As requested, here we have the excellent – now out of print – remastered Japanese release of 38 SPECIAL album “Tour De Force“, using the original US analog master tapes and pressed on high quality SHM-CD. It’s all done in wonderful cardboard sleeve mini LP replica, which also faithfully replicates the OBI design of the Japanese first pressing LP. And the clarity of the sound is impressive.
38 SPECIAL heart & soul is southern rock for sure, but circa 1983 they had to update their sound… the result, one of the greatest bluesy-infused AOR / melodic rock albums from the ’80s: “Tour De Force”.
Propelled by the effortless blend of melody and power stirred up by Donnie Van Zant, vocalist/guitarist Don Barnes, guitarist Jeff Carlisi, bassist Larry Junstrom, and drummers Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin, “Tour De Force” is loaded with irresistible catchy ’80s hooks.
The hit single, “If I’d Been the One,” is a stunner steeped in passionate vocals and simple but highly effective rhythm and lead guitar parts. The single was #1 in Mainstream Rock chart.
“Back Where You Belong”, which was also a hit, is more of a straightforward AOR song. It reached the # 20 in the Billboard Hot 100, injecting the mainstream charts with a shot of much-needed grit.
“One Time for Old Times” is slower, midtempo and with lots of class, then “See Me In Your Eyes” has another fine AORish melody and great guitar work.
“I Oughta Let Go” add some acoustics, and the stylish “Undercover Lover” is a sly, laid-back AOR rocker with that classic ’80s atmosphere. But the undiscovered gem here is “Twentieth Century Fox”, a fantastic southern rocker with great guitar grooves, strong vocals and clever lyrics.
38 SPECIAL is a darn great group of fantastic musicians, and for many critics and fans “Tour De Force” is their finest hour, showing the band’s skills at their peak.
Great songs, contagious riffs and choruses, and an overall mid-Eighties feel both in sound and production.
38 SPECIAL music isn’t easy to remaster even with modern technology because the band’s harmonics are absolutely ‘analog’ and the digital treatment may destroy part of the charm. This remaster on SHM-CD is fabulous.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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ＵＩＣＹ～78569 【ＬＴＤ ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ】
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01 – If I’d Been The One
02 – Back Where You Belong
03 – One Time For Old Times
04 – See Me In Your Eyes
05 – Twentieth Century Fox
06 – Long Distance Affair
07 – I Oughta Let Go
08 – One Of The Lonely Ones
09 – Undercover Lover
Donnie Van Zant – vocals
Don Barnes – vocals, guitars
Jeff Carlisi – guitars
Larry Junstrom – bass
Jack Grondin, Steve Brookins – drums