Atlantic Avenue - Runaway Train | The Sound of AOR in 1987 - Rare AOR Classic
As with all the bands on this channel, Atlantic Avenue is a fictional creation—brought to life with a little help from AI, but mostly from our love for the incredible music of the 80s. We create these songs to celebrate that era, keeping the spirit alive for all of us who can’t get enough of those timeless anthems. And don’t worry, no real musicians were harmed—just a whole lot of nostalgia and passion! ❤️😊
Atlantic Avenue - "City Lights" (1987)
Atlantic Avenue emerged from the UK’s AOR scene in the late 80s, drawing comparisons to bands like FM, Heartland, Strangeways, and Dare. Formed by four musicians in their early 30s, the band consisted of:
Rob Taylor – Lead Vocals
Rob’s powerful and emotive voice became the hallmark of Atlantic Avenue. His vocal range and control, reminiscent of singers like Joe Lynn Turner and Steve Overland, earned him instant recognition in the AOR community.
Nick Jennings – Lead Guitar
Nick’s melodic guitar work was central to the band’s sound, blending sharp solos with lush rhythm parts, creating a balance between hard rock energy and AOR precision.
David "Davey" Collins – Bass Guitar
Davey provided the groove, with a punchy bass style that added depth to the band’s sound and his playing gave Atlantic Avenue a strong rhythmic foundation.
Liam Scott – Drums
Liam’s drumming was tight and powerful, yet intricate enough to suit the band’s melodic rock compositions.
Debut Album: City Lights (1987)
Released in October 1987, City Lights was a major investment for Monarch Records. The band relocated to the USA, basing themselves in New York City from 1987 to 1990 in a bid to break into the American AOR market. The album, produced by Terry Fields, was a sonic masterpiece that encapsulated the sound of late 80s AOR with its glossy production and melodic hooks.
Despite Monarch's marketing push, the American market was tough to crack. However, in Europe, City Lights became a sleeper hit. The album received rave reviews in the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, Benelux, Italy, and Spain. The band played several high-profile gigs in England, including opening for Strangeways and FM in 1988, and became known as one of the standout live acts of the time.
Notable Tracks from City Lights:
Runaway Train – The opening track, a high-energy AOR anthem with soaring vocals and an epic guitar solo. (*note there was a single edit release to radio)
Tears In The Night – A powerful mid-tempo track with a melodic chorus, perfect for radio.
Emilia – A heartfelt power ballad that received significant airplay across Europe.
Fight For Your Love – A fast-paced track that showcased the band's ability to blend rock energy with melodic sensibility.
Fictional Critical Reception:
Melody Maker praised the album, calling it “a brilliant mix of British charm and American polish. Atlantic Avenue shines brightest on the anthemic Runaway Train.”
Kerrang! gave a more measured review, stating, “While City Lights may not reinvent the genre, it’s a solid entry into the AOR world, with standout performances from Rob Taylor and Nick Jennings.”
Classic Rock noted, “Atlantic Avenue’s debut is a must-listen for any fan of 80s melodic rock. Runaway Train is the kind of track that defines the genre.”
After their debut album, the band followed up with another strong release in 1989, but the elusive commercial success never came. Despite this, Atlantic Avenue remains a beloved band among AOR enthusiasts, particularly in Europe.
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