connected and adding to each other, following a similar theme. Let’s trace back some of the things, officially stated about this track.
– “A sociopolitical statement.”
– “It was really about the excesses of American culture and certain girls we knew. But it was also about the uneasy balance between art and commerce.”
– “It’s a song about the dark underbelly of the American Dream, and about excess in America which was something we knew about.”
– “It’s a song about a journey from innocence to experience.”
– “We were all middle-class kids from the Midwest. Hotel California was our interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles.”
There have been many “wild interpretations” of the song, especially when it was first released back in 1977. Everyone was simply obsessed with finding out what was the deal with that hotel (some people even thought it was all about drugs). Basically, what we have to understand is that every little word is a giant metaphor for losing sacred things in life like youth, humility, innocence and goodness and falling for corruption, immorality and selfishness. “Hotel California” is a cynical piece of art, telling us that the integrity of people and consequently the American dream are long gone and all we fight for nowadays is simply…money and fame. LA has always been seen as this beautiful, gorgeous place, full of opportunities, happy people and fulfilled desires. However, that may not be necessarily the case. The track tells us the exact opposite – LA is not a paradise and what happens underneath the lights is highly disturbing and definitely sinful.
~The way I see it…
To me this song was always about the greed and depravity of the music industry and the wicked businessmen who ruthlessly control everyone and everything in the scene. Not that things have changed much since the mid-70s – music is a business and will always been seen that way. Los Angeles was and still is the mecca of the music scene. We have to think about the time period too. By 1977, big companies were already investing millions of dollars and fighting for music domination. Music started to be seen as a serious money-making business when the Beatles conquered the world so it was natural for the corporate side of music to keep on expanding and finding ways to get more and more money. I think Eagles did a brilliant job with the lyrics, exposing how evil, shallow and wrong this whole industry was at that time. For instance the last line – “You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave!” – …tells me that the artist are working for a label and they have contractual obligations so they can’t have their freedom.
Furthermore, the chorus – “Welcome to the Hotel California, Such a lovely place, Such a lovely face” is obviously a well-written sarcasm. Even Don Henley sings it with a little bit of bitterness, adding to the whole metaphoric experience of the track.“Plenty of room at the Hotel California” – there will always be a place for more and more, but there is a price…
Finally, I would like to finish by saying that it is indeed quite difficult to fully interpret and make sense of this song. To many people it’s about drugs or just simply committing to a world full of money, fame and sin. What I want to emphasize on, though, is that this song is NOT about a random hotel in California and this song has a METAPHORIC meaning, definitely open to interpretation. Any thoughts?
Lyric Video
Hotel California Lyrics
🎶 On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim I had to stop for the night There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell And I was thinking to myself, “This could be Heaven or this could be Hell” Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say… Welcome to the Hotel California Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place) Such a lovely face Plenty of room at the Hotel California Any time of year (Any time of year) You can find it here
Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes bends She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat. Some dance to remember, some dance to forget
So I called up the Captain, “Please bring me my wine” He said, “We haven’t had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine” And still those voices are calling from far away, Wake you up in the middle of the night Just to hear them say…
Welcome to the Hotel California Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place) Such a lovely face They livin’ it up at the Hotel California What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise) Bring your alibis
Mirrors on the ceiling, The pink champagne on ice And she said “We are all just prisoners here, of our own device” And in the master’s chambers, They gathered for the feast They stab it with their steely knives, But they just can’t kill the beast
Last thing I remember, I was Running for the door I had to find the passage back To the place I was before “Relax, ” said the night man, “We are programmed to receive. You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave! ” 🎵💕🎶
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.
“Hang Tough” by Tesla is a song that can truly help you when you are going through some tough times and you need that extra push – something to remind you that you gotta keep your head above, fight for yourself and don’t let the hardships of life conquer you. I know that it’s easier said than done but when such uplifting and encouraging words are accompanied by brilliant rock&roll music, things get a little bit better, believe me.
The track comes from Tesla’s (extremely underrated) 1989 album “The Great Radio Controversy”, which by the way is a gorgeous hard rock album and I deeply recommend it to you, guys!
I hope you find your inner strength and this song helps you through the day! Defeat, heartbreak, unfulfilled dreams…life is so unfair but we have music to make things brighter, right?
Official MV
“Hang Tough” Lyrics
Took a shot to the chin. Looks like you just can’t win In this do or die situation. And it’s harder than it seems To survive, keep alive and make your dreams, Make your dreams all come true.
You gotta, you gotta give it your best shot. Give it ev’rything you got. Oh, you gotta hang tough. Hang tough. Hang tough.
Sometimes love can make you blue. A heartache made just for you. But you can’t let it bring ya down. If you should stumble, if you should fall, Pick yourself up off the floor. Fight for what’s right and stand your ground.
You gotta give it your best shot. Give it ev’rything you got. Oh, you gotta hang tough. Hang tough. Hang tough. When the goin’ gets rough. Hang tough. You got to give it all you’ve got. Hang tough. Keep your head above the ground. Don’t you let it get you down. Oh, you gotta hang tough. Hey! Oh! Hey! Oh!
You stay locked away inside your room ‘Cause you don’t know what this world is comin’ to. Hummingbird hums ’cause he don’t know the words And the piper will play ’cause he don’t know what to say. He’s alot like you, yeah. Oh, he’s alot like you, yeah. He tries hard ev’ry day to be free and fly away. Yeah!
Hang tough, oh, when the goin’ gets rough. Hang tough. You’ve got to give it all you got. Hang tough. Keep your head above the ground. Don’t you let it get you down. Oh, you gotta hang tough.
Hang tough. Oh, you got to give it all you got. You gotta Hang tough. Don’t you let it get you down. Hang tough. No! Oh, you gotta hang tough. Hang tough. Hang tough!
Lyrics retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tesla/hangtough.html
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~
Everyone loves The Beatles! John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison – do I have to say more? The history of rock&roll can simply be divided into two periods – before and after the Beatles! No other artist or band could or ever will be able to match their universal appeal and limitless talent, not to mention the social and cultural impact they left. Despite a recording career that lasted for about only 8 years, the worldwide craze and popularity turned them into the greatest success story in music history. Let’s also not forget that the British Invasion started with the Beatles – they opened the door for the rest of the British bands who conquered North America and well, the rest is history…
“If greatness is measured in commercial success and popularity, the Beatles were the greatest popular musicians of the twentieth century.”
It wasn’t just one or two albums that cemented their position as the perfect rock&roll band. From their early sound, which was basically a sophisticated meeting between Chuck Berry, Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly and Little Richard, to their later, more experimental, psychedelic and way ahead of its time music, The Beatles kept on challenging themselves and overcoming all odds. Each and every one of their albums played a particular role and left a deep, irremovable mark in music history. However, many fans and critics consider “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” to be the absolute creative peak of their career and I actually can’t agree more. Many fans often refer to it as their favorite Beatles album. Other popular choices are “Revolver” or “Abbey Road” – both groundbreaking albums. Personally, however, as much as I adore every musical effort of the Beatles, I’ve always had a soft spot for “Rubber Soul”. I bet there are more people out there who feel the same way. I wanted to talk a little bit more about this transitional album because sometimes it gets lost in translation when in fact I believe it’s their most interesting and story-filled album. Let me tell you why…
Let’s go back to 1964 when Bob Dylan went down to New York to meet the Beatles. That fateful meeting marked a very crucial point in the careers of everyone involved in it. Imagine the amount of talent and artistic capacity that was about to explode in that room where those two influential rock acts met! Bob Dylan and the Beatles connected right away as ideas and influences started flying around the room. Bob was still strictly an acoustic musician, but it all changed after that meeting. He plugged it in and became a rock&roll player just like that overnight. The Beatles, on the other hand, were influenced artistically and lyrically. Up until that point, their approach to music was simplistic, straightforward and quite innocent. After meeting Bob Dylan, the “poet with a guitar”, however, they no longer came back to the cute love songs – their lyrics became more philosophical and sophisticated and that’s exactly what they needed. That event has always been quite intriguing to me – I do believe that a great conversation can absolutely change your life. This is exactly what happened with Bob and the guys – they pushed each other out of their comfort zones and things were never the same again. (Bob Dylan also introduced them to marijuana, but that’s a whole new story…)
After releasing a brilliant soundtrack album – “Help”, containing the most covered song in history – “Yesterday”, the Beatles quickly mobilized and “Rubber Soul” was released just in time for Christmas.
Why do I love “Rubber Soul” so much?
– The album cover:The photograph is so engaging – all of the guys are looking to their right, except Lennon, who’s directly looking at you. It makes me feel a bit uncomfortable but quite curious at the same time. One more thing – they didn’t put their name on the cover! Why would they? Everyone knew how the Beatles looked like. It had nothing to do with confidence or arrogance – it’s all clever marketing.
– The title: African American soul musicians would often call Mick Jagger (or other white musicians), singing blues and soul music a “plastic soul”. They used that as a reference for the title. It’s just so hilarious…
– The music: “Rubber Soul” was the album in which they grew up musically and lyrically. As I already mentioned, this was a transitional album – they turned their back on the simple cheery love songs and focused on delivering a complete and original piece of art. The impact Bob Dylan had on their lives shows off on this album. The change was in the air – they were clearly stimulated by his poetry. The lyrics on “Rubber Soul” are abstract, mysterious, quite ambiguous, and even a bit weird. That is exactly why I love this album so much. The Beatles took that extra step and became even better musicians and songwriters than they were. It’s so impressive to see how their artistry reached new peaks. At the same time, however, “Rubber Soul” still had a little bit of that past naiveté here and there. I guess that’s why it appealed so much to me – it is not that heavy or pretentious as the ones to come; and not as cheesy and sweet as their early stuff. Many people say that “Rubber Soul” was the pot and “Revolver” was the acid and they are absolutely right.
– The songs:So many interesting things are going on in this record! Where do I even begin? “Norwegian Wood” – probably my favorite Beatles song. Highly experimental and innovative – no other rock band included an Eastern-Asian instrument in a composition before. The sitar makes the whole experience so special and atmospheric. The lyrics and Lennon’s vocals make it even more special… “I once had a girl…or should I say, she once had me…” ; “Drive My Car” – uplifting and highly entertaining tune with memorable lyrics and compelling beats. “I told that girl I can start right away, And she said, Listen baby I got something to say. I got no car and it’s breaking my heart, But I’ve found a driver and that’s a start”. I have a soft spot for Lennon, so “In My Life” and “Girl” are the other moments of the record that won me over. “What Goes On” is such a sweet surprise – Ringo kills it on lead vocals; it’s probably my favorite Ringo song of all time. Recently, I had the chance to listen to him perform this song live and I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it felt! “Think for Yourself” and “If I Needed Someone” with Harrison on lead vocals are superb. One more reason I really appreciate this record is because George was starting to wake up and little by little he got out of his shell and proved that Lennon and McCartney were not the only creative geniuses in the band when it comes to songwriting.
I have always been drawn to the magic of “Rubber Soul”. This mid-career record of the Beatles offers so many interesting concepts and ideas. I’ve always enjoyed observing and analyzing the evolving process of a band – when you understand that they are growing up and adopting new styles, new sounds, and new approaches. With “Rubber Soul”, thought the transition was quite obvious, it wasn’t that hard to swallow – Beatles didn’t sacrifice their mass appeal, despite sophisticated instrumentation, quality melodies and deep lyrics. I just love how they started searching for a new meaning in music and came up with this highly appealing record… Always (and forever) a pleasure to listen to it!
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~
Released: November 4, 2016
Genre: Hard Rock
Producer(s): Jon Bon Jovi & John Shanks
Label: Island
Length: 49:08
OVERVIEW
Bon Jovi are back with their thirteenth studio album titled “This House is Not For Sale”. With guitarist Richie Sambora no longer in the current line-up of the band and a new house label, fans and critics held their breaths in deep anticipation of what will their new music sound like. Many thought that the day Richie left would also mark the end of the band itself. The long and quite exceptional songwriting partnership between Jon and Richie was what held the band together and the main reason behind their rose to stardom. But what’s in the past is in the past. There’s just simply no time to waste when music is so desperately trying to break out of your mind and soul. Jon buckled up and the results are in. He is the type of person who never gives up and is truly dedicated to his music and fans. For that, he deserves all the respect he can get.
Let me start by saying that musicians change, love to experiment and will never stop exploring the endless realms of music. Styles, methods and sounds are evolving and there’s no need to be overdramatic about it. “This House is Not for Sale” is a modern-day rock album that doesn’t really run 100% after the old-school formula. So to make things perfectly clear, if you want to hear some vintage pounding Bon Jovi sound, this might not be the album for you. Previous generations who grew up with blockbuster records like “Slippery When Wet” and “New Jersey”, might get a little bit lost into this new much softer, sweeter and rather mainstream material. The younger fans, however, are more likely to accept and appreciate this record. All in all, “This House is Not for Sale”, is making a clear statement – Bon Jovi still have it in them and are going nowhere!
The opening title track is probably the finest moment of the album. Bon Jovi’s signature formula, combined with some fresh elements, create a perfect new single. It’s safe, well-controlled and unobtrusive but quite appealing and peculiar at the same time. The charming idea behind the lyrics also adds up to the exciting atmosphere of the track. After that, however, things start becoming confusing. The record flows wonderfully and quite consistently, however there’s just so little substance under that chummy, radio-ready facade. Very few songs from “This House is Not for Sale” manage to leave behind a durable spark. Rockers like “Living with the Ghost”, “Knockout” and “Labor of Love” are well-produced and satisfying to a certain extent; however, way too restrained and familiar to generate the “wow” effect. “Roller Coaster” might be a song with a potential, despite the strong “Maroon 5” vibe coming out of it. The tracks that follow lack individuality and don’t leave an impression that lasts longer than their duration. The hidden surprise was found among the bonus tracks of the deluxe version of the record. Just when I lost all hope, the gentle “I Will Drive You Home” became the slap that woke me up. Tender electronic rhythms and Jon’s mellow vocals made the album experience a bit more bearable.
“This House is Not for Sale” is a good pop/rock album with country elements that is definitely well suited and safe enough to be played on the airways during all parts of the day. Unfortunately, innovation and distinctiveness are not among the qualities of this record. The absence of the tougher, hard rock touch of Richie’s guitar is plainly noticeable. Bon Jovi might be back but their new sound is just too unfulfilling. Nevertheless, I will give the record a second chance!
Cheers~
Tracklist
“This House is Not For Sale” “Living With the Ghost” “Knockout” “Labor of Love” “Born Again Tomorrow” “Roller Coaster” “New Year’s Day” “The Devil’s In The Temple” “Scars on This Guitar” “God Bless This Mess” “Reunion” “Come On Up to Our House”
+ Bonus Tracks (Deluxe Version)
“Real Love” “All Hail The King” “We Don’t Run” “I Will Drive You Home” “Goodnight New York”
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~ 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.
I recently talked about Survivor’s long list of breathtaking ballads and even made a publication that specifically outlines 5 Beautiful SURVIVOR Ballads That Keep On Melting Our Hearts…Make sure to check it out if you are a person who truly appreciates gentle, well-written and gorgeously sung rock ballads!
I briefly talked about “Ever Since the World Began” but this time I would like to 100% shift your attention to this track because I recently discovered that many people are simply not aware of this track or have completely forgotten about its existence. Needless to say, this makes me feel more anxious than it should because the track is an absolute melodic masterpiece and believe me, I don’t get to say that for a lot of songs.
– Coming out of as the second single from the highly successful “Eye of the Tiger” (1982) – the ultimate staple of AOR in the 80s, “Ever Since the World Began” was completely overshadowed by the commercial success and the attention the title track got. Critics often point out that none other song from the album is worthy of our admiration or is as powerful as the title one, however here I have to step in and make it clear that the album is so much more than that. This right here is a perfect example of how one track can completely overtake an entire album. People like me, however, we come in and try to find the hidden treasures and reveal it to the mass because sometimes the most gorgeous diamonds are not on the surface.
– “Ever Since the World Begin” is credited to the songwriting partnership of Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan.
– The heart and soul of this song is of course, Dave Bickler’s emotional vocal delivery which gives you a whole new perspective on how talented he is. “Ever Since the World Begin” is a perfect marriage of vocals and lyrics, an absolute match made in heaven.
– In 1989, after a brief disbandment, Jimi Jamison, Survivor’s second vocalist, recorded the song for the movie “Lock Up”. I am not going to compare the two vocalists or the two versions because I love and respect both those outstanding musicians way too much to do it. I posted the two videos, you decide for yourself.
– Lyrics! Lyrics! Lyrics! We have to always think about the importance of the lyrics! A simple word, expression or a story, told within the boundaries of a song, can have such a huge impact on someone’s emotional state and understanding of the world. “Ever Since the World Begin” is a song that gives you hopes that destiny will simply do its magic and even though you might not understand how it all began, it’s all part of the plan. I don’t know about you, guys, but I really believe in the idea that the road you take with someone, it was all written somewhere, when the world begun. Seasons will change and you will rise and fall, but destiny will guide you and if your so-called predetermined soulmate is right there, next to you, love will always keep you together.
Dave Bickler on vocals (“Eye of the Tiger”, 1982)
Jimi Jamison on vocals (Soundtrack from the movie “Lock Up”, 1989)
Ever Since The World Began Lyrics
💕🎶 I’ll never know what brought me here, As if somebody led my hand, It seems I hardly had to steer, My course was planned. And destiny it guides us all, And by it’s hand we rise and fall, But only for a moment, Time enough to catch our breath again.
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.
Taking in the times gone by, We wonder how it all began, We’ll never know and still we Try to understand. And even though the seasons change, The reasons shall remain the same, It’s love that keeps us holding on Till we can see the sun again.
And we’re just another piece of the puzzle, Just another part of the plan, And we have waited for this moment in time, Ever since the world began.
And I stand alone, a man of stone, Against the driving rain, And the night it’s got your number, And the wind it cries your name, If we search for truth, win or lose, In this we’re all the same, The hope still burns eternal, We’re the keeper of the flame.
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 try and go as far as we can, And we have waited for this moment in time, Ever since the world began. 💕🎶
References:
“Ever Since The World Began” Lyrics, retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/survivor/eversincetheworldbegan.html 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~
The last song from Survivor‘s 1986 album “When Seconds Count” has to be one of the finest moments of the album and definitely one of my favorite Survivor songs of all time! I am extremely biased when it comes to Survivor because I love them to the moon and back, so don’t get surprised by the way I speak about them! From start to finish, this record is pure melodic euphoria and it deserves to be listened from start to finish! (I will make a publication, especially for “When Seconds Count” anytime soon)…
Let’s talk about this gorgeous song, though! The lyrics are what made it so captivating, at least to me! I mean, look at these lines…“It’s such a fine line I walk on the wire. Your hearts a magnet pulling me to the fire. Girls like you are hard to shake, like habits hard as hell to break It might be my mistake but I need you tonight”…And then of course we have the stunning out-of-this-world voice of Jimi Jamison, sending me to another realm … It’s a beautiful rocker and I hope you guys will enjoy it as much as I do! A proof that when you listen to a record, you have to reach till the final track because, even though it’s the last one, it may become your favorite, just like in my case!
“Can’t Let You Go” Lyrics
Two eyes that haunt me When I turn out the light Two lips that taunt me From the darkness each night I try and hide my heart To keep my distance in the dark What makes me fall apart And call out your name Just when I’m certain That you’re out of my mind This feeling grips me So hard to define This yearning inside Just can’t deny it
My heart’s been branded I can’t let you go Don’t understand it Just can’t tell you no Don’t leave me stranded Cause I just can’t let you go
It’s such a fine line I walk on the wire Your hearts a magnet pulling me to the fire Girls like you are hard to shake Like habits hard as hell to break It might be my mistake But I need you tonight You must have something To have held me so long I’m not accustomed To a feeling so strong Don’t tell me it’s wrong -just can’t deny it
My heart’s been branded I can’t let you go Don’t understand it Just can’t tell you no Don’t leave me stranded Cause I just can’t let you go
References:
“Can’t Let You Go” Lyrics, retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/survivor/cantletyougo.html
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~
Released: August 23, 1988 Genre: Rock/Hard Rock Duration: 44:31 Label: Atlantic Records Producer(s): Terry Thomas
OVERVIEW
I would like to go over Bad Company’s “Dangerous Age” album because I feel like it should be heard or remembered and despite the fact that I’m probably in the minority here, I do believe that their 80s and 90s releases with Brian Howe on vocals are better and definitely among my favorites. He just has that perfect 80s hard/pop rock voice and that’s exactly what does it for me.
“Dangerous Age” is a hard rock solid comeback album which followed the AOR trends of the era – polished, melodic and radio-ready sound, sleek production, catchy and fun style. All that fit quite well with the arena rocking voice of Brian. Nevertheless, the record features some pretty sweet rockers, including the strong opening “One Night”; and the instant stand-out track that got tons of airplay, “No Smoke Without a Fire” – a winter song that immediately creates a path to your brain and just sticks there. I absolutely adore it, it’s too empowering, and definitely one of those tracks that should be listened with the volume up there to the max. The title track is also among one of the fines and most enjoyable moments of the album. “Bad Man” and “Shake it Up” are the hidden treasures which definitely deserve a listen (or preferably a two). “The Way That It Goes” has quite appealing melody to sing along with so check it out as well!
Give it a go, that’s all I can say! Bad Company is a great band and a bit underrated so I’m using this moment to spread the word and remind you guys of them. “Dangerous Age” is a powerful but often forgotten AOR album so if you are into that kind of music, this is the record for you. Beautiful vocals, empowering rock tunes, smokin’ riffs and tons of good mood!
Tracklist:
“One Night” “Shake it Up” “No Smoke Without a Fire” “Bad Man” “Dangerous Age” “Dirty Boy” “Rock of America” “Something About You” “The Way That It Goes” “Love Attack” “Excited”
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~
Contrary to the popular belief, Alice Cooper is so much more than outrageous theatrics, tons of makeup and hard solid rock n roll. Yes, he is the inventor of the so called “shock rock” and he’s indeed one of the craziest rockstars out there but that’s not all, definitely. I always judge rock artists based on their ballads – that’s just me, definitely not saying that everyone should do that, I’m just a rock ballad person. Let me tell you something, behind all of the blood, madness and beautiful rock music, Alice Cooper is a very powerful balladeer. Even though he always tries to include a ballad or two in his albums, that’s not what people remember him for or what brought fame and success to his name. If you don’t believe me, just ask people whether they can name a ballad by Alice Cooper!? (oh and by the way, “Poison” is not a ballad!!!) His soft and tender songs barely got noticed on the charts as well! That’s quite the shame because he has a very strong ballad voice that changes everything…
Since many of you guys might not be so familiar with (many) Alice Cooper’s ballads, I decided to prepare this little playlist for you. If you are in the mood for some sweet rock ballads, have a listen, I promise it’s totally worth it!
“Only Women Bleed”
“You and Me”
“I Never Cry”
“Might As Well Be On Mars”
“How You Gonna See Me Now”
“Ballad Of Dwight Fry”
“It’s Me”
“Only My Heart Talking”
“Burning Our Bed”
“No Time For Tears”
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~
I swear I can listen to power ballads from the 80s every second of my life…and I’m sure so many people share my opinion so let’s just get down to it…
The glam-rock/metal bands from the 80s were so many and so prolific that sometimes it’s difficult to differentiate them. Not for me, of course, since I know a thing or two about the music scene from that decade, but the majority of people are pretty satisfied with the huge names such as Whitesnake, Poison, Warrant, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, etc. But here I am, reminding you guys of this little band called KIX and their phenomenal hit single “Don’t Close Your Eyes”. Unfortunately, they are the absolute perfect example of what it’s called a “one-hit-wonder” band, because this track is their only charting hit and their biggest success. Chart positions are definitely not a merit of a band’s quality, in my opinion. They have some pretty decent tunes and I truly enjoy their music so I recommend them to you guys, especially their late 80s stuff!
Anyhow, I’ve been listening to this power ballad for the past few days quite a lot and I truly begun loving it quite much! The thing is that I’ve heard this tune so many times before but now, for the first time in my life I’m actually “hearing it”. It’s gorgeous, guys – have a listen please!
The track’s biggest asset has to be the intense husky roaring voice of Steve Whiteman who absolutely kills it! Not to mention the haunting lyrics – as you probably know, this is actually an anti-suicidal song and even though it should be very depressing and gloomy, I found the track extremely empowering. I hope you feel the same way. Have your daily power-ballad doze!
Lyrics:
Whatcha doing out in the night time Why’d ya’ call me on the phone Your mama can’t solve your problems When’s daddy ever gonna get home So you did your little move and cried In the middle of a suicide
Don’t close your eyes Don’t close your eyes Don’t sing your last lullaby
There’s no one there to hold you No one hears your scream You live life up and down Your nightmare’s are your dreams I know it’s lonely when your hanging ’round Don’t ya’ take it lying down – no, no Hold on – Hold on tight I’ll make everything all right Wake up – Don’t go to sleep I pray the lord your soul to keep
Don’t close your eyes Don’t close your eyes Don’t sing your last lullaby
Don’t close your eyes Don’t close your eyes Don’t sing your last lullaby
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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MY ROCK MIXTAPES 