ladyislingering
retired
In 1977, a young star was emerging from Long Island, New York. She was 25 years old, and had performed in clubs, musicals, and even sung jingles for Pepsi before being signed to her first record contract from Chrysalis records via founder Terry Ellis.
On October 26th, 1979, her debut record was released. Produced by Mike Chapman, and backed by a slew of skilled studio musicians, Pat Benatar's "In the Heat of the Night" was a sensation. Peaking at #12 on Billboard's Hot 100 after the success of her single "Heartbreaker" Pat was well on her way to a successful career in the music business. She was a symbol of feminine power; standing at just less than 5'3" with the figure of a backstreet waif, she seemed harmless - until she sang.
This record has been a personal favourite of mine since I was just a kid; listening through it again tonight has inspired me to scribble out a review, and hopefully influence someone unfamiliar with the record to give it a chance.
In the Heat of the Night (1979)
Pat Benatar
Personnel:
Pat Benatar - Lead singer
Neil Giraldo - Lead guitar, backing vocals
Scott St. Clair Sheets - Rhythm guitar
Roger Capps - Bass, backing vocals
Glen Alexander Hamilton - drums
"Heartbreaker", the record's opening track, is a high-energy laissez-faire of rock glory. It reached #23 on the charts that year, released as a 7" single (b/w "My Clone Sleeps Alone"). With deep, raucous, and almost threatening vocals and an insanely catchy chorus, it's not a song to be forgotten. It's still a staple on rock stations all across the country (and others), to this day.
Don't you mess around with her. She really sounds like she means business.
"I Need a Lover" is one of four cover songs present on this album. You might remember John Mellencamp's version of a song whose protagonist just wants a little action, no strings attached. Pat's vocals will knock you out, if they didn't at the beginning of the record. (And she sounds like she will, too.)
"If You Think You Know How to Love Me" is my favourite track from this record. It puts you into a summertime mood, with its dramatic lyrics and vivid imagery. The guitar and drums are really prominent in this track; in my opinion it should have been a huge hit but has long since been forgotten and achieved back-catalogue status for most casual listeners.
I've always loved that line, personally. Pat's tough-girl persona holds its own in this epic tale of a woman who doesn't necessarily need the man, but if he thinks he can treat her properly, he can stick around if he wants to.
The album's title track is equally moody, though changes tone a few times throughout the song. With its instrumental twists and turns, it's difficult to get bored with. It even sounds like it was indeed written and recorded "in the heat of the night".
"My Clone Sleeps Alone", the b-side to "Heartbreaker" when it was released as a single, is a futuristic tale of a utopian world where everyone is cloned, to live in peace; their lives are determined by science alone. Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?
Don't let the trickling piano in the beginning fool you. It leads into one of the most hellraising, terrific (albeit rather nerdy) songs you've probably never heard. Despite the following line, I believe it to be timeless.
Thus concludes side A of the record. Side B will be posted shortly. (Get some listening done in the meantime.)
On October 26th, 1979, her debut record was released. Produced by Mike Chapman, and backed by a slew of skilled studio musicians, Pat Benatar's "In the Heat of the Night" was a sensation. Peaking at #12 on Billboard's Hot 100 after the success of her single "Heartbreaker" Pat was well on her way to a successful career in the music business. She was a symbol of feminine power; standing at just less than 5'3" with the figure of a backstreet waif, she seemed harmless - until she sang.
This record has been a personal favourite of mine since I was just a kid; listening through it again tonight has inspired me to scribble out a review, and hopefully influence someone unfamiliar with the record to give it a chance.
In the Heat of the Night (1979)
Pat Benatar
Personnel:
Pat Benatar - Lead singer
Neil Giraldo - Lead guitar, backing vocals
Scott St. Clair Sheets - Rhythm guitar
Roger Capps - Bass, backing vocals
Glen Alexander Hamilton - drums
"Heartbreaker", the record's opening track, is a high-energy laissez-faire of rock glory. It reached #23 on the charts that year, released as a 7" single (b/w "My Clone Sleeps Alone"). With deep, raucous, and almost threatening vocals and an insanely catchy chorus, it's not a song to be forgotten. It's still a staple on rock stations all across the country (and others), to this day.
Don't you mess around with her. She really sounds like she means business.
"I Need a Lover" is one of four cover songs present on this album. You might remember John Mellencamp's version of a song whose protagonist just wants a little action, no strings attached. Pat's vocals will knock you out, if they didn't at the beginning of the record. (And she sounds like she will, too.)
"If You Think You Know How to Love Me" is my favourite track from this record. It puts you into a summertime mood, with its dramatic lyrics and vivid imagery. The guitar and drums are really prominent in this track; in my opinion it should have been a huge hit but has long since been forgotten and achieved back-catalogue status for most casual listeners.
I've always loved that line, personally. Pat's tough-girl persona holds its own in this epic tale of a woman who doesn't necessarily need the man, but if he thinks he can treat her properly, he can stick around if he wants to.
The album's title track is equally moody, though changes tone a few times throughout the song. With its instrumental twists and turns, it's difficult to get bored with. It even sounds like it was indeed written and recorded "in the heat of the night".
"My Clone Sleeps Alone", the b-side to "Heartbreaker" when it was released as a single, is a futuristic tale of a utopian world where everyone is cloned, to live in peace; their lives are determined by science alone. Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?
Don't let the trickling piano in the beginning fool you. It leads into one of the most hellraising, terrific (albeit rather nerdy) songs you've probably never heard. Despite the following line, I believe it to be timeless.
Thus concludes side A of the record. Side B will be posted shortly. (Get some listening done in the meantime.)
