BRYAN ADAMS - THE ALBUMS 1980 - 1984

"BRYAN ADAMS"

1980
 

HIDIN' FROM LOVE - Bryan Adams' debut album opens with this catchy Pop Rock track that is more Pop than Rock.  Similar to most of the early 80s fare.  Good opener though.  This debut single did not chart here in the UK.  Bryan's first real single in 1978 "Let Me Take You Dancing" is not inculded here.

WIN SOME LOSE SOME - A great track, a mix of Classic Rock with an almost funky Blues feel. we don't hear the big rocky guitars yet as was key to his later material's success.  This has some upfront keyboards giving it a typical 70s Rock style.

WAIT AND SEE - This is a basic kind of rocky Pop track that, despite some nice guitar work doesn't really grab you.

GIVE ME YOUR LOVE - Bryan's second single from this set and it's the first ballad.  It is an easy going, nice Pop Rock song that is very soulful and emotional.  Normally I rate Bryan as doing the best rocky numbers than ballads but this nice. 

 

WASTIN' TIME - A more straight up Rock track with guitar solos and pumping drums.  This is the style we know and love from Bryan and his sound is taking shape on this album.  Has that late mid 70s Classic/Glam Rock hybrid sound.

DON'T YA SAY IT - A strange one, this has a distinct Motown Disco feel and with some Gospel style backing vocals it's difficult to grasp on first listen.  Not what you would expect from a Rock record!

REMEMBER - I really like this track, kind of an Electro Rock style with synths and keyboards providing the solos.  Intriguing listen and experimental goodness!

STATE OF MIND - A kind of Supertramp/Fleetwood Mac style track, its melodious, easy going Pop Rock.

TRY TO SEE IT MY WAY - The album ends on this catchy, anthemic Rock style track that would lead onto Bryan's second albumnicely with a much more fuller sound.

 

"RECKLESS"

1984

 

ONE NIGHT LOVE AFFAIR - Mid tempo ballad/rocker which has undertones that remind me of some later Gothic Rock such as The Mission.  A great opening track!

SHE'S ONLY HAPPY WHEN SHE'S DANCIN' -  Reminds me of The Cars at their peak and a little Rolling Stones, great Rock 'N Roll track.

RUN TO YOU - This was Rock I hadn't heard before, having been brought up listening to Thin Lizzy, Rush (thanks to my brother) and Bon Jovi and the like.  The almost Country twang guitars, searing solos and gruff throaty vocals and anthemic chorus was a piece of class.  The video helped featuring the gorgeous Lysette Anthony! Got me hooked on Bryan's music.

 

 

HEAVEN -  Was actually similar, hearing it back, to "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" but a little more bearable! I always had the opinion that Jon Bon Jovi did the best ballads and Bryan did the best rockers.  Its just my thought both were suited better to these type of songs.  Not one of my favourites but still a great song.

SOMEBODY - A kind of Fleetwood Mac, Heart, REO Speedwagon mash up with a chanted chorus and typical of the Pop Rock of the 80s.

 

SUMMER OF '69 - Probably the best known track by non-fans.  Really love this track, a proper air guitar sing-a-long, pure Pop Rock at its best, similar to Bon Jovi and Def Leppard in the 80s Rock stakes.  Again a class record.

 

 

KIDS WANNA ROCK -  One of my favourite Bryan Adams tracks, I am surprised this wasn't released as a single over here, at the time ZZ Top were hitting the big trail, and this wouldn't be out of place on Eliminator, their big album at the time.  Blues Rock at its best, big solos and sing-a-long anthemic chorus.

IT'S ONLY LOVE -  By no means being degrading to Bryan but it featured the unmistakable vocals of one Miss Tina Turner no less!  Its a great song, pure Rock N' Roll and both stars make it a rare gem of a collaboration, it worked just perfect!

LONG GONE -  Another bluesy number, a little slower than "Kids Wanna Rock", it breezes along and is a foot tapper, a little like Gary Moore in its composition.  Very nice!

'AIN'T GONNA CRY -  The final track of the album,  is a real manic Punk Rock song, there must have been a Ramones or Sex Pistols influence here.  A fine end to a fine album.