Back before he was causing gushing floods of the homes of lonely single mothers with his heartthrob love songs of the 90's, Michael Bolton was actually a solid writer, developing hits for other artists, while struggling to find a foothold in the band Blackjack. The band would release two albums, their self-titled 1979 debut, and 1980's Worlds Apart, opening for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne in support of the latter record.
Prior to this, Bolton, or rather, Michael Bolotin, his true name, had already tried to establish himself as a solo artist, releasing his own self-titled debut in 1975 for RCA, following it up with 1976's Everyday Of My Life. Unfortunately, none of these efforts were producing the successful career he wanted, nor the hits that kept labels interested.
Adopting the stage name, Michael Bolton, and securing a deal with Columbia, he returned to the studio to once again produce a self-titled debut. The record would feature future Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, rotating lead guitar duties with Bolton himself.
While the album would end up reaching gold certification, and peak at eighty-nine on the Billboard Hot 200, the label was ultimately holding the artist back, forcing him to sing pop songs, which weren't really were his talents truly lied. That will come back full circle as I continue my journey through Bolton's 80's discography, so remember that key factor.
Bolton and his band headed out on tour to support the album, after four shows, the plug was pulled, and the remaining shows cancelled. Though there is no concrete answer as to why, it is most likely due to lack of ticket sales.
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When I found Bolton's 1983 debut at the used CD store, I was a little surprised. I never expected to find something like this there, and it was more so out of curiosity that I said, "Okay, let's see what this is all about."
I tell you; I was shocked, I mean truly surprised when I fired it up. Bolton's voice, with all its in-your-face energy, starts up, only to be cut through with this mad slide down a guitar neck. My head was immediately like, "Whoa! That's hot!"
From there, the album just kept hitting harder and harder. This was a solid rock album, and a real wonderful surprise.
I enjoyed it from start to finish and would even consider it for a wall album. If I heard this back in 1983, I'd actually be bummed with the direction his career went. If you haven't heard this one, and perhaps even think of Bolton as an industry punchline, then I highly recommend you check this one out, and perhaps it will change your mind.
Regardless of the tour being cancelled, it was a mildly successful start, and in 1984, he returned to the studio to begin work on what would become 1985's Everybody's Crazy. Unfortunately, the sophomore blues would factor in, and the album less successful than his debut. Though things would start looking down for Bolton, it would turn out to be just the beginning. But let's not get too far ahead of the story.
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