Search - Glass Tiger :: Diamond Sun

DIAMOND SUN MADE OF PURE GOLD

snazander@aol.com (Shawn Zander) | A South African Lad in Daytona Beach USA | 01/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Glass Tiger gives us a very impressive follow-up album to the untouchable "Thin Red Line". The songs are still longing and nostalgic for those "ancient evenings", and equally as impressive are Alan Frew's writing and especially unique soaring and heartfelt vocals. The other lads play at a more mature level of musicianship and "Diamond Sun" is definately the greatest Glass Tiger song ever! A little bit of prejudice, I know =) But with lines such as: "as with the shadows of lonely trees, we are in bondage but our hearts are still free" ~ My God, what brilliance! "I'm Still Searching" is melodic and highly energising, not to mention the commercial hit of the album. Remember that classic video? "My Song" keeps the gaelic heart of the band beating strong with The Chieftains playing along a catchy melody you will find yourself humming constantly! "This Island Earth" is haunting ~ Amazing! "Send Your Love" brings U2 to mind at first, but then becomes uniquely Glass Tiger. Alan Frew, as evidenced on the track "(Watching) Worlds Crumble", is one of the FEW male singers that can sing in falcetto and not sound like John Cleese impersonating an old woman in a Monty Python skit! This album is alive, breathing with emotion and impressive musicianship. The production is excellent, much better in the "production" sense than "The Thin Red Line". The instruments just sound better here. Let's pray for a reunion of this brilliant band one day soon! Also, check out Alan Frew's solo stuff if you are a GT fan. You won't be dissapointed mates! CHEERS! PS~ I cannot believe this is now an import album - What the, uh, what happened here???!!!!"

Crisp Upbeat Follow-Up

susumu-5 | Japan | 07/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Canadian pop rock legend Glass Tiger is known by sensational major debut THIN RED LINE in 1986 which bore huge hits such as Don't Forget Me and Someday. Their follow-up in 1988 is also nice enjoyable AOR work though not as promoted as aforementioned.



The opening DIAMOND SUN is a nice uptempo rocker somewhat remniscent of Hooter's debut. FAR AWAY FROM HERE keeps the beat of their debut and should have aired much more. A LIFETIME OF MOMENTS is well-produced emotional ballad while MY SONG uses traditional instruments curtly just as HOOTERS and BRUCE HORNSBY did. WORLDS CRUMBLE reminds me of some of excellent TOTO ballads.SEND YOUR LOVE will culminate 80s upbeat pop mood and you would want to play this with full volume. THIS ISLAND EARTH the last track shows moody side of the band well.



Verdict: Nice follow-up.

Rating: 82 out of 100

Recommended for Canadian AOR fans who loves BRYAN ADAMS, CORY HART, HONEYMOON SUITE and SAGA. Also for Hooters, Cutting Crew, Survivor fans."

A Grounded and Mature Progression

Kelly G. Smith | Niagara Falls, NY USA | 12/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lack of airplay in the U.S. prevented this fine album from achieving the success it had in Canada, but for this American fan it is still a personal favorite. As a follow-up to Glass Tiger's sparkling debut Thin Red Line, Diamond Sun is simpler and more down-to-earth in terms of production. The theme and rhythms of the title track alluding to Canada's indigenous peoples introduce an organic feel that carries through to the joyful and good-humored "My Song" flavored with the music of vocalist Alan Frew's native Scotland. "Far Away From Here" is one of their best pop/rock guitar-oriented tracks--and it is only available here, as the hits compilations neglected to include it. The exuberance of "Send Your Love" with its spirited vocal and fast driving beat is another highlight, as is the gentle introspective vocal on "Suffer In Silence" with its nicely done fade-out. Frew uses his powerful instrument with sensitive restraint as can be heard in the way he opens the first track and ends the last--creating a quiet thoughtful mood to introduce the album, and then as the final track draws to a close letting his voice fade into the background so the instruments can swell back in and have the final say. He doesn't sacrifice the music for the sake of ego. The variety of tone, texture, and character in his voice is remarkable and rare--from the angelic falsetto of "Watching Worlds Crumble" to the earthy resonant grunt at the beginning of "This Island Earth," and everything in between; the Beatles' influence is evident here, and if McCartney was the master of vocal versatility then Frew is the star pupil who matured with Glass Tiger and comes to full fruition in his subsequent solo releases. For me, Diamond Sun is one of the musical high points of the 1980's and I highly recommend it. Kelly G. Smith"