Similar artists– Poison, Warrant, Winger, Cinderella, Bon Jovi
Gods of war
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
“Def Leppard” of course requires no introduction to a rock fan. Formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England, they were part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. With their 2nd album “High ‘n’ Dry” in 1981, they broke into the rock scene, and with their 3rd album “Pyromania” in 1983, they established themselves as the rock music’s permanent act. With subsequent “Hysteria” in 1987, they stormed the charts worldwide and topped the UK and US charts. “Hysteria” has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and spawned seven hit singles. It has now gained the cult status among the list of “Greatest albums of all times”. Presently Def Leppard is considered one of the world’s best-selling music artists. They are one of five rock bands who had two original studio albums selling in excess of 10 million copies. And after more than 40 years, they are still going strong and tough!
Vol II, Issue 16 – Still in love with you (15 Sep 2017)
Name of song– Still in love with you
Band- Thin Lizzy
Album- Nightlife
Writer– Phil Lynott
Release year– 1974
Similar artists– Blue Oyster Cult, Rainbow, Gary Moore, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep
Still in love with you
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
Ireland has contributed to the development of rock music immensely. And no doubt, “Thin Lizzy” is the most prominent of them all. One of the truly underrated bands of the era, they were formed by vocalist and bass player Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey in 1969 in Dublin. Because of their wonderful talents, they have been a source of inspiration for many rock bands of the seventies and henceforth. Star studded with pioneer guitarists like Gary Moore, Brian Robertson, Scott Gorham, John Sykes during various lineup changes, they did shine themselves with typical twin guitar sounds with Brian and Scott most prominently. Initially unsuccessful with few of their albums, their single “Whiskey in the jar” took them to stardom and thereafter, there was no looking back.
# ASCAP Recognition 1 million plus air plays in 1990
# BMI London awards – Million Air Awards for 3 million plus air plays in 2006
Similar artists– Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Bad Company, Ten Years After, Humble Pie, Blind Faith, Cream
All right now
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
“All right now” is almost synonymous with “Free”. “Free” was an amazing English rock band formed by the quartet of super talented musicians – Paul Rodgers (Vocals), Paul Kossoff (Guitars), Andy Fraser (Bass) and Simon Kirke (Drums). They struggled a lot in the early years until their third studio album “Fire and Water” was released. It contained the most successful single of theirs – “All right now” and then, there has been no looking back. They were highly appreciated for their lively concerts and constant tours. They were considered as the pioneers of British hard rock. Paul Rodgers was ranked 55 in the list of 100 greatest singers and Paul Kosoff was ranked 51 in the list of 100 greatest guitarists of all times by “Rolling Stone” magazine.
Vol II, Issue 14 – I just want to make love to you (15 Aug 2017)
Name of song– I just want to make love to you
Band- Foghat
Album- Foghat
Writer– Willie Dixon
Release year– 1972
Peak chart positions-
# 83 – US Billboard Hot 100 (1972)
# 33 – US Billboard Hot 100 (1977) (Live version)
Similar artists– Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Ted Nugent, Bad Company, Molly Hatchet, Grand Funk
I just want to make love to you
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
“Foghat” may not be a common household name in the rock enthusiast’s store. However, US based British hard rock blues band had an immense influence upon the coming generations of rock musicians. Formed in 1971 after the break-up of blues band “Savoy Brown”, it included the quartet – Dave Peverett (Vocals/guitars), Rod Price (Guitars), Tony Stevens (Bass) and Roger Earl (Drums). “Foghat” had a series of best-selling albums throughout the seventies, with numerous sell-out concerts across the US and several gold or platinum albums.
Chart records – Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart – 2 (1990)
Billboard Hot 100 – 64 (1990)
Similar artists – Yes, King Crimson, ELP, Magnum, Toto, Cinderella
Days like these
Reviewers-Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
Asia, perhaps the dream team combination from the offshoot members from various progressive rock bands of the seventies like Yes, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake And Palmer, was formed in Britain in 1981. Their debut album ‘Asia’ was smash hit all over the world in 1982, but subsequent albums could not live up to the expectations of the first one. But interestingly, despite various line-up changes, they are still surviving today.
‘Days like these’ is the number from their half studio and half greatest hits fourth album of 1990. This was the only song from the album whose song writing was credited to Steve Jones. Asia have many great songs to their credits like ‘Heat of the moment’, ‘Don’t cry’, ‘Only time will tell’, ‘Wildest dreams’, ‘Sole survivor’, etc however; ‘Days like these’ is a prototype stadium anthem rock number for which the band has always been famous for.
The song opens up with a heavy thundering sound of drums, guitars and keyboards, all taking off at once and then follows John Wetton’s manly voice. After that, the song has no return. The tempo, the built up of the song and the harmonious rock blends well till the end. Steve Lukather’s short and sweet solo is another mind-blowing masterpiece part of the song. This is the song about us all-it chants about the confidence which we require in every step of life. The struggle to carry on, the pains we suffer, the hardships we face, the challenges we handle, all make us stronger as we go on. It is a very optimistic song which instills into us the courage to carry on and never give up.
Although this song may not be the song for which Asia is best known for, it is definitely one of the best songs which exactly suits the overall theme of rock music. Definitely, this is a song which gives courage, hope and confidence in an extremely rocky manner to all of us.
