Orphan - Lonely At Night (1983) [2019 Rock Candy Remastered]

Formed in Winnipeg from the ashes of a band called The Pumps (who had links to obscure RCA act Max Damian), ORPHAN quickly signed to the Portrait label, an offshoot of CBS records, who were bathing in the recent and unexpected success of fellow Canadian group Loverboy.
The first ORPHAN album “Lonely At Night” appeared 1983, and this Rock Candy Records specialists ‘Remastered & Reloaded‘ version is wonderfully done.
With the record label deeming their name to be too new wave leaning, they switched to ORPHAN, according to record executives ‘a more conventional and less restrictive moniker‘(?).
This pompy, keyboard filled radio-friendly beauty was recorded at the famous Power Station studios in New York. Co-produced by its owner Tony Bongiovi (cousin of Jon Bon Jovi) and Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Danger Danger), the album hits the radio-friendly new wave melodic hard rock nail firmly on the head.

As one of the best Canadian albums of the era, the record embraces all the great elements that make for compelling listening; great hooks, unrelenting melody and musical ability that takes full advantage of clever arrangements.

There’s something unique about ’80s Canadian rock bands songwriting and musical style that sets them apart from their cousins in the USA. Orphan are a perfect example of this special ingredient, lending their music a magical appeal and a sound quite unlike anybody else recording at the time.


Tracks:

01. Lonely at Night (04:20)
02. What Kind of Love Is This (04:07)
03. Miracle (04:56)
04. She Told Me (03:34)
05. Saved by the Bell (03:43)
06. Any Time at All (04:29)
07. Hello (03:47)
08. All Over the World (03:19)
09. Night Parade (05:19)

Personnel:

Chris Burke-Gaffney – Bass, Lead Vocals
Steve McGovern – Guitar, Vocals
Brent Diamond – Keyboards, Vocals
Ron Boisvenue – Drums, Backing vocals