For FM’s sophomore effort, the instant appeal of ‘Indiscreet’ would be replaced for a harder edged version of AOR on ‘Tough It Out’.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: FM (UK)
ALBUM: Tough It Out
LABEL: Epic
SERIAL: 465589 1 (LP), 465589 2 (CD)
YEAR: 1989
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP: Steve Overland – vocals, guitars * Chris Overland – guitars * Didge Digital – keyboards * Merv Goldsworthy – bass * Pete Jupp – drums, percussion
TRACK LISTING: 01 Tough It Out * 02 Don’t Stop * 03 Bad Luck * 04 Someday You’ll Come Running * 05 Everytime I Think Of You * 06 Burning My Heart Down * 07 The Dream That Died * 08 Obsession * 09 Can You Hear Me Calling? * 10 Does It Feel Like Love * 11 Feels So Good
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
1986 was a watershed year for British melodic rockers FM. It marked the arrival of the band and their sensational debut ‘Indiscreet’, which for many readers that visit this site, remains a firm fixed favourite.
Full of gorgeous songs, FM proved that British bands could compete with those coming out of the favoured North American scene. They paved the way for the likes of Dare and Strangeways to follow. Touring with many acts during this time, it took the band three years to progress through to their second album.
Their label at the time (Portrait) was killed off by parent CBS, who then migrated all their roster to Epic.
FM still kept in the public eye by making festival appearances. By the time they were ready to record (what would be) ‘Tough It Out’, Neil Kernon, fresh his exploits with Queensryche, would join the production team and thereby the instant appeal of ‘Indiscreet’ would be replaced for a harder edged version of AOR.
Still loads of gorgeous songs, offset by some (err hmm) ‘tougher’ songs as well.
The Songs
Those songs that carry the true AOR appeal on this album are the ones where Didge Digital’s keyboards are prominent. Included among them are the incredible pairing of ‘The Dream That Died’ and ‘Can You Hear Me Calling?’, complete with harmony vocals and crystal clear keyboard melodies.
These two are followed closely by the trio of the ripsnorting ‘Bad Luck’, ‘Someday’ (which has been covered by many others in the AOR genre) and ‘Everytime I Think Of You’ showcasing the tremendous lead vocal of Steve Overland.
When the band do ‘tough it out’, songs like ‘Obsession’ and ‘Don’t Stop’ take the band in a new direction. A harder one, though melody is still prevalent.
Chuck in the likes of the title track plus ‘Burning My Heart Down’ and you get an idea as to where FM would eventually go in terms of their musical direction.
In Summary
The band would be joined by two female fronted outfits during their 1989 tour run, including Americans Saraya and British melodic rockers Romeos Daughter, featuring Merv Goldsworthy’s main squeeze – the lovely Leigh Matty.
At the conclusion of their obligations for this album, lead guitarist Chris Overland left the band. He would be replaced by Andy Barnett, who would harden up the sound of the band even more by the time of their 1991 album ‘Takin’ It To The Streets’. However, for pure AOR bliss, ‘Indiscreet’ and ‘Tough It Out’ should be part of your collection without me having to annoy you otherwise.
FM on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
