1984 - October: Steve Perry “Street Talk”

What the Riff?!?

It will come as no surprise to regular listeners of this podcast that we are all big fans of Steve Perry, the chief vocalist of Journey. So it should also not come as a surprise that we would want to feature his debut solo studio album called Street Talk. Perry embarked on this solo project shortly after the release of Journey's "Frontiers" album, at a time when the group was packing arenas around the world. The name of the album comes from his pre-Journey days when he was leading a band called Alien Project - but he had at one time considered naming it, "Street Talk." Perry also used Craig Krampf as drummer, who was also a previous member of Alien Project.

The album obviously has similarities to Journey due to Perry's vocals, but it is significantly softer than the more pop rock/hard rock approach typical of Journey. The songs are written or co-written by Perry, and showcase Perry's voice in a more ballad-heavy manner. The lead single, “Oh Sherrie,” was written about his relationship with Perry's then-girlfriend Sherrie Swafford, and hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. We covered “Oh Sherrie” on episode #148, but there are three other singles that broke into the top 40, powering the album to number 12 on the Billboard 200 album charts and to 2x Platinum in sales.

Perry had worked outside of Journey during his tenure with the band, including vocal work with both Sammy Hagar and Kenny Loggins. Other members of the band were also working on side projects, so it was expected that all would return to the group after their separate projects. Perry followed suit, this, but troubles began to surface with personnel changes and Perry's mother's failing health causing the "Raised on Radio" Journey album to be delayed.

Street Talk gives us a good look at Steve Perry outside of the rest of the Journey band members, during a time when Perry was at the top of his vocal game.

Rob brings us this excellent album for today's podcast.

She's Mine
The track that starts side two is a slow rocker that demonstrates Perry's versatility in musical styles. The lyrics describe a struggle between a guy and his rival over a girl. It made it to number 21 on the US charts - and you can't go wrong with a sax.

Captured By the Moment
This song is deeper lyrically, with Perry looking at significant times in history and music as snapshots in a frame. He pays tribute to some key figures from the 60s and 70s including Martin Luther King Jr, Jackie Kennedy, the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and others. It has a distinctive 80's keyboard sound.

Foolish Heart
A subdued piece, this track is the second-biggest hit from the album after "Oh, Sherrie." The lyrics depict a guy longing for love, but who does not trust his heart to make good choices. It was co-written with Randy Goodrum, who wrote "You Needed Me" for Anne Murray. It was the last single released from the album.

Strung Out
This faster paced track closes out the album, and discusses love from the perspective of a guy longing for a woman in a relationship with another. "I feel like Bogart in a crazy movie. Bogie and me, we never beg - but this time maybe I've got voices in my head."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series “Who's the Boss?”
Tony Danza plays a former baseball athlete trying to raise his daughter while working as a live-in housekeeper for a single advertising executive. Alyssa Milano played Danza's daughter.

STAFF PICKS:

I Wanna Rock by Twisted Sister
Wayne kicks off the staff picks with glam rock sensation Twisted Sister in their follow-up to "We're Not Gonna Take It." Many listeners may be more familiar with a cover of this song performed by SpongeBob SquarePants in "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" entitled "Goofy Goober Rock."

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica
Lynch brings us a signature song from Metallica's 1984 album, "Ride the Lightning." The heavy riffs typical of Metallica are accented by the toll of chimes, and the lyrics are inspired by Ernest Hemmingway's novel of the same name dealing with war, death, and fate set in the Spanish Civil War.

Hard Habit to Break by Chicago
Bruce takes the tempo way down with a hit off Chicago 17. Vocal duties are carried by Bill Champlin and Peter Cetera, and the song is arranged by David Foster. The lyrics depict a man struggling to get over a long lost love whom he took for granted. Chicago 17 is Chicago's best selling album, and their last with Peter Cetera in the group.

No More Lonely Nights by Paul McCartney
Rob closes out the staff picks with a single from the soundtrack to McCartney’s film, "Give My Regards to Broad Street." McCartney brings in Pink Floyd alumnus David Gilmour for guitar work on this song. Gilmour requested that his session fee be donated to a charity of Paul's choice. It went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Zoolookologie by Jean Michel Jarre
We close out on a jazz fusion number from the time which uses samples of voice and spoken words to form an art rock sonic landscape.

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

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