In a way, Pablo Cruise move in the same vein as Le Roux did towards the latter part of their career. They drop their predominant West Coast theme in favor of more radio-oriented/AOR material.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Pablo Cruise
ALBUM: Out Of Our Hands
LABEL: A&M
SERIAL: SP-4909
YEAR: 1983
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: David Jenkins – vocals, guitars * Corey Lerios – vocals, keyboards * Stefan Birnbaum (aka Stef Burns) – guitars * John Pierce – bass * David Perper – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Will You, Won’t You * 02 Let It Go * 03 You Might Be Wrong (But It’s Alright) * 04 Givin’ It Back * 05 Out Of Our Hands * 06 On And On * 07 Talk To Me Right * 08 Another World * 09 Treat Her Right
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Pablo Cruise Background
Pablo Cruise came together ten years before the release of this album. Along the way they spawned many West Coast/AOR hits.
By the time ‘Out Of Our Hands’ came along, their style of music had become surprisingly ignored. They were overtaken by the new trends of the day. Including the new wave ‘MTV’ generation just about to hit mass popularity.
Other San Francisco based outfits were still doing well. But it seems Pablo Cruise were not caught up in that same wave of popularity.
A few changes for the band since the band’s previous effort ‘Reflector’ (1981). Out went long time drummer Stephen Price, to be replaced by David Perper. Angelo Rossi (who appeared on only one PC album) made way for guitarist Stefan Birnbaum.
The Songs
In a way, Pablo Cruise move in the same vein as Le Roux did towards the latter part of their career. They drop their predominant West Coast theme in favor of more radio-oriented/AOR material.
‘Will You, Won’t You’ is a hyper-extended opening track, which has Toto (circa ‘Hydra’) leanings. The fiery solo guitar-work from Birnbaum is noticeable from the start.
‘Let It Go’ is more radio fuel, why this didn’t do better surprises me somewhat. ‘You Might Be Wrong (But It’s Alright)’ is the star of the record so far. It has a classic AOR song-structure giving it universal appeal.
‘Givin It Back’ has punchy rhythm s throughout, last heard on Men At Work‘s recent albums of the day.
Side two sees new ground being achieved by the band.
‘On And On’ is a quirky/funky number. It has some ‘near new-wave’ synths mixed in over the top of a West Coast arrangement. The solo by Birnbaum ensures it retains a ‘rockier’ edge.
The less said about ‘Talk To Me Right’ the better, an awful tune to be honest. ‘Another World’ is only marginally better.
The closer ‘Treat Her Right’ swings us back on course, a ballad in the vein of Toto a la ‘Africa’.
Without doubt ‘Out Of Our Hands’ is Pablo Cruise’s most AOR album, but by the time it landed, the horse had bolted.
In Summary
Pablo Cruise were happy with the album. But because it yielded no hits nor significant press, the band called a halt to precedings.
Jenkins went on to sing with country flavoured band Southern Pacific. Lerios is better known as a composer, who’s best known moment was the theme to the TV series ‘Baywatch’.
Birnbaum later moved on under the name Stef Burns, to play with The View/VU(1985) and then Y&T.
Pablo Cruise’s discography has had a hard time making it’s way onto CD, though a couple of Compilation CD’s are out. It makes for a great addition to your collection from this fine band.
If you’re after a CD reissue version of this album, the best one to get is the 2013 Japanese paper sleeve issue. In fact, all of the Pablo Cruise albums were reissued at the same time by the same label in 2013. Refer to the Discogs link above.
Pablo Cruise on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
