There are two words that describe the I-Ten album, ‘bloody’ and ‘essential’. Yep, you must own this album, no self respecting AOR fan should be without it.
Written by: Mudgey
ARTIST: I-Ten
ALBUM: Taking A Cold Look
LABEL: Epic
SERIAL: BFE 38602
YEAR: 1983
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Tom Kelly – vocals, guitars, keyboards * Billy Steinberg – vocals, guitars
Additional Musicians: Steve Lukather – guitars, keyboards * Alan Pasqua, David Paich, Steve Porcaro – keyboards * Dennis Bellfield – bass * Mike Baird – drums * Richard Page – backing vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 Taking A Cold Look * 02 Quicksand * 03 Alone * 04 Workin’ For A Livin’ * 05 Lonely In Each Others Arms * 06 I Don’t Wanna Lose You * 07 Time to Say Goodbye * 08 The Easy Way Out * 09 I’ve Been Crying * 10 Pressing My Luck
WEBLINKS: NA
I-Ten Background
Now we are right into classic AOR territory, and that’s what we’re here for isn’t it? I now have this classic from 1983 on CD after having only heard it on about a tenth generation tape.
There are two words that describe the I-Ten album, ‘bloody’ and ‘essential’. Yep, you must own this album, no self respecting AOR fan should be without it.
From the era we all love (the prime period of AOR, 1980-1989), this legendary release has all the hallmarks of a classic. It’s got fabulous songs, breathtaking melody, and brilliant production by what was at the time the industry’s best.. Keith Olsen.
This one off project is the brainchild of both Steinberg and Kelly, who are master songwriters. They are responsible for some of the more memorable AOR tunes within the genre..
It features top session musicians from that era. Most notably Steve Lukather and Alan Pasqua. These two seemed to have been sleeping around with quite a few of the top AOR artists of the generation. I guess this is due to with Olsen’s pulling power.
It’s an album of chilling class and features everything a dedicated AOR fan craves for. Strong rockers, atmospheric ballads and bits in between.
The Songs
Starting off is the title track, a mid paced gem strong on refrains. Honeymoon Suite also covered this on their ‘Racing After Midnight’ album too. It features a cracking guitar based chorus that just sits in your head.
‘Quicksand’ is one of my all time favourites. It starts off laid back before guitars and keyboard interplay kick . The overlaid vocals are just to die for while the song is supremely melodic.
‘Alone’ is as classy a ballad as you’ll hear. The version Heart did on their 1987 ‘Bad Animals’ album was excellent too. The guitar burst on this version is a deadringer for prime time Boston.
‘Workin For A Lovin’ is another slice of quirky pop rock that positively bounces along.
‘Lonely In Each Others Arms’ is a sparse affair, topped off by a pumping synth bass. But its basically a keyboard workout set to your standard ballad.
‘I Don’t Want To Lose You’ set things straight, and is a scorching guitar romp. This was also covered by REO Speedwagon on their ‘Hits’ album.
‘Time To Say Goodbye’ comes across as an AOR ‘Bee Gees‘. Upon closer inspection will reveal all, especially the vocal fluctuations.
‘The Easy Way Out’ is a very commercial cut representative of the era. It’s similar to Robert Tepper (mainly because covered it) and Stan Bush and Barrage.
‘I’ve Been Crying’ is a plaintive ditty. Meanwhile ‘Pressing My Luck’ is another sterling mid paced rocker with great harmony vocals and a strong chorus.
In Summary
I cannot reiterate enough how much you need this in your collection. Now that it has been reissued on CD by Songhaus Music and Rock Candy, there is simply no excuse.
You will be pleasantly surprised by how little this has dated after all these years. It easily slots into my All Time Top 30. Now, where’s my remote .. press play, select track 02 ‘Quicksand’, ahh timeless.
I-Ten on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
