Brian riffs on the eighth studio album by Bruce Springsteen, “Tunnel of Love” on the charts in November of 1987 (Two Faces / Brilliant Disguise / One Step Up / Valentine's Day). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “Mess Around” by Ray Charles (from the motion picture “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”). STAFF PICKS: “Time Stand Still” by Rush — Bruce. “Hazy Shade of Winter” by The Bangles — Wayne. “Give to Live" by Sammy Hagar — Rob. “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac — Brian. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “Midnight” by Joe Satriani. **(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)
After the overwhelming success of his “Born to Run” album, Bruce Springsteen's next studio album would take a dramatically different approach. First, Tunnel of Love would be a solo project, and the E. Street Band was not credited as a contributor, though many members of the E. Street Band would be credited individually. Springsteen plays many of the instruments himself, and made use of drum machines and synthesizers on the tracks. Second, the lyrics look inward as Springsteen explores aspects of lost love. Springsteen was reacting to his troubled marriage to actress Julianne Phillips from whom he would receive divorce papers the following year. The divorce was finalized in 1989.
Tunnel of Love was a critical and commercial success. Critics would praise the originality of the material and its introspective nature. The album would receive a Grammy award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo at the 1988 Grammy awards. Commercially the album would hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and go triple platinum. Five singles would be released from the album, three of which cracked the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.
Two Faces
This deeper cut explores how there is a lighter side and a darker side within each of us, and how we can come to hurt the ones we love. The singer prays that the “our love will make the other man go away,” but that other man is a part of us.
Brilliant Disguise
This was the first single released from the album, and it went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. It reflects doubt, first in the singer's lover, and later in the singer himself. The question is whether either has become a stranger to the other.
One Step Up
This third single from the album was only released as a single in the U.S. Unlike much of the album, this song was not recorded in Springsteen's home studio, but at A&M Studios in Los Angeles. The song reflects the troubles in Springsteen's marriage. Although Springsteen played all instruments, E Street Band member Patti Scialfa sings backup. Scialfa would marry Springsteen in 1991.
Valentine's Day
The last song on the album takes a surprisingly upbeat look at relationships, as the singer longs for his love. It's quite a contrast with the other songs on the album. “So hold me close honey say you're forever mine, and tell me you'll be my lonely valentine.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Mess Around by Ray Charles (from the motion picture “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”)
With the abundance of Christmas movies, this is an unusual Thanksgiving comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy trying to get home during the Holiday rush.
STAFF PICKS:
Time Stand Still by Rush
Bruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Rush's 12th studio album “Hold Your Fire.” The lyrics were inspired by Neal Peart's time in the band as he reflects on the things he missed while spending time on the road. 'Til Tuesday's lead singer and bassist Aimee Mann contributes backing vocals on this song.
Hazy Shade of Winter by The Bangles
Wayne brings us a cover with a much faster beat than the original Simon and Garfunkel version. This song appeared on the soundtrack for the motion picture “Less Than Zero.” The Bangles had covered this song since 1983, and offered it to the movie rather than writing a new piece. The Bangle's version peaked at number 2 on the charts.
Give to Live by Sammy Hagar
The Red Rocker was still under contract for a solo album despite joining Van Halen, and Rob features this single off the album that fulfilled his commitment. Tidbit: Eddie Van Halen plays bass on this album.
Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac
Brian finishes off the staff picks with a hit from the album “Tango In the Night.” Keyboardist Christine McVie takes her turn on lead with this song written by her and her husband at the time, Eddy Quintela. The idea is that sometimes little lies are easier to take than the truth.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Midnight by Joe Satriani
This is an instrumental selection from Satriani's album “Surfing With the Alien,” released in 1987.