The Thin Red Line
Released June 1986
The Thin Red Line, Glass Tiger’s debut album, marked a significant entry into the 1980s music scene. The album, released on June 1986, brought a fresh blend of rock and pop, with catchy hooks and melodic synthesizers. The band, featuring Alan Frew (lead vocals), Al Connelly (guitar), Wayne Parker (bass), Sam Reid (keyboards), and Michael Hanson (drums), created a sound that resonated with the era’s pop-rock wave. Produced by Jim Vallance, known for his work with Bryan Adams, the album was recorded at Phase One Studios in Toronto, Canada. It achieved significant success, bolstered by hit singles like “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” and the title track, “The Thin Red Line.” The album not only charted well in Canada but also made an impact on the international scene, particularly in the United States.
CD Track Listings:
- “Thin Red Line” – 4:55
- “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” – 4:05
- “Closer to You” – 3:33
- “Vanishing Tribe” – 4:05
- “Looking at a Picture” – 4:01
- “The Secret” – 0:47
- “Ancient Evenings” – 4:52
- “Ecstasy” – 4:23
- “Someday” – 3:34
- “I Will Be There” – 3:27
- “You’re What I Look For” – 3:48
Diamond Sun
Released April 1988
Glass Tiger’s second album, Diamond Sun, released in April 1988, continued their streak of producing melodious rock tunes with a pop sensibility. This album was recorded at various studios, including Capitol Studios in Los Angeles and The Armoury Studios in Vancouver. Jim Vallance returned as a producer, along with additional production by Bryan Adams. The album featured the same lineup as their debut and demonstrated a mature sound with more songwriting and production depth. Although it didn’t replicate the commercial success of their first album, Diamond Sun was well-received and spawned hits like the title track “Diamond Sun” and “I’m Still Searching.”
CD Track Listings:
- “Diamond Sun” – 5:21
- “Far Away from Here” – 4:08
- “I’m Still Searching” – 4:00
- “A Lifetime of Moments” – 4:56
- “It’s Love U Feel” – 5:37
- “My Song” – 3:25
- “(Watching) Worlds Crumble” – 4:54
- “Send Your Love” – 4:52
- “Suffer in Silence” – 3:55
- “This Island Earth” – 5:23
Simple Mission
Released March 1991
Simple Mission, released in March 1991, showcased a notable shift in Glass Tiger’s musical direction, incorporating more elements of rock and a heavier guitar presence. The album was recorded at various studios, including Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario. Produced by Tom Werman, known for his work with heavy metal bands, this album featured the original lineup along with additional musicians, including guitarist Keith Scott. The album received mixed reviews but was praised for its daring approach and experimentation with different genres. It included successful tracks like “Animal Heart” and “My Town,” which featured Rod Stewart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Blinded” – 3:58
- “Animal Heart” – 3:50
- “Let’s Talk” – 4:19
- “Where Did Our Love Go” – 3:40
- “My Town” (featuring Rod Stewart) – 4:50 – Our favorite song on the album
- “The Rhythm of Your Love” – 4:38
- “Spanish Slumber” – 1:11
- “Simple Mission” – 4:37
- “Stand or Fall” – 4:00
- “Rescued (By the Arms of Love)” – 4:17
- “One to One” – 3:39
- “One Night Alone” – 3:39
- “(She Said) Love Me Like a Man” – 4:38
31
Released March 31, 2018
31, released on March 31, 2018, marked a significant return for Glass Tiger after a long hiatus. This album was a celebration of the band’s 31st anniversary and featured reimagined and acoustic versions of their classic hits. The recording took place at various locations, capturing a more intimate and mature reinterpretation of their earlier work. The original lineup, consisting of Alan Frew, Al Connelly, Wayne Parker, and Sam Reid, was joined by various guest musicians to add fresh dimensions to these beloved tracks. The album was well-received by fans, serving as a nostalgic journey through their hits with a contemporary twist.
CD Track Listings:
- “Thin Red Line” (Reimagined) – 4:16
- “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” (Reimagined) – 4:06
- “Someday” (Reimagined) – 3:34
- “I Will Be There” (Reimagined) – 3:20
- “You’re What I Look For” (Reimagined) – 3:47
- “After the Dance” (Reimagined) – 4:10
- “Diamond Sun” (Reimagined) – 5:19
- “I’m Still Searching” (Reimagined) – 4:00
- “My Town” (Reimagined) – 4:50
- “Healing Hands” (Reimagined) – 4:21
- “Animal Heart” (Reimagined) – 3:49
33
Released November 2, 2019
33, Glass Tiger’s album released on November 2, 2019, was a milestone, celebrating 33 years since their formation. This album featured brand new material, showcasing the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The album was recorded in various studios, including Metalworks Studios, and was produced by the band members themselves, reflecting a more hands-on approach in their music-making process. 33 highlighted the band’s undiminished talent for crafting catchy and emotionally resonant pop-rock tracks.
CD Track Listings:
- “This Is Your Life” – 4:02
- “Dying Is Easy (With You)” – 4:28
- “The North Star” – 4:10
- “This Is London” – 4:26
- “Show Me (How to Get Close to the Sun)” – 4:10
- “This Is How I Feel” – 4:14
- “Shine On Me” – 4:00
- “When the Summer’s Gone” – 4:08
- “Want You to Stay” – 4:20
Songs for a Winter’s Night
Released October 1, 2021
Songs for a Winter’s Night, released on October 1, 2021, was a unique album in Glass Tiger’s discography, featuring a collection of Christmas and winter-themed songs. The album combined new original tracks with covers of classic holiday songs, all performed with Glass Tiger’s signature style. Recorded at various studios, this album included contributions from the core band members and guest musicians, adding a festive and heartwarming touch to their sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hallelujah” – 4:34
- “Song for a Winter’s Night” – 3:55
- “Amazing Grace” – 4:20
- “Our Love Is Like a Holiday” – 3:44
- “2000 Miles” – 4:05
- “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” – 3:52
- “Sleigh Ride” – 3:15
- “Silent Night” – 4:00
- “O Holy Night” – 4:22
- “Christmas Time Again” – 3:48
GLASS TIGER LIVE ALBUMS
Live
Released 1988
Live, released in 1988, captured the energetic and dynamic live performances of Glass Tiger at the height of their popularity. This album was a live recording of concerts held during their extensive touring schedule in the late 1980s. The lineup, consisting of Alan Frew, Al Connelly, Wayne Parker, Sam Reid, and Michael Hanson, performed their hit songs with a vibrant energy that differed from their studio recordings.
CD Track Listings:
- “Thin Red Line” (Live) – 5:40
- “I Will Be There” (Live) – 4:25
- “You’re What I Look For” (Live) – 3:55
- “Closer to You” (Live) – 4:35
- “Vanishing Tribe” (Live) – 4:45
- “Looking at a Picture” (Live) – 4:10
- “The Secret” (Live) – 4:30
- “Ancient Evenings” (Live) – 5:05
- “Ecstasy” (Live) – 4:40
- “Someday” (Live) – 4:15
- “I’m Still Searching” (Live) – 5:10
- “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” (Live) – 5:50