Tora Tora is an American hard rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 1980s. They first gained attention through the local Memphis rock scene and soon garnered a national presence. The band, originally consisting of Anthony Corder (vocals), Keith Douglas (guitar), Patrick Francis (bass), and John Patterson (drums), became known for their energetic and blues-infused hard rock sound.
Tora Tora’s big break came after winning a local Battle of the Bands contest, which led to a recording contract with A&M Records. Their debut album, “Surprise Attack,” released in 1989, was a commercial success, propelled by singles like “Walkin’ Shoes” and “Guilty.” The album’s blend of hard rock with a distinct blues edge received positive responses and established the band as a notable act in the late 80s rock scene.
Following the success of their first album, Tora Tora released “Wild America” in 1992, which continued to showcase their Southern rock influence and bluesy sound. However, the rise of grunge and alternative rock in the early 1990s from bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden shifted the musical landscape, and Tora Tora, like many hard rock bands of that era, found it challenging to maintain their earlier level of success.
Surprise Attack
Released August 25, 1989
Surprise Attack, Tora Tora’s debut album, was released on August 25, 1989. The band, hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, brought a distinctive blend of hard rock and blues. This album featured Anthony Corder on vocals, Keith Douglas on guitar, Patrick Francis on bass, and John Patterson on drums. Surprise Attack was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis and was produced by Joe Hardy, known for his work with ZZ Top. The album showcased the band’s energetic sound and Southern rock influences, with tracks like “Walkin’ Shoes” and “Guilty.” The album received positive reviews and gave Tora Tora a significant presence in the late 80s rock scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “Love’s a Bitch” – 3:52
- “28 Days” – 4:18
- “Hard Times” – 1:56
- “Guilty” – 4:38
- “Phantom Rider” – 4:44
- “Walkin’ Shoes” – 4:08
- “Riverside Drive” – 3:41
- “She’s Good She’s Bad” – 3:55
- “One for the Road” – 3:17
- “Being There” – 4:51
Wild America
Released October 24, 1991
Wild America, released on October 24, 1991, is the second studio album by Tora Tora. Continuing their signature style, the album fused hard rock with bluesy undertones. The same lineup – Anthony Corder, Keith Douglas, Patrick Francis, and John Patterson – delivered a robust set of tracks. Recorded at Memphis Sound Productions and Ardent Studios, the album was also produced by Joe Hardy. Wild America featured songs like “Amnesia” and “Dead Man’s Hand,” showcasing the band’s songwriting and musical complexity growth. The album solidified Tora Tora’s place in the rock genre, despite the shifting musical landscape of the early 90s.
CD Track Listings:
- “Wild America” – 4:44
- “Amnesia” – 4:56
- “Dead Man’s Hand” – 3:35
- “As Time Goes By” – 6:07
- “Lay Your Money Down” – 4:02
- “Shattered” – 3:48
- “Dirty Secrets” – 4:54
- “Faith Healer” – 4:52
- “Cold Fever” – 5:18
- “Nowhere to Go But Down” – 4:34
- “City of Kings” – 4:50
Revolution Day
Released 2011
Revolution Day, originally recorded in 1994 but not released until 2011, represents a “lost album” era for Tora Tora. The album was recorded during a tumultuous time in the music industry, particularly for rock bands grappling with the rise of grunge. Recorded at Ardent Studios and produced by Joe Hardy, Revolution Day was shelved by the label amidst these industry changes and only saw the light of day years later. The album features the original lineup and includes tracks that showcase a band in transition, experimenting with their sound while staying true to their hard rock roots.
CD Track Listings:
- “Revolution Day” – 4:43
- “Mississippi Voodoo Child” – 3:56
- “Candle and the Stone” – 5:00
- “Blues Come Home to You” – 5:28
- “Time and the Tide” – 5:14
- “Shelter from the Rain” – 4:36
- “Living a World Away” – 5:51
- “Rescue Me” – 3:49
- “Little Texas” – 4:08
- “Memphis Soul” – 3:48
- “Me and You” – 4:01
- “Out of the Storm” – 4:28
Bastards of Beale
Released February 22, 2019
Bastards of Beale, released on February 22, 2019, marked the triumphant return of Tora Tora to the studio after a long hiatus. This album, emerging almost three decades after their debut, showcased the band’s enduring spirit and commitment to their blues-infused hard rock roots. The original lineup of Anthony Corder, Keith Douglas, Patrick Francis, and John Patterson reunited to create this album, which was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, Tennessee. Produced by Jeff Powell, known for his work with various prominent artists, Bastards of Beale captured the essence of the Memphis music scene, blending gritty guitar riffs with soulful vocals.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sons of Zebedee” – 3:36
- “Giants Fall” – 4:37
- “Everbright” – 4:50
- “Silence the Sirens” – 3:28
- “Son of a Prodigal Son” – 4:57
- “Lights Up the River” – 5:09
- “Let Us Be One” – 3:28
- “All Good Things” – 3:53
- “Rose of Jericho” – 3:55
- “Vertigo” – 2:40
- “Bastards of Beale” – 3:49
Unplugged
Released 2020
Unplugged, released in 2020, presents a different side of Tora Tora, showcasing acoustic versions of their songs. This album strips back the layers of their typically hard-rocking sound to reveal the core melodies and songwriting craft at the heart of their music. The acoustic setting allows for a more intimate listening experience, highlighting Anthony Corder’s vocals and the band’s musicality in a new light. Unplugged includes reimagined versions of songs from their entire career, providing a fresh take on fan favorites and deep cuts alike.
CD Track Listings:
- “Phantom Rider” (Acoustic Version)
- “Amnesia” (Acoustic Version)
- “Son of a Prodigal Son” (Acoustic Version)
- “Mississippi Voodoo Child” (Acoustic Version)
- “Candle and the Stone” (Acoustic Version)
- “Rescue Me” (Acoustic Version)
- “Walkin’ Shoes” (Acoustic Version)
- “Rose of Jericho” (Acoustic Version)
- “Shelter from the Rain” (Acoustic Version)
- “Sunset on the Horizon” (Acoustic Version)
Tora Tora Compilation Albums
Before & After
Released 2009
Bombs Away: The Unreleased Surprise Attack Recordings
Released 2009
Miss B. Haven’: The Unreleased Wild America Recordings
Released 2010
Updated April 8, 2024
Complete List Of Tora Tora Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
They just put out another CD literally last night (April 6th) at the Memphis show called Best of the Rest which had some songs that didn’t make the albums (really good songs, some of them heavy) and a few new songs they have released after the Bastards of Beale.
Just wanted to give you an update. They have been selling the Best of the Rest CDs at shows and it is now up on Streaming! https://open.spotify.com/album/3tmKN9p5Reg7Puvyak1iC7?si=5WWiNd6qQVqpJoLs6GV6ww
Also if you go to toratoramusic.com and send a message through Chat, they will tell you how to get an actual CD and it is going to be for sale on their website soon. Rock on!