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Rating: After the coming-of-age trial of their third album, "All For One" and the apostrophe Rock of the live "Live at the Inferno", Atlantic signs the Raven.
It's 1985, and these three boys from Newcastle have everything it takes to "rock out". Too bad that signing contracts with Major labels imposes strict rules. Change of course, from the most British HM in circulation, to a openly commercial direction.
The production of the album is in the hands of Michael Wagener, already present in the previous studio album of the band.
A great mixer, if you think of Master of Puppets or No More Tears by Ozzy, but as a producer, he hasn't left many notable marks in the Metal field except for "Breaker" and "Restless and Wild" by Accept.
Gallagher, Mark (guitar) and John Gallagher (bass/vocals), let themselves be influenced by the new sounds offered and created this Stay Hard, which disappointed their fans' expectations. Just one hit, "On And On" and little else worth mentioning.
The Raven were sure of the album's success, given the big budget available and especially for the "groove" they believed they had created.
There are some songs that are unlistenable, due to the creative fragility and especially the predictable melodic patterns.
I highlight the closing track, which I have always despised for the use of brass (perhaps even violins..?). Listening to it now, perhaps it's the only real innovation of the Band. The Bottom Line is an instrumental of call and response between guitar and brass section. Very peculiar.
All for one, one for all....!!!!
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
08 Hard Ride (03:15)
You`ve got me coming and going You floor me without a sound I try to roll with your punches But you keep laying them down Giving me a hard time Making me lose my mind You`re giving me a rough ride You`ve got me going You`re driving me wild I`ve got my hands on your assets It brings the tears to your eyes You wanna check my credentials You`re gonna get a surprise Giving me a hard time Making me lose my mind You`re giving me a rough ride You`ve got me going You`re driving me wild You`ve got me coming and going You floor me without a sound I try to roll with your punches But you keep laying them down Giving me a hard time Making me lose my mind You`re giving me a rough ride You`ve got me going You`re driving me wild
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