DON BARNES ‎- Ride The Storm [Deluxe Edition Disc 1 Rock Mix] (2017)

Nearly 30 years ago, what would have been an instant classic was relegated to storage thanks to the old story of record label machinations. We are talking about the classic AOR masterpiece DON BARNES solo album “Ride The Storm“.
One of the best “lost” albums of all time, with demos circulating among fans for years, finally see the light of day with a remastered superb sound.

In the late-’80s, the band .38 Special was mainstreaming, getting more synthed-out, and were fairly representative of the AOR sound at the time. Journey, REO Speedwagon, just about any group around this time were shooting for Top 40 pop radio. This was at odds with a shift in rock tastes, be it the harder take Guns ‘N Roses were putting out, the glam-infused side of Poison, or the juggernaut that was Def Leppard’s Hysteria record.

A&M Records, the home of .38 Special, approached lead singer Don Barnes with a promising offer: they would set him up with a solo side project and stock his backing band with a murderer’s row of studio talent. We’re talking about session players like Toto’s Porcaro brothers, Dann Huff, Alan Pasqua, and others; people with proven track records and gold on the wall.
The album was recorded around 1988.

The reason you (probably) know nothing about this is because the album was shelved. No direct explanation as to what the problem was has been issued, except to say that this happens more often than you’d expect. A record label spends umpteen thousands of dollars on a recording, but when business alliances change or individuals in upper management switch out or step off, their passion projects get swept into limbo.
Such was the case with Barnes’. A few demonstration mixes were made, but that was it.

The record ultimately found its way into the world — albeit in dribs and drabs — through Internet leaks of those demo mixes.
Cut to 2016. Melodic Rock Records started hinting at his wish list for 2017, and one of those was a long-lost AOR contender. He wouldn’t say what it was, as the “I”s weren’t dotted and the “T”s weren’t crossed yet, but there was real money spent on the effort and up to that point, that money was in some box somewhere, collecting nearly thirty years’ worth of dust.

Finally, in 2017, Don Barnes’ “Ride The Storm” is here.
You’ll love this album. It has everything one expects from the ’80s, devoid of the angst and vitriol that was about to come. Even when the songs are about bad times, these are good-time songs at the core.
The musicians are guaranteed quantities, so you know what they deliver is as professional as can be, especially Dann Huff and his awesome solos, a Jeff Porcaro / Denny Carmassi great drumming. Add to that load of classic ’80s keyboards.
And Barnes’ voice is just solid southern roast beef — not overcooked, not fussy, always on the money and delivering what you hoped for.

Who won’t like this? If you are reading this blog then you need to listen to Don Barnes “Ride The Storm”. It’s a ‘major production’ 80s record with bunch of terrific songs and that classic feel-good vibe.
For those who miss the sound of a seasoned pro setting them up and knocking them down with confidence, “Ride The Storm” will certainly put a big grin on your face and an upturned volume knob on your stereo or device.
Mandatory Listen

1. Ride The Storm
Guitars – Don Barnes / Additional Guitar Solos – Dann Huff / Keys – Martin Briley / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Jeff Porcaro

2. Looking For You
Guitars – Don Barnes / Keys and Additional Guitar – Martin Briley / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Jeff Pocaro

3. I Fall Back
Guitars – Don Barnes / Keys – Martin Briley / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Jeff Porcaro

4. Don’t Look Down
Guitars – Don Barnes / Keys – Jesse Harms / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Denny Carmassi

5. Maybe You’ll Believe Me Now
Guitars – Don Barnes / Keys – Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Denny Carmassi

6. I’d Do It All Over Again
Guitars – Don Barnes / Additional Guitar – Dann Huff / Keys – Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Jeff Porcaro

7. Every Time We Say Goodbye
Guitars – Don Barnes / Additional Rhythm Guitar – Tim Pierce / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Jeff Porcaro

8. Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Guitars – Don Barnes / Additional Guitar – Dann Huff / Keys – Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Jeff Porcaro

9. After The Way
Guitars – Don Barnes / Keys – Martin Briley / Bass – Mike Porcaro / Drums – Denny Carmassi

10. Johnny Ain’t So Cool
Guitars – Don Barnes / Bass Guitar – Mike Porcaro / Keys and Guitar Solo – Martin Briley / Drums – Denny Carmassi

BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/Ride-Storm-Don-Barnes/dp/B071W49HRY