As requested, here’s one of the most beloved Melodic Rock / AOR bands from the 70s / 80s: CHARLIE. The London, England band released a string of wonderful albums during the second half of the Seventies, and at the dawn of the next decade they embraced a more ‘Americanized sound’.
CHARLIE 1983’s self-titled album “Charlie” is considered a pillar in Eighties AOR music. As requested, here’s the pretty rare Canadian remastered reissue done by Unidisc Music in a gatefold card-sleeve wallet. There’s other reissue by Renaissance Records but the sound quality is pretty poor.
This Unidisc remaster is the real deal. And we have as bonus track the ‘Long Version’ of the awesome song ”It’s Inevitable”, an all-time AOR classic.
Produced by experts Kevin Beamish (Stan Bush, REO Speedwagon) and Terry Thomas (Giant, Tommy Shaw, ’80s Bad Company), both provided to “Charlie” that gloss needed for the U.S. market. And of course, behind those synths and huge choruses, there’s great songs too.
You just can’t believe this album wasn’t a big seller and CHARLIE super-stars at the time. Every song has a hit potential. While the video for “It’s Inevitable” got a fair amount of air time on MTV, Polydor / Mirage didn’t properly managed to get the band on the radio. In 1983 a rock band needed radio airplay, and “Charlie” didn’t receive any.
Anyway, “Charlie” is a lovely ’80s collection of songs, and a classic among AOR / Melodic Rock fans.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – It’s Inevitable
02 – Tempted
03 – Spend My Life with You
04 – Never Too Late
05 – Playing to Win
06 – The Heartaches Begin
07 – You’re Everything I Need
08 – This Time
09 – Can’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow
BONUS TRACK:
10 – It’s Inevitable (Extended)
Lead Vocals – Terry Slesser
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Terry Thomas
Bass, Backing Vocals – John Anderson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Drums, Percussion, Keyboards – Robert Henrit
Produced by Kevin Beamish & Terry Thomas
CHARLIE – Charlie ’83 [Canadian CD remastered reissue +1 bonus] , MP3+FLAC
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