80’s at 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Thursday 06-15-23
Tonight’s 80’s at 8 started with “Spellbound” by Triumph. Triumph, the renowned Canadian hard rock band, captivated audiences in the 1980s with their powerful music and thought-provoking lyrics. While many are familiar with their chart-topping hits, there are hidden gems in their discography that deserve recognition. One such song is “Spellbound” from their seventh studio album, “Thunder Seven.”
“Thunder Seven,” released in November 1984, stands as Triumph’s seventh studio album. It boasts a collection of tracks that revolve around time-related themes, providing listeners with a conceptual experience. Notably, “Thunder Seven” was certified gold and reached #35 on the 200 album chart in the US and was the last Triumph album solely written by the band members themselves, without any outside contributors.
The album cover of “Thunder Seven,” illustrated by artist Dean Motter, presents a mechanized version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. This artwork, along with the album’s broader concept, explores the actions and abnormalities of humanity during the transition to the 21st century. The cover serves as a visual representation of the album’s themes and provides a cohesive aesthetic.
Triumph’s technical brilliance shines through “Spellbound,” with each band member contributing their unique talents to create a cohesive and captivating sound. Rik Emmett’s guitar work is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his virtuosity and ability to blend intricate solos with memorable melodies. Gil Moore’s driving drum beats and Michael Levine’s versatile bass lines provide a solid foundation, propelling the song forward.
“Spellbound,” along with the entire “Thunder Seven” album, offers a glimpse into the introspective and thought-provoking nature of Triumph’s music, reminding us why they remain influential figures in the realm of rock music.
The music video for “Spellbound” Triumph performing the song on stage as the video cuts to a guy stuck in his car in the middle of nowhere and comes across a woman who I think may be a witch that is causing him to be come “Spellbound”. You can check it out below:
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner. Foreigner, the legendary British-American rock band, solidified their place in music history with their timeless hits. Among their repertoire, “Juke Box Hero” from their 1981 album “4” stands out as an iconic anthem that continues to captivate audiences.
Released as a single in 1981, “Juke Box Hero” quickly became one of Foreigner’s most recognizable songs. It epitomizes the band’s ability to blend infectious melodies with powerful rock arrangements. From the opening guitar riff to Lou Gramm’s dynamic vocals, the song tells the story of a young fan’s journey from obscurity to stardom, propelled by his passion for music.
“4” enjoyed tremendous chart success, peaking at number one on the 200album chart in the US and staying in the top 10 for an impressive 10 weeks. and was certified 6x Platinum in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying sales of over six million copies. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” and, of course, “Juke Box Hero.” These tracks resonated with audiences around the world and solidified Foreigner’s status as a chart-topping band.
“Jukebox Hero’ reached #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and #26 on the Hot 100 in the US . It stands as a rock anthem that has transcended generations. Its powerful guitar riffs, captivating lyrics, and unforgettable chorus have solidified its place in music history. The success of “4” and the enduring popularity of “Juke Box Hero” underscore Foreigner’s impact on the rock genre. As the song continues to resonate with fans worldwide, it remains a testament to the enduring power of Foreigner’s music and their ability to create timeless hits.
The music video for “Jukebox Hero” has Foreigner performing the song at one of their shows back in the day. Check it out below:
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