80’s at 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Friday 04-21-23
Danish-American glam metal band White Lion (American bass player James LoMenzo, American drummer Greg D’Angelo, American guitarist Vito Bratta, and Danish singer-songwriter and guitarist Mike Tramp) attend the 16th Annual American Music Awards After Party, held at Chasen’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, 30th January 1989. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The first track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was Radar Love by White Lion. “Radar Love” is a classic rock song that was originally released by the Dutch band Golden Earring in 1973. However, in 1989, the American rock band White Lion covered the song for their album “Big Game.” While the original version remains a classic, White Lion’s cover is also widely celebrated and has its own unique charm. It reached #13 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and #59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
White Lion’s version of “Radar Love” is a faithful rendition of the original, with the band staying true to the song’s catchy guitar riff and driving rhythm section. However, there are some differences that make White Lion’s cover stand out.
One of the most noticeable differences is in the vocals. White Lion’s lead singer, Mike Tramp, has a distinct voice that adds a different flavor to the song. His vocals are more raw and emotional than the original, giving the song a more urgent feel.
Another difference is in the guitar solo. While the original song features a guitar solo that is rooted in the blues, White Lion’s version features a more melodic solo that is closer to the band’s hard rock sound. This solo is a highlight of the song, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency while still staying true to the song’s spirit. White Lion’s cover of “Radar Love” is a testament to the enduring popularity of the song. Even though it was released over a decade after the original, it still manages to capture the essence of the song while adding its own unique twist. It’s a reminder that great songs can be interpreted in many different ways, and that even a classic can be given new life by a talented group of musicians. You can watch the music video for Radar Love by White Lion below:
Lita Ford 1985 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was a hard Rocker titled Fatal Passion by the beautiful and talented Lita Ford. It’s a deep cut from her 1988 self titled album. The album was a significant turning point in the career of the former Runaways guitarist. Released on February 2, 1988, “Lita” marked the first time that Ford had full control over her creative output. This album was a clear departure from her previous work, with a harder rock edge and more personal lyrics.
“Lita” was Ford’s third solo album, following the release of “Out for Blood” in 1983 and “Dancin’ on the Edge” in 1984. These two albums were met with mixed reviews and moderate commercial success. However, “Lita” proved to be a commercial breakthrough for the guitarist, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over one million copies in the United States alone. The album features a number of standout tracks, including “Kiss Me Deadly,” “Back to the Cave,””Fatal Passion” and “Falling In and Out of Love.” “Kiss Me Deadly” was the album’s lead single and remains one of Ford’s most popular songs to this day. The track’s catchy chorus and driving guitar riff helped it climb to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Despite the album’s commercial success, “Lita” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Ford’s growth as a songwriter and musician, while others criticized the album’s reliance on power ballads and lack of innovation.
Regardless of the mixed reviews, “Lita” remains an important album in the history of women in rock. Ford’s success as a solo artist paved the way for future female rockers, and the album’s impact can still be felt today. With its hard-hitting riffs, catchy choruses, and personal lyrics, “Lita” stands the test of time as a classic album in the genre of hard rock.You can watch the music video for fatal Passion by Lita Ford Below:
