The bands debut ‘Play Deep’ would finally hit the streets in November 1985, and within a year The Outfield would be a name synonymous with AOR-radio rock all across the world.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: The Outfield
ALBUM: Play Deep
LABEL: CBS
SERIAL: FC 40027 (LP), CK 40027 (CD)
YEAR: 1985
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP: Tony Lewis – lead vocals, bass * John Spinks – guitars, vocals * Alan Jackman – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Say It Isn’t So * 02 Your Love * 03 I Don’t Need Her * 04 Everytime You Cry * 05 61 Seconds * 06 Mystery Man * 07 All The Love * 08 Talk To Me * 09 Taking My Chances * 10 Nervous Alibi
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
The trio of Tony Lewis, John Spinks and Alan Jackman originate from London, UK. During the early 80’s the three would form a band called the Baseball Boys – their sound modeled on influential favourites of the era including The Police, The Cars and Led Zeppelin.
Playing shows throughout London and producing some early demos, the trio caught the ear of interested parties. One of those showing an interest was Columbia Records (CBS) in the USA who duly signed them up. The bands debut ‘Play Deep’ would finally hit the streets in November 1985, and within a year The Outfield would be a name synonymous with AOR-radio rock all across the world.
The Songs
The Outfield’s catchy brand of radio laced AOR is evident from the start. ‘Say It Isn’t So’ is such a big sounding tune it’s hard to imagine that only three guys are responsible for the sound.
Don’t we all know the lead in verse to ‘Your Love’, Josie’s on a vacation far away... This track was a huge hit in 1986 for the band, racing up to No 6 on the Billboard Charts. It’s easy to hear why – big chorus, pulsing bass lines, and though it might be comparable to their British contemporaries The Police, it’s so much more melodic.
The Outfield’s successful formula is repeated on minor hit singles ‘All The Love’ and ‘Everytime You Cry’, but it doesn’t just start and end with those four tracks. More upbeat jangly guitars and huge choruses dominant ’61 Seconds’ – ideal for radio circa 1986, ‘Mystery Man’ is best described as The Police doing AOR, while the excellent ‘Taking My Chances’ is delivered with a sense of urgency. Some great tracks here.
In Summary
The band toured hard on the back of this album during 1986, picking up support slots with both Journey and Starship. As a result, ‘Play Deep’ sold huge, eventually going triple platinum!! Big numbers indeed. The trio would take a well-earned break after this, and return with another excellent set ‘Bangin’ during 1987.
The Outfield on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
