#38 - Summer Of '69

Artist: Bryan Adams

Album: Reckless
Video: From YouTube.

This is the second time an artist has had back-to-back videos in the countdown.  It will happen twice more before we're all done.

"Summer of '69" is a song that always gets me pumped, right from the driving guitar riff that starts it off.  It conjures up the feeling of the best summer ever, the last one before you're forced to confront the responsibilities of adulthood.  It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The debate has raged as to whether the song is about the summer of 1969, or the act of 69.  Adams has asserted the latter, but co-writer and longtime Adams collaborator Jim Vallance offers a straightforward interpretation.  The Vallance link includes insights on many other songs the two wrote together, including "Somebody".  I wish I had discovered it early enough to reference in the last post.

The video captures the camaraderie and good times of adolescence.  Hanging out with friends, falling in love, eluding the cops.  Great scenes throughout.  It was nominated for a 1985 MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video.

Finally, you will notice there is no poll to vote on right now.  I've been having trouble creating a new one, Blogger keeps giving me an unhelpful error message.  I will keep trying though.

Also, I am hopeful that I will be able to post more regularly from now on.

#39 - Somebody

Artist: Bryan Adams

Album: Reckless
Video: From YouTube.

Here's a fun game: get some friends together and watch this video.  Every time Bryan Adams pumps his fist, take a drink.  Have a designated driver and paramedics standing by.

“Somebody” is the second of three Bryan Adams’ videos in the countdown.  One of several hits on the “Reckless” album, it peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s a pretty straightforward good-time rocker: simple repetitive chorus, infectious guitar hook, easy to sing along.

There is also a classic Depeche Mode song with the same title, released right around the same time.  Which “Somebody” is better?  You decide.

The video for the Bryan Adams song is a live concert performance.  Just Bryan in jeans and a white t-shirt rockin’ out with the band.  And the crowd is going CRAZY.  They are relentless in their lust and adoration.

Finally, note that the new poll is a bit unusual.  All of the choices for favorite song have already survived a cut.  It will get tougher as we narrow down to a single greatest song of 1985.  You can hardly contain your excitement, can you?

#51 - Heaven

Artist: Bryan Adams

Album: Reckless
Video: From YouTube.

Bryan Adams is one of many great rock stars from Canada.  I was always a big fan.  "Reckless" was one of the first albums I ever bought.  When I was 14 I went to Target and bought my first six music cassette tapes for $40.  They were: 


"Born In The U.S.A." - Bruce Springsteen
"Vital Signs" - Survivor
"Standing On The Edge" - Cheap Trick
"No Jacket Required" - Phil Collins
"Like A Virgin" - Madonna
"Reckless" - Bryan Adams

So how about a "first albums" tag for this blog?  Great idea.  Done.

"Heaven" made it all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s kind of like a soft rock song with lyrics about a man unable to believe how lucky he is to be with his woman.  But it also has elements of a power ballad, with a stellar drum riff leading into the chorus, an understated but excellent lead guitar, and Adams’ gravelly voice completing the package.  It’s a hybrid soft rock power ballad.  Totally awesome.

The video features Adams alone on stage, singing to an auditorium with seats filled with televisions.  Adoring fans fill the screens.  In the end, we see him sleeping in front of the TV, the picture having turned to snow.   Was it all a dream?  Is he actually in Heaven?
 
And with that, this blog is halfway finished.  Tomorrow, I have a surprise for you.