Bryan Adams in the 80s was 'Heaven' On Earth | VOX | Professor of Rock

On this episode of VOX, we celebrate Bryan Adams The raspy voiced, guitar-slinging rocker born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. In the 80s Bryan dominated radio with classic hits like “Run to You” “Heaven” “Summer of ’69” “Cuts Like a Knife” “It’s Only Love” and so many more. This is the story of Bryan Adam and his classic songs including a top fiver.

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#80s #Rock #Top5

Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock , always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time; Join our community to travel back to the greatest era, the rock era by subscribing below. To help us curate this virtual music museum and be a part of our mission, check out our Patreon link. It’s time for another episode of our show Vox: celebrating the greatest vocalists of the era.

He just does his thing, rockin’ steady, without glomming media fanfare, and has done it exceedingly well, establishing a career that is still going strong after more than 40 years. Bryan Adams is what people call an “army brat.” His father was part of the British and Canadian Army that became a foreign diplomat for the United Nations.

#5- "Heat of the Night”
The first single from the 1987 album Into the Fire. #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 #2 on the Mainstream Rock chart #7 in Canada “Heat of the Night” is a mighty rocker with a big chorus blasting Bryan’s full-chested vocal power.
“In the heat of the night They’ll be comin’ around. They’ll be looking for answers They’ll be chasin’ you down."

#4- From 1985….“Heaven” In my estimation, Bryan Adams’ finest vocal performance in the 80s. Adams can flat out wail in an uptempo number, or on a tender soft rock love song. That’s one of the qualities that separates him from other vocalists. He maintains that rough grittiness in his vocal delivery with tremendous commitment on every song he sings.
But, his technique tones it down just perfectly for the ballads.

#3- From 1985- “Summer of ’69” A out right classic if there ever was one. The genesis of the song’s theme was nostalgic, It was originally titled “Best Days of My Life” But, as Bryan elaborated on the lyric line. It evolved from getting his “first real 6 string at the five and dime", into a reflection on a 'coming of age' sexual relationship.
“Summer of ’69” rose to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 And #11 in CanadaThis song was a right of passage for every 80s kids.

#2- The title track to Bryan Adams 1983 album release ….“Cuts Like a Knife” #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 #12 in Canada
In ’83, Bryan Adams was poised and ready to pounce on his place in the music industry. “Cuts Like a Knife” was the track that established an identity in the rock world for Bryan Adams.
As many artists have told us, you just gotta let the magic flow. You never know when you’re gonna find it, but you know it when you hear it.

#1- “Run To You” The 1984 classic rocker written about a cheating lover running to his mistress. I think its my favorite song by Bryan Adams because of its immediacy. loved it the first time I heard it, and I never get tired of it. Musically it has layers of deeply emotion provoking soul searching resonance. I love the guitar sounds in this one. The lead single from the Reckless LP, and it was also the last track to be recorded for the album.

[joegiannini]

So underrated artist, Bryan is a total stud.

[Repomidnight]

Night in, night out for 40 years has given it all onstage. Underrated songwriter, and the greatest live performer I’ve ever seen.

[dweingast]

Bryan Adams, a greatly underappreciated, songwriter, and singer and rockstar

[pmcgee]

Bryan Adams entire Reckless album is a masterpiece, pretty much all hits

[VibhasPatil]

Keith Scott! What a legend! One of the most underrated guitars players around. Regardless of how many notes and how fast he played, always stayed true to the song. We wouldn't be talking about Bryan Adams the way we do without Keith Scott for sure.

[cavemanjay]

"Do i have to say the words" has always been a favourite of mine.

[yolandabrooksqueenofsevens]

I’m the biggest Bryan Adams fan ever I have all of his 45’s I love him Thank you Professor of Rock for doing this he does not get celebrated enough ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[DouglasLJr]

There's nothing like seeing Bryan Adams in concert and the way the crowd gets into his songs. Heaven, Cuts Like A Knife and Summer of 69 are absolutely amazing in concert. Have never seen a bad show of his, but my favorite was in December 1992. Mr Big was the opener and they just played all night long, was almost like they didn't want the show to end. Great memories of his shows, but that one really stands out to this day.

[vanarve]

Bryan is the real deal, few touring artists today can match his catalogue of hits. I have been to four Bryan Adams concerts and he is one of the few classic rock singer i have witnessed that sings as good, if not better than he did when he was young, no tuning down of guitars or transposing of keys. Another thing that i really appreciate about Bryan is that its all about the music, no glitter and glam or political agenda. He puts on a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, goes out on the stage and gives his fans what they want.
Another great video professor.
Greetings from Norway.

[mikekelly]

I'll date myself here but "Summer of 69" was the first song I heard on a CD player. It was mind blowing.

[CindiKrajewski-pmyd]

All of Bryan's songs are terrific and mean the world!! The words have a lot of love!

[christophers]

“Heaven” is probably one of the best ballads of all time

[pokes]

"Heat of the Night" great song.... vastly underrated and under played!!!

[laurenbarca]

Bryan Adam’s music never goes out of style

[bivo]

BA was and is still my fav. Such an under-rated singer, guitarist, song writer, and live performer. Anyone that has seen him live knows he sounds as great in person as on the albums. I guess he doesn’t get his recognition because he is unassuming but really should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, maybe someday. Great summary list. Someone said earlier the whole Reckless Album could have been on here. But so many classics on The Cuts Like a Knife album (This Time, Straight From the Heart, Best Was Yet to Come) and the underrated Heat of the Night album I loved Home Again, Rebel, and Native Son which all never got all play. Thanks for spotlighting Bryan.

[KaFiti]

Adams toured a few years ago with his acoustic guitar and an accompanying pianist. His voice was absolutely amazing. He didn't need assistance from the recording studio. That voice is the real deal.

[MrBfg]

"Its Only Love" has got to be one of the best duo's of the 80's or one of the best period. That song just ROCKS. Bryan and Tina were on fire in that song.

[panamorado]

Saw him last year here in Costa Rica for his Shine a Light world tour... all I am gonna say is that it has been one of the best concerts I have attended...and probably the one I have enjoyed the most! Simply amazing.

[bpark]

I would add “One Night Love Affair” to your list.

[bryanw]

To me, Summer of ‘69 is THE greatest song of all time. Even today, I’ll sometimes get a nostalgic tear when I hear it from remembering when that song came out, how innocent life was and how great the 80’s were in general. I can also still remember being 5 years old in 1983 and hearing Straight from the Heart and Cuts Like A Knife on the radio for the first time and I’ve been a fan of Bryan’s ever since. If you haven’t heard any of his recent stuff, go check it out. I’ve also admired his wanting to stay out of the spotlight and just make music you can enjoy forever