RAY ROPER – I’m A Fighter [Long Island Records] (1995)

TB /// RG

As requested, here’s this forgotten little gem: ‘‘I’m A Fighter”, the solo album by Stonebolt singer RAY ROPER released in the mid-Nineties by legendary German label Long Island Records, however most of the songs were written & recorded in the ’80s.
Canadian Ray Roper is a true unsung hero from the Melodic Rock / AOR music scene, who has been blessing us with his talents for decades. From his days in the band Trama to his unforgettable run with the Pomp Rock act Stonebolt, Ray has consistently delivered memorable and timeless music.
His one and only solo album “I’m A Fighter”, is a wonderful trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder of the golden days of melodic rock in the 70s and 80s, and Ray’s signature sound is as refreshing as ever. The title song “I’m A Fighter” is a perfect blend of classic AOR and pure melodic rock, a track written by Jimi Jamison for Cobra, and later recorded by Van Zant in 1985 as well. Roper’s take is great too.
That Van Zant 1985 awesome record results a proper reference for the sound of this CD – add some Survivor, .38 Special, even a bit of Van Stephenson. You can’t get wrong with Ray Roper’s “I’m A Fighter”!

Other songs like “Hang On”, “Pull Out My Heart”, “Take Your Best Shot”, ”Colours”, ”Expectations” are definite highlights, showcasing Ray’s soulful vocals and masterful songwriting.
The word that fits this album is ‘magic’, that magic ’80s sound, and while “I’m A Fighter” isn’t perfect, it’s well recorded and produced overall. It has that special feeling, and wonderful melodies.
Highly Recommended

1 – I’m A Fighter
2 – Hang On
3 – Victim Of The Fast Lane
4 – Pull Out My Heart
5 – Party Tonight
6 – Read Between The Lines
7 – Baby Dont You Cry No More
8 – What You Gonna Do
9 – Colours
10 – Expectations
11 – Under The Gun
12 – Take Your Best Shot

Ray Roper – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Drums
Tom Christianson – Bass
Dave Devindish – Bass
Mick Dalla Vee – Bass
Darcy Macdonald – Keyboards
Lewis Nitikman – Keyboards
Colin Wsibe – Keyboards
Paul Minchall – Organ
Ron Baron – Drums
Doug Grant – Drums
Mike Root – Drums
Rick Spolar – Drums
Linda Sakal – Backing Vocals

out of print