[.ca] Eye Of The Tiger

Underrated all because of that title tune:
This is my fav. hard edge rock record of '82. From the title track, people may have forgotten how "beautiful" the other tunes are. Bickler possibly the greatest vocalist Ive ever heard was, is in top form here. What more can I say but just try it out and LOUD! You might even shed a tear or two (for missing this 80's gem), not to mention the ballads, Ever Since the World Began (a precursor to Vital Signs "The Search is Over" (But I think ESTWB is superior),and the immaculate Silver Girl. "just one golden memory, my Silver Girl". Don't forget the rockers, Hesitation Dance (funkish rocker, IMO), Children of the Night (play that guitar Frankie!) and "Feels like Love" and get your andrenaline going!, and American Heartbeat. For mid tempo try the brilliant Peterik written "The one that really matters" which I think should have been a top tenner in the charts if not of lack of promotion by the record co. (which is another matter). Have a great day!

Rising up to the challange of it's title...:
Aside from the highly celebrated title tune, Survivor's lyrics and song construction often leave something to be desired, but that shouldn't necessarily detract from the fact that their music is frequently peppered with flourishes of emotion. Ostensibly they avoided the pitfall of cloning the title track, but this may have been a misstep as "I'm Not That Man Anymore" hauntingly echos "Eye of the Tiger"; lacking only its muted-string guitar rhythm and notariety. "American Heartbeat" draws it's tension from a similar pool of drama, but trades the warm tones of a grand piano for synthesized vamps. After a few quick listens it isn't difficult to see why Survivor often falls under the guise of a faceless AOR rock band. Interestly enough, the band was more distinctive than their contemporaries like REO Speedwagon, yet they never put out songs that tugged at people's heartstrings quite like the work of Journey or Foreigner. This is cruel irony when you consider that lead vocalist Dave Bickler "Eye of the Tiger" and then later Jimi Jamison "Burning Heart" & "The Search is Over" could sing rings around Foreigner's Lou Gramm and any member of REO Speedwagon. All things considered, this is an album that will rarely get repeated play beyond the first dozen or so listenings even though the song "Eye of the Tiger" stands head and shoulders above other rock songs in the hearts of so many. The other songs are well recorded, but just not as well constructed.

More than meets the "Eye...":
If you want to know why you shouldn't pass this up for just a greatest hits package of the Survivor, the reasons I would give are primarily "Hesitation Dance" and "Silver Girl." Add to that, Dave Bickler on lead vocals and Frankie Sullivan on guitar, two names that should be mentioned a lot more in discussions of great rock musicians (but we always seem to hear about the more controversial ones.) Another reviewer described "Hesitation Dance" as tight, heavy rock, and that is right on: soaring vocals from Bickler, and tight, crunchy guitar riffs from Sullivan, who also unleashes power-chord glory during the chorus. "Silver Girl" is a well-composed song with a nice but brief piano break from Jim Peterik before Sullivan comes flying in with an awesome guitar solo. Bickler comes back singing the chorus with even greater intensity than before, and Sullivan leaves us with yet more spirited lead playing up to and during the fade out. So, get the greatest hits for the radio tunes, but for truly cool material you may not have yet heard, I would check this out.

Strong AOR hard rock:
THese guy were talented, and had the benefit of possessing the amazing voice of Dave Bickler among their ranks! THis guy can sing, I assure you!! Skiping the cheesy lyrics, this is a solid hard rock album, where even the ballads sound great. It's obviously the work of gifted musicians. However, like thousands of other bands, SURVIVOR somehow dissapeared along the way. This album is their best record.

Fond memories..........:
I purchased this album when it was released, and have gone thru several copies since......wearing them all out. It was the first album that I owned, That I loved every song on it. It will always bring joy to me.

• Eye of the Tiger
• Feels Like Love
• Hesitation Dance
• One That Really Matters
• I'm Not That Man Anymore
• Children of the Night
• Ever Since the World Began
• American Heartbeat
• Silver Girl