Search - Survivor :: Too Hot To Sleep

THIS KICKS ASS

Stephen Scott | Tulsa, OK United States | 01/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This one makes my Top Ten List of favorite albums.

I became a Survivor fan after the movie Rocky III. They had a few good hits, but they really big when singer Jimi Jamison replaced Dave Bisler.

Vital Signs was good pop, as well as When Seconds Count. Since Too Hot to Sleep was their last contractual album with Scotti Brothers, they decided to go out with one fiery punch. I wished it would have garnered more attention for another contract.

They rocked hard and grab you by the jugular with She's a Star, then let you relax a little with the pop gold of Desperate Dreams. They go back for the hard rocker in Too Hot To Sleep, then switches back to their best pop sound to date, Didn't Know it Was Love. Then, it's back to a high pulse rate with more rockers like Rhythm of the City and Here Comes Desire. If you listen, you might survive.

On this album, Survivor does not hold back, but delivers a rockier, harder-edged sound. This was the kind of music they definitely have a talent for, and should have been doing all along.

Unfortunately, it received little or no airplay, giving the band a loud eulogy that nobody seemed to hear.

Jamison tried a few solo endeavors, trying to keep the Survivor name alive, but he continues to spudder without the supporting trio tandem of Frankie Sullivan and Jim Petrik.

This is the BEST of the Suvivor albums. One of the few 1980's band that went out with one big bang."

4.5 stars; you know what you're getting

Anthony Vera | 12/08/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Im a huge fan of the JIMI JAMISON-led Survivor. VITAL SIGNS(1984) was a perfect AOR album. Jimi's powerful and melodic voice blended PERFECTLY with Jim Peterik's songwriting and Frankie Sullivan's guitar.

WHEN SECONDS COUNT (1986) wasnt as chart friendly yet the songs took on a much more deeper meaning and passion; a solid outing indeed.

TOO HOT TO SLEEP (1988) saw Survivor pushing themselves in a more hard rock direction. Edgier songs include "Shes a Star" , "Here Comes Desire", "The Rhythm of the City" and "Burning Bridges". The result may be a little off kilter for Survivor fans craving the AOR slick ( and yes slightly cheesy) sound but the songs sound refreshing an almost hungry. Fear not, Survivor delivers the sound that made them AOR Gold on songs like "Desperate Dreams" , "Across The Miles", "Didnt Know it was Love", "Cant Give it Up", AND "Tell me Im the One".

"Too Hot to Sleep" has a very infectious grove and I cant get the lyrics out of my head. Overall, A trilogy of GREAT Albums by a band that really should have received more recognition for their songwriting ability and their incredible singer/frontman Jimi Jamison."