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THE REVIEW
And the brunette showgirl?
Among the glitz, lipsticks, lacquers, and eyeshadows that filled the beauty cases of '80s pop stars, the case of twins Gunnar and Matthew Nelson is a unique and rare one: two perfect peas in a pod, two blond manes as straight as spaghetti, a provocative look of high school party heartthrobs, and a flashy necklace to highlight the hairless chest. But could you imagine two guys like that in our high schools? How long would it take for them to become the laughingstock of all the bullies in the institution? But Americans are strange, and probably, the two were blessed by pin-up girls and stunning models, had the admiration of their classmates, in addition to having secured quite a bit of money with the millions of copies that this "After the Rain" sold. And yes, because they may be worth jeering at and sticking gum in their hair, but when they get to the microphone, one has to admit that their crystalline and hyper-melodic AOR deserves applause and standing ovations.
Sons of rock 'n' roll singer Ricky Nelson, who tragically passed away in 1985, they inherited from their father a conception of music made of carefree days spent on the beach having fun and doing nothing, but with a musical approach that mixes pop with the guitar energy typical of hard rock.
There's no denying it, this "After the Rain" is a jewel of melody and throat-splitting pumped-up choruses, a cornerstone of melodic rock worthy of sitting on shelves next to classics like "New Jersey" by Bon Jovi or "Hysteria" by Def Leppard.
It's 1990, grunge had yet to have the devastating effects we all know, and adult rock was the major source of income for record companies. The big majors provided bands with lavish productions, the best recording studios, sparing no expense, as they were sure that the economic return would far exceed the initial expenses. A great AOR album couldn't do without a mega production and "After the Rain" is mind-blowing with its clean and crystalline sounds, chromed arrangements, excellent musicians (notably rock/fusion guitarist Brett Garsed and drummer Bobby Rock). In short, Geffen Records spared no expense and the results are evident:
"(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection", their most successful track, captivates with its initial arpeggio only to explode in the chorus, sung in unison by the two brothers. But the title track, "Bits and Pieces", "More than Ever", and any of the other ten tracks are textbook for the genre: clean, direct, almost subliminally entering your head and sticking there. More than a tribute, the two pay homage to their idol Bon Jovi, but the personality they show, the ability to make typically soft sounds rough, is top of the class, from those who don't need any reference model.
Probably "After the Rain" was the last album of the genre, by a debut band, to sell so much, as well as the greatest and unrepeatable success of the Nelsons, fallen into the oblivion that touched everyone, more or less, who until a few years before was at the top.
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Summary by Bot
Nelson’s debut album After The Rain is celebrated as a quintessential melodic rock record from 1990. With its polished production and infectious choruses, it stands alongside classics like Bon Jovi’s New Jersey. The twin brothers inherited a unique blend of pop and hard rock energy from their father, Ricky Nelson. Despite later fading from the spotlight, this album remains a hallmark of the AOR genre and a testament to their undeniable talent.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
07 Fill You Up (04:40)
You can't deny it
It's the same empty feeling, day after day
You've been waiting forever
For someone to come and take you away
I understand how it feels to be lonely
Like it's you against the world
But if you come take my hand we can face it together
Oh I give you my word
I can take you to heaven
Come along for the ride
Chorus:
Let me fill you up with love tonight
Give you all of my love
Fill you up and make you come alive
I know you feel like giving up
But now, is the time
To open up your wings and fly high
So let me fill you up with love tonight
I know it ain't easy
It seems out of reach and beyond your control
But don't you give up on dreaming
Don't settle for less when you want so much more
Open your eyes up to what you've been missing
Life's been passing you by
But if you follow your heart it will all come together
So stop your cying
Oh - I can lead you to heaven
Come along for the ride
Chorus
Nelson
Nelson is the twin-brother rock duo Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, sons of singer Ricky Nelson. Their 1990 debut After the Rain, released on Geffen Records, yielded the hit '(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection' and featured session musicians such as Brett Garsed and drummer Bobby Rock. The record is described as a melodic AOR album with polished, big production.01 Reviews
