Pick of the Week: Bryan Adams
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Waking Up The Neighbours (2 180-gram Vinyl LPs)
Bryan Adams did it all on "Waking Up The Neighbours" (1991). He was the composer, guitar player, producer and vocalist. Audio Fidelity decided to remind us how talented Mr. Adams was. Even though he owned the '80s the next decade started off with a bang for the Canadian rocker turned superstar.
Adams appealed to both sexes: His chiseled good looks struck a chord with the ladies and his average-Joe look with plaid shirts and jeans made the guys feel like he was one of them. With that kind of universal acceptance and memorable rockin' tunes it was hard to forget Byran Adams. He also had a very distinct vocal style with just enough gruffness to push over the rockers and the ability to tone it down and be smoother on the ballads, giving his listeners the best of both worlds.
"Waking Up The Neighbours" may have not been as big as "Reckless" and "Cuts Like A Knife" from a commercial standpoint but it had plenty of power-packed rockers and sing along ballads to make it a worthwhile addition to your collection. This limited numbered 20th anniversary reissue is an attractive 180-gram 2 LP (gatefold sleeves) set presented by Audio Fidelity and it offers many things to listeners and collectors alike.
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The wide appeal of such an artist offers elements of pop and rock that make a majority of their tracks radio friendly and G rated so any age can listen. Adams fit that description well however it is duly noted that the man could rock and play the six-string with the best of them in his genre during the height of his popularity. The rocker "Can't Stop This Thing We Started" and the rock-pop ballad "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" were big hits for Adams and are excellent representations of his ability to switch between a rocker and a ballad.
You know when you have not heard something in many years and you still know the words that the songs made an impression on you at some point in your life. Listening to this music on vinyl was pure rock ecstasy and many times during songs I felt waves of emotion coming over me. Songs like this bring back good memories for anyone that was able to relate to the stories about relationships, and some of the angst felt and in turn the need to channel all of that emotion and energy. All of which Adams conveyed very well in his music.
Audio Fidelity does a beautiful job with the remastering of this music for vinyl and reproducing the original album artwork, complete with all the lyrics and photos of Adams and his band. This is one of the very best packages I have seen come through the label and the sound is immaculate and pristine, just as it should be on a vinyl LP. Not only is this good music, it will make you smile to hold this virgin vinyl in your hands and to admire the glossy gatefold sleeves.
The magic of LPs becomes more important with each passing year and thanks to labels like Audio Fidelity they are keeping that fire burning with pride and distinction and this release is one of many examples.
Keith 'Muzikman' Hannaleck is founder of www.muzikreviews.com; comments or questions on this or any other review, info@muzikreviews.com.
