Glen Burtnick – Talking In Code (1986)
Glen Burtnick’s name is quite known in the AOR of the universe since the 80s, more especially the excellent “Talking In Code” , his first solo album. An incredibly melodic, well written AOR music from 1986 that unfortunately got lost in the incredible musical year that was 1986.
The album features guitarists Dann Huff of Giant and former Starz and Fiona man Bobby Messano, ex-Eddie money keyboard player Alan Pasqua, ex-Journey man Steve Smith, ex-Pages bassist Neil Stubenhau and drums provided by David Prater while the production was by Richard Landis.
[spoiler]With absolutely radio friendly sound, the album features some of the greats of the universe and good sound that only adds to the songs. It contains ten songs, all written or co-written by Glen himself, with no fillers in sight, this classic gives you almost forty minutes of pleasure, of well arranged, produced and driving songs like “Crank It Up” and “Little Red House” would not have been out of place alongside mega rock hits of that era.
The hard driving rocker “Crank It Up” opens the record, having a killer melody and exciting featuring an explosive chorus, and the unmistakable guitar of Dann Huff, followed by the title track “Talking In Code” tending much more toward to AC Rock but with a good harmony line, worth to be checked. Now with “Little Red House” there’s a return to AOR property, where the melody is built on the bottom line type slam, and punctuated by guitars and keyboards that lead to the exciting chorus you definitely wanna hear again and again. Then comes “Perfect World” a mid pacer killer ballad in style of Alias with an incredibly catchy melody and a power chorus take you back in a period of Pure AOR. Another highlight of the album, for sure. “Hole In My Pocket” is one of those great radio friendly AOR where bass and guitar are always in the foreground, being accompanied by incessant drums and keyboards.
The metric is very interesting and the chorus is traditional and very cool. Another song worth mentioning is “Brave Hearts”, a thrilling rocker with great melody and an explosive chorus to die for. The recipe for such a song is simple. Maximum volume, open windows and good thoughts….” Hold Back The Night” starts with a great intro ending to a wonderful chorus, while “Talk That Talk” probably is the weak link of the album, a rocker that sounds calculatedly unpretentious displaced in relation to other songs. “Heart On The Line” is the second album’s ballad, a mid pacer beautiful song that deserve your attention. The melody is engaging and the interpretation of Mr. Burtnick deserves. Listen out loud, please, and hold to “We’re Alright” a rocker that features first rate guitar riffs, mix perfect with keys, having a nice melody and a striking chorus. A beautiful song to close the album…
This album is especially recommended for those who enjoy that typical sound of the 80s, but not only. The quality of the songs is absurd, not to mention the team of great musicians involved, and especially the quality of interpretations of Glen Burtnick. Although the album is hard to be found in nowdays and quite expensive. If you find it just grab it, you won’t be disappointed….
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2. Talking In Code
3. Little Red House
4. Perfect World
5. Hole In My Pocket
6. Brave Hearts
7. Hold Back The Night
8. Talk That Talk
9. Heart On The Line
10.We’re Alright
Jim Lang — keyboards
Dusty Micale — keyboards
Reed Nielsen — keyboards
Alan Pasqua — keyboards
Plinky Giglio — keyboards
Dan Huff — guitar
Bobby Messano — guitars
Dave La Rue — bass
Neil Stubenhaus – bass
David Prater — drums
Steve Smith — drums
Reed Nielsen — drum programs
Jon Vigran — drum programs
Savron Hudson — drum programs
Anthony Galante — percussion
Richard Landis — percussion
Jerry Hey — horn arrangement
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Glen Burtnick – Talking In Code (1986)