Customer Reviews

Thin Red Line

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bryan Adams, Loverboy, and Rush may have been the big Canadian power rockers in the 1980's. Also in that decade, was a pop/light rock group who fared well with a few hits, primarily from this album. The name Glass Tiger fits well, as they never posed too much of a threat to the aforementioned bands, but their material wasn't too shabby. In fact I enjoyed their second and third singles quite a bit when they were on heavy rotation on MTV.

The title track and first single is a tribute to the fighting men of Canada. The anthemic drums and keyboards make a martial rhythm that makes a pretty good beat.

The second single, an upbeat pop number incorporating a horn section throughout, was a big hit here in the US as well as Canada. And after Frew sings the chorus, a familiar scratchy voice can be heard singing from the second time the chorus is sung, "my heart would break" or "for heaven's sake." Hint: he thinks the summer of 69 was the best days of his life.

"Vanishing Tribe" sports the poppy keyboards about how the older generation weep at the loss of their culture while the younger generation sing of modernity. Frew sings from the point of an observer of this catastrophe. "I've watched the sky shed tears till rivers overlow/I feel the mountains move/I'm watching nature die."

The nostalgic sadness of "Looking At A Picture" from another time, "of childhood days and summer nights" has the musical style of a Journey song. Steve Perry wouldn't be out of place singing this.

"Ecstasy" features synths with a sparkling effect and tells of the folly of being happy living in the past via staring at a mirror. Staring at the mirror and being captivated by its charms is seen as folly, but in examining one's reflection, one can also see how one's aged.

The third single was the mid-paced "Someday," which has a classic 80's bouncy-bass synths and a backbeat, and is an unhappy breakup song about the untruths told to protect one's ego. I get kind of pensive whenever I hear the chorus, "Someday you'll be shedding your tears/to cry over me/someday, I'll be losing this fear." Like "Don't Forget Me," this was co-written by Jim Vallance, Bryan Adam's songwriting partner, who also produced the whole album.

Then, the fourth single, "I Will Be There", sporting a hard guitar and bubbly high-pitched keyboards. Bryan Adams sings a line or two here as he did in the second single. This could've done better on the singles chart.

"You're What I Look For" seems like a nice affirmative love song, sounding a bit like the Outfield, but then there's the bridge, which consists of the single line, "Now it's over." Awww!

Glass Tiger gets some support from pro musicians. Apart from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, Dalbello, who would work with Heart on their Desire Walks On album, helps out with backing vocals. And singer Alan Frew's singing sometimes reminds me a bit of Simon LeBon. Not a bad album, especially with the singles, for which reason, I haven't forgotten them when they're gone.

This is a tough review to write considering how many wonderful memories the band Glass Tiger brings back to me. I remember hearing them for the first time in early September of 1986, with the hit "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone". It reminds me of going to a pep rally at the football field across town. I got into my little 85' Dodge Ram pickup and turned on the radio and that song was playing. I thought that was my favorite Glass Tiger song until around November or December of 86' rolled around and I heard the powerfull "Someday" coming out of the speakers. I even called my best friend to ask him who sang that song. Of course he said "Glass Tiger". I couldn't believe it was the same band. What a great cold weather song. Now when I hear that music I think of the late fall and early winter of 86' and my high school sweetheart. We used to listen to that song in my truck every time I would go pick her up for a date. Anyway, if you love great pop music from the mid-80's then you'll love this cd! Buy it! I'm going too...

My Oh My... The First 3 Albums From This Fantastic Band Are All Imports Now.. :) Whoa.. From Seeing All Of Thier Concerts Here In Toronto, And Remembering Those Very special Nights, Well Can't Be Expressed In Words.. This CD Was The Start Of A Great Line "Or Should I Say Thin Line" Since There Is Only 3 Cd's And A Greatest Hits Collection.. Every One Of Them Are Great From start To Finish! Highly Recommended!! Also Check Out Alan Frews' Solo Cd "Hold On"..

Glass Tiger's impressive debut earned them a Grammy nomination and two top-ten hits in the U.S. From the opening crash of the drum, "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone" grabs our attention with classic upbeat pop, while the warm appeal of Alan Frew's voice tugs at your heartstrings in the unique mid-tempo ballad "Someday." But there is much more to this album than the familiar hits. The strength of the songs and overall performance shines through the slick production and Frew easily stays on top of it all--his personality gives the album character. For me, his voice is the main attraction--full and resonant in the lower range, while higher up it develops a bright, clear edge (to which Bryan Adams' raspy "guest star" backups are an interesting counterpoint). "I Will Be There" ends on a great "power" note, but there is no arrogance--just a pure, youthful, triumphant quality also present in "Ecstasy." But lungpower and control are only part of the package--there is often a charming vulnerability in his voice (reminiscent of a young McCartney) that is equally compelling. The atmospheric title track shows off a more rugged side--his full-bodied rolling growl in the battle cries really sets the scene. Contrast that with his light falsetto in the lovely intervals he sings in the fade-out of "Ancient Evenings." His beguiling blend of strength and sensitivity fully supported by a tight and talented band makes for a rich and varied listening experience. We can thank our neighbors to the north for exporting this refreshing taste of 80's music at its best. Kelly G. Smith

This album takes me back to a simple time. True, a good amount of the pop music the mid 80s sounds like Glass Tiger! I think there is a special spark to this album that makes it much more than the middle of the pack. "Don't Forget Me" will always bring back great memories. A must have for any 80s collection.

What can I say about an album that taught me alot about music. This album I bought at the age of 13 as an experiment 13 years ago. I could not understand most of what I heard at the time but as the years progressed, Alan Frew and co. never ceased to amaze me. It's a rare find, an album that captures the essence of love as well as plight. "Looking at a Picture" will always remain a reminder of times past

This is an album that you can listen to from start to finish without skipping a song. Great driving songs, great ballads, great pop hits, it's all here. One of the best sounding mixes on any album I've ever heard. Highly recommended.

Yup, this is the album with the classic Glass Tiger tunes, "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone" (featuring special guest Bryan Adams) and "Someday". Full of fun/moody/delicate/exciting (what does that mean???) pop that brings back a great deal of happy memories of the mid 80's, this CD should be in your collection just to make you smile on a bummer day if anything. "Vanishing Tribe" is loaded with a jungle drum sound and is very energetic. One of the few CD's in my own personal collection that I can listen to from beginning to end without skipping a track.

As duas primeiras músicas são as melhores do disco e as demais não comprometem, tornando a obra razoável. É um pop-rock agradável, mas nada além disso. Não tem nada de excepcional.

I had the cassette tape back when it first came out and loved it back then. I was so happy to locate a CD version. Still as great as I remember!