WORK FORCE – Work Force ’89 [Japanese Edition] OOP

As requested, here’s the underrated first album, self-titled debut from San Francisco’s WORK FORCE, a 1989 melodic hard rock / AOR release with all the ingredients of that magic year: lots of melodies, catchy choruses and pristine bright production.
What I really like about Work Force is they remind me of two of my favorite bands: Walk On Fire and Bad English, also some Diving For Pearls, Alias and Bad Company / Howe-era.
“Work Force” never was reissued, but this hard to find Japanese Edition sounds much better, fuller than any other release.

Founded by the Henry brothers Rick (Bass, Guitar, Background Vocals), Ralph (Guitar, Keys, Bass, Background Vocals) and Scott (Drums), Work Force had its origins in the CCM rock scene, however they were signed by Scotti Bros Records who asked for a secular material / lyrics.
With a sound & style oriented to mainstream melodic radio-rock of the era, the Henry bros found in Ron Kimball the proper frontman, a known vocalist for contributing backing vocals / harmonies for several bands / records for the genre.

“Work Force” overall sound is hard hitting AOR with a melodic / hard sheen and clean vocals. The sound production is quite bombastic, especially that huge drums and keyboard accents so 1989’s.

The song “Restless” steals the show for me, simply because it has that kind on 1985 feel with some Survivor on it, but “Hold On Tight”, “I’m A Mess”, the melodic AOR of “One More Tomorrow”, and the rocking “Love The Hard Way” are pretty close.
Additionally there’s a sharp guitar work, and Scotti Bros secured the services of talented Jimmy Lyon (Eddie Money, Tina Turner) who drop some excellent solos throughout.

“Work Force” is a great slice of 1989 trademark US melodic hard rock / AOR in classy fashion, and this Japanese Edition is the one to get.
Highly Recommended

 

01. I’m A Mess
02. Hold On Tight
03. Restless
04. Memory Of You
05. Rockin’ To Win
06. Love The Hard Way
07. Somethin’ For Nothin’
08. Give It All You Got
09. One More Tomorrow
10. Higher Standard

Ron Kimball – Lead Vocals, Bass, Guitar
Rick Henry – Bass, Guitar, Background Vocals
Ralph F. Henry Jr. – Guitar, Keys, Bass, Background Vocals
Scott Henry – Drums, Percussion
Chris Holmes – Keyboards, Background Vocals
Rich Mello – Guitar, Background Vocals
guests:
Mark Antoine Adams – Lead Guitar
Jimmy Lyon (Eddie Money) – Lead Guitar

 

Out Of Print