TARGET, out of Memphis, Tennessee, was the first band to bring the great Jimi Jamison to a major label release (pre- Cobra). Target put out a pair of albums for A&M never officially released on CD. Thanks to Rock Candy Records, we are able to hear these great LP’s again, with their special remastered treatment. Target’s first album, the self-titled “Target”, includes two bonus tracks in this reissue.
Arguably the British rock scene was hugely influenced by the massive commercial impact of American melodic rock bands that emerged during the late ’70s. However there was a time, earlier in the decade, when British rock cast a huge impact on American music. Acts such as Bad Company, Trapeze and Deep Purple were the hot ticket items of the time and their influence was staggeringly persuasive… not least on Target.
Memphis based Target were keen students of the British sound and forged their style and identity with exacting accuracy.
It was a style that showcased vocalist Jimi Jamison’s vocals perfectly, a wonderful combination of rough-hewn growls delivered with velvet smoothness, sitting proudly atop songs that packed a decidedly bluesy hard rock punch. The combination was hugely compelling.
Discovered by Black Oak Arkansas frontman Jim Dandy and his manager in a Memphis Club, the five piece band were soon signed to A&M records and put in to the legendary Ardent Studios, with producer John Ryan, to cut this, their debut album.
It is a work of sublime proficiency, digging deep into soulful grooves and muscular rock. Despite a concerted effort, including a thirty date US tour opening for Black Sabbath, and also Boston and Kiss, the record failed to resonate commercially with the public at the time but did it provide a healthy platform from which to launch their follow up album.
Considering Jamison’s reputation as an arena rock frontman, “Target” comes as quite a surprise. With a bluesy hard rock sound, the album comes closer to Blackfoot than it does anything related to his work with Survivor.
Though the hooks are subtle for the most part, this is an excellent batch of classic hard rock with great musicianship, and Jimi – well, you could already tell he was something special…
Excellent remastered sound by Rock Candy Records.
Highly Recommended
1. Love Just Won’t Quit 2:53
2. Bad Boy 2:42
3. Let Me Live 5:23
4. Just a Little Too Much 3:43
5. Can’t Fake It 3:15
6. 99 1/2 2:39
7. You Need a Woman 3:07
8. Let Me Down Easy 3:58
9. Workin’ Song 3:38
10. Are You Ready 3:20
11. You Need a Woman Live – 2016 Bonus Track
12. Let Me Live Live 2016 Bonus Track