Search - Glass Tiger :: Thin Red Line

No, I haven't forgotten them while they're gone

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 12/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bryan Adams, Loverboy, and Rush may have been the big Canadian power rockers in the 1980's. Also in that decade, was a pop/light rock group who fared well with a few hits, primarily from this album. The name Glass Tiger fits well, as they never posed too much of a threat to the aforementioned bands, but their material wasn't too shabby. In fact I enjoyed their second and third singles quite a bit when they were on heavy rotation on MTV. The title track and first single is a tribute to the fighting men of Canada. The anthemic drums and keyboards make a martial rhythm that makes a pretty good beat.The second single, an upbeat pop number incorporating a horn section throughout, was a big hit here in the US as well as Canada. And after Frew sings the chorus, a familiar scratchy voice can be heard singing from the second time the chorus is sung, "my heart would break" or "for heaven's sake." Hint: he thinks the summer of 69 was the best days of his life."Vanishing Tribe" sports the poppy keyboards about how the older generation weep at the loss of their culture while the younger generation sing of modernity. Frew sings from the point of an observer of this catastrophe. "I've watched the sky shed tears till rivers overlow/I feel the mountains move/I'm watching nature die."The nostalgic sadness of "Looking At A Picture" from another time, "of childhood days and summer nights" has the musical style of a Journey song. Steve Perry wouldn't be out of place singing this."Ecstasy" features synths with a sparkling effect and tells of the folly of being happy living in the past via staring at a mirror. Staring at the mirror and being captivated by its charms is seen as folly, but in examining one's reflection, one can also see how one's aged.The third single was the mid-paced "Someday," which has a classic 80's bouncy-bass synths and a backbeat, and is an unhappy breakup song about the untruths told to protect one's ego. I get kind of pensive whenever I hear the chorus, "Someday you'll be shedding your tears/to cry over me/someday, I'll be losing this fear." Like "Don't Forget Me," this was co-written by Jim Vallance, Bryan Adam's songwriting partner, who also produced the whole album.Then, the fourth single, "I Will Be There", sporting a hard guitar and bubbly high-pitched keyboards. Bryan Adams sings a line or two here as he did in the second single. This could've done better on the singles chart. "You're What I Look For" seems like a nice affirmative love song, sounding a bit like the Outfield, but then there's the bridge, which consists of the single line, "Now it's over." Awww!Glass Tiger gets some support from pro musicians. Apart from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, Dalbello, who would work with Heart on their Desire Walks On album, helps out with backing vocals. And singer Alan Frew's singing sometimes reminds me a bit of Simon LeBon. Not a bad album, especially with the singles, for which reason, I haven't forgotten them when they're gone."

What A Great Sound From The 80's!...

simon templar | Los Angeles, CA | 10/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a tough review to write considering how many wonderful memories the band Glass Tiger brings back to me. I remember hearing them for the first time in early September of 1986, with the hit "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone". It reminds me of going to a pep rally at the football field across town. I got into my little 85' Dodge Ram pickup and turned on the radio and that song was playing. I thought that was my favorite Glass Tiger song until around November or December of 86' rolled around and I heard the powerfull "Someday" coming out of the speakers. I even called my best friend to ask him who sang that song. Of course he said "Glass Tiger". I couldn't believe it was the same band. What a great cold weather song. Now when I hear that music I think of the late fall and early winter of 86' and my high school sweetheart. We used to listen to that song in my truck every time I would go pick her up for a date. Anyway, if you love great pop music from the mid-80's then you'll love this cd! Buy it! I'm going too..."

SOMEDAY!! Maybe They Will ReUnite And We Can Dance Again!

simon templar | 07/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My Oh My... The First 3 Albums From This Fantastic Band Are All Imports Now.. :) Whoa.. From Seeing All Of Thier Concerts Here In Toronto, And Remembering Those Very special Nights, Well Can't Be Expressed In Words.. This CD Was The Start Of A Great Line "Or Should I Say Thin Line" Since There Is Only 3 Cd's And A Greatest Hits Collection.. Every One Of Them Are Great From start To Finish! Highly Recommended!! Also Check Out Alan Frews' Solo Cd "Hold On".."