Classic Rock Album of the Day- Loverboy- Get Lucky (1981) ***
There was a point in time when Canada got some serious players in rock and roll arena for airplay in the late '70's and early 1980's. None of them had the following or skills of Rush, but a few of the bands including Loverboy, April Wine, Tragically Hip, and Triumph enjoyed a lot of chart play that was very respectable for the time. The one underlying theme over and over with these bands, is that none really had what you would call "named or recognizable talent" that stood out, and none of their front men really are rememberable. . Still, there was some good decent, and mostly hook driven stuff at the time. Fun times for sure.
These bands had a good grasp of what AOR was all about. Got strong hooked thunderous songs, with that obligatory mix of ballads and mainstays that at the time where so dependent on MTV for not only exposure, but impetus for getting airplay in the first place. I always found that it was ironic that one of the first videos aired was "Video Killed the Radio Star". Truth is, is that if you couldn't get that two headed monster of MTV and record company to invest in your studio time, you pretty much were destined for failure. This period absolutely dictated some level of video production, hot women, and some kind gimmick to grab. Now, so many of these are archaic, and downright silly. But it was the way things were done in the day
Loverboy started really strong, with their first 4 LP's all charting in the Top 20, then the band pretty much croaked with the last 6 that were dust bin destined. All four of the first part of their catalog had plenty to offer, but this one to me seemed the most consistent, and with the least filler. I think you will find that this is an excellent example of the times, and what we say and heard in the era. An it was nice to still have bands and music at the time that wasn't UK Wuss, or formulaic New Wave.
And a note to readers... For some reason, YT has policed this one, where it is not available in entirety. But if you had a few moments, worth a listen.
Fun fact: In 1980, to support their debut album, the band did over 200 shows as an opener. Think about it.....200 shows in a year, is not as easy of a task as one might think.
Side 1-
-------------
Working For the Weekend- One of the band's big hits, and and a no hards barred rollicking synth driven number that hits a homer. Somewhat of a party anthem. -2
When It's Over- Another of the band's charting hits. Good standard AOR stuff. 3
Jump- Not to be confused with the VH version. Still more good consistent and innovative songwriting. 5
Gangs in the Street- Attempted keyboard wizardry just doesn't quite hit the mark. Significant drop off in quality 8
Emotional- Interesting almost 50's like rock-a-billy effort. Not great, but didn't suck either- 7
Side 2-
--------------
Lucky Ones- Excellent. Title track, and it this one gives it justice- 4
Its Your Life- Ever hear a song, that has hooks that are so forced and contrived tbat they come across as silly? Filler with a capital F. 9
Watch Out- Obligatory Balladish song, that misses the mark. Always puzzled me why AOR acts had to think, plan, and execute something that most were really shitty at. 6
Take Me to the Top- Just when you thought this LP was going down the drain with a fizzle, the band ends the work with an absolute early 80's classic. I can remember many times back in 1981, turning this sucker up to 11 and blasting the opening bass heavy laden synth riffs. Interplaying nice wah wahing guitar riffs augmenting this song just propel it further up the echelons of bad-assery. Added to review for your enjoyment 1
There was a point in time when Canada got some serious players in rock and roll arena for airplay in the late '70's and early 1980's. None of them had the following or skills of Rush, but a few of the bands including Loverboy, April Wine, Tragically Hip, and Triumph enjoyed a lot of chart play that was very respectable for the time. The one underlying theme over and over with these bands, is that none really had what you would call "named or recognizable talent" that stood out, and none of their front men really are rememberable. . Still, there was some good decent, and mostly hook driven stuff at the time. Fun times for sure.
These bands had a good grasp of what AOR was all about. Got strong hooked thunderous songs, with that obligatory mix of ballads and mainstays that at the time where so dependent on MTV for not only exposure, but impetus for getting airplay in the first place. I always found that it was ironic that one of the first videos aired was "Video Killed the Radio Star". Truth is, is that if you couldn't get that two headed monster of MTV and record company to invest in your studio time, you pretty much were destined for failure. This period absolutely dictated some level of video production, hot women, and some kind gimmick to grab. Now, so many of these are archaic, and downright silly. But it was the way things were done in the day
Loverboy started really strong, with their first 4 LP's all charting in the Top 20, then the band pretty much croaked with the last 6 that were dust bin destined. All four of the first part of their catalog had plenty to offer, but this one to me seemed the most consistent, and with the least filler. I think you will find that this is an excellent example of the times, and what we say and heard in the era. An it was nice to still have bands and music at the time that wasn't UK Wuss, or formulaic New Wave.
And a note to readers... For some reason, YT has policed this one, where it is not available in entirety. But if you had a few moments, worth a listen.
Fun fact: In 1980, to support their debut album, the band did over 200 shows as an opener. Think about it.....200 shows in a year, is not as easy of a task as one might think.
Side 1-
-------------
Working For the Weekend- One of the band's big hits, and and a no hards barred rollicking synth driven number that hits a homer. Somewhat of a party anthem. -2
When It's Over- Another of the band's charting hits. Good standard AOR stuff. 3
Jump- Not to be confused with the VH version. Still more good consistent and innovative songwriting. 5
Gangs in the Street- Attempted keyboard wizardry just doesn't quite hit the mark. Significant drop off in quality 8
Emotional- Interesting almost 50's like rock-a-billy effort. Not great, but didn't suck either- 7
Side 2-
--------------
Lucky Ones- Excellent. Title track, and it this one gives it justice- 4
Its Your Life- Ever hear a song, that has hooks that are so forced and contrived tbat they come across as silly? Filler with a capital F. 9
Watch Out- Obligatory Balladish song, that misses the mark. Always puzzled me why AOR acts had to think, plan, and execute something that most were really shitty at. 6
Take Me to the Top- Just when you thought this LP was going down the drain with a fizzle, the band ends the work with an absolute early 80's classic. I can remember many times back in 1981, turning this sucker up to 11 and blasting the opening bass heavy laden synth riffs. Interplaying nice wah wahing guitar riffs augmenting this song just propel it further up the echelons of bad-assery. Added to review for your enjoyment 1
