Search - John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band :: Voice of Eddie & The Cruisers: Tough All Over

The Beaver Brown Band Has Their Moments Too!

L.A. Scene | Indian Trail, NC USA | 07/08/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Following the success of lending the voice to the soundtrack (and movie) of "Eddie and the Cruisers", John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band went on to release their own CD entitled "Tough All Over". The 'Eddie' soundtrack really came out of nowhere to score big and was a huge reason why Eddie and The Cruisers became a cult movie favorite. Around 1984, 80s music was moving away from synthesizers and more of a classic and harder Rock sound was beginning to populate the music landscape. Combine the changes in the music landscape with the boost that Cafferty got from "Eddie and the Cruisers", "Tough All Over" was ready to be a hit. This album does have some nice songs on it and is a pleasant change of pace from many other 80s albums.The first four songs and sixth song on "Tough All Over" are the best songs. The album kicks off with a song called "Voices of Americas Sons". Sylvester Stallone had become a Cafferty fan during this period as well. He had Cafferty contribute an excellent song to the Rocky IV soundtrack called "Hearts on Fire". He had also had Cafferty do the theme song for the movie "Cobra" - and that song was "Voices of Americas Sons". Like many Cafferty songs, this song has a Bruce Springsteen flare to it Cafferty has great vocals, but it is the keyboards of Bob Cotola and drums of Kenny Jo Silva that shouldn't go unnoticed on this song. I was surprised this song didn't chart better - it is one of the best songs I've heard Cafferty do. The second song, "Tough All Over" was a song that did garner radio airplay. This song has more of an early 80s feel to it - but Cafferty's vocals also show how the music trend in the 80s was going to more of a classic Rock sound. Once again, kudos to Bob Cotola and Kenny Jo Silva - they really provide some nice keyboards and drumming to compliment the Cafferty vocals. "C-I-T-Y" is third song. It did get some limited airplay, but not nearly as much as "Tough All Over" got. The Beaver Brown Band once again shines with Cafferty and this time its guitarist Gary Gramolini that deserves a lot of credit. This song has a combination of Blues/R&B and Bruce Springsteen feel to it. This song features some catchy chorus vocals and some nice female background vocals by Janice Pendarvis, Dolette McDonald, and Deborah Malone. The fourth song is "Where the Action is". This time some nice Bass action by Pat Lupo compliments Gramolini's guitar work. This song has a very different feel. It has much more of a 50s feel to it. In addition, it reminds me a lot of a Cliff Richard song. Songs like this are another reason why Cafferty was able to reach people - he found an audience in an older generation and at the same time connected with the current 80s generation.Another nice song that is forgotten about on this album is "Strangers in Paradise". While this song has a similar feel to "Voices of Americas Sons", this one shows that Cafferty is a solid songwriter. This song tells a story of someone named 'Billy' as he ages from his teen years (in which he leaves his town) to his young adulthood (when he eventually comes home). This song is another song where I am surprised it didn't get airplay.The remaining songs are not nearly as strong as the first four songs, but do have their moments. "Dixieland" has very much of a "Dixie" feel to it. "Small Town Girl" is an ok song with another 50s feel to it - I do like the sax intro by Michale Antunes. "More Than Just One of the Boys" is another 50s song that has some nice keyboards by Cotola. This song almost could have been on the "Grease" soundtrack. The weakest song is "Tex Mex" - this almost has a country-like feel to it. It isn't as catchy as the other songs, but it continues to show the diversity that the band brings to this album.I got my copy of "Tough All Over" back in 1985 when it came out - and I still play it. My album cover is different in that it shows Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band in the middle of a city street. There is no reference to "Eddie and the Cruisers" on the cover of this version. The songs are the same songs. All of the lyrics are included in fold out liner notes - as well as band credits. This is a good album - probably the best album done by the band. They really weren't able to continue to ride the wave of "Eddie" following this album, but this collection has stood the test of time."

The much delayed follow up to the Eddie soundtrack

William J. Eichelberger | Ft. Thomas, KY | 06/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having been one of the early believers in the movie soundtrack, I was very interested in the follow up. When it was announced as an upcoming release at our local record shop, I immediately began bugging the guy for information. Originally slated for a late 1984 release, the belated success of the soundtrack album made the record company push the date back to allow the first album full command of the chart. Tough All Over was delayed until mid-1985, but when it came out, it was quite a pleasant surprise. Having lived with this album in my car tape deck for the bulk of that summer, I'm still surprised at how tepid the reception was for it. This was a really great album without a "Betty Lou" clinker anywhere to be found on it. After this the creative trough kind of ran dry for John Cafferty, but anyone who liked the Eddie & the Cruisers soundtrack would do well to pick up a copy of this album. You won't be disappointed."