Complete List Of Survivor Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Staffan Vilcans, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Survivor was formed in Chicago in 1978 by guitarist/songwriter Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist/guitarist Jim Peterik. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with their anthem “Eye of the Tiger,” written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone for the movie Rocky III. This track propelled them into international stardom as it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six consecutive weeks and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1982. Additionally, it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

Survivor has released eight studio albums, two live albums, and numerous compilation albums. Their other well-known hits include “Burning Heart” (US Billboard Hot 100 #2), “The Search is Over” (#4), and “High on You” (#8), showcasing their capability to consistently produce chart-topping songs. The band’s music style combines elements of rock, hard rock, and arena rock with a pop sensibility.

The band has undergone several lineup changes throughout its history, after co-founder Jim Peterik left the band in 1996 marking a significant change. Current members include Frankie Sullivan, who has been with the band since its inception.

SURVIVOR STUDIO ALBUMS

Survivor (1979)

Released: November 1979

“Survivor” is the debut studio album by the rock band Survivor, recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, and released in November 1979. The album’s blending of rock, AOR, and hard rock laid the groundwork for their signature sound but didn’t achieve significant chart success until their later albums.

The album featured original members Dave Bickler on vocals, Frankie Sullivan on guitar, Jim Peterik on keyboards and guitar, Dennis Keith Johnson on bass, and Gary Smith on drums. The album was produced by Ron Nevison.

CD Track Listings:

“Somewhere in America” – 5:12
“Can’t Getcha Offa My Mind” – 3:04
“Let It Be Now” – 3:38
“As Soon as Love Finds Me” – 2:52
“Youngblood” – 3:27
“Love Has Got Me” – 3:39
“Whole Town’s Talkin'” – 3:28
“20/20” – 3:21
“Freelance” – 3:23
“Nothing Can Shake Me (From Your Love)” – 4:07

Premonition (1981)

Released: August 1981

Premonition elevated Survivor’s profile, recorded in the spring of 1981 at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles, and released in August 1981. It introduced a more refined rock sound, making inroads on the Billboard 200.

Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik continued their roles, with Stephan Ellis joining on bass and Marc Droubay on drums. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, the album hinted at the anthemic rock sound that would define their most successful period.

CD Track Listings:

“Chevy Nights” – 3:37
“Summer Nights” – 4:07
“Poor Man’s Son” – 3:25
“Runway Lights” – 4:15
“Take You on a Saturday” – 4:06
“Light of a Thousand Smiles” – 4:58
“Love Is on My Side” – 4:06
“Heart’s a Lonely Hunter” – 3:52

Eye of the Tiger (1982)

Survivor / Eye of the Tiger (Original Inner Sleeve w / Lyrics)

Released: June 1982

Eye of the Tiger, released in June 1982, became Survivor’s most successful album, driven by the iconic title track, which was the theme song for the movie Rocky III. The album was recorded at Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park, California, and was produced by Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart with “Eye of the Tiger”.

CD Track Listings:

“Eye of the Tiger” – 4:05
“Feels Like Love” – 4:08
“Hesitation Dance” – 3:51
“The One That Really Matters” – 3:31
“I’m Not That Man Anymore” – 4:47
“Children of the Night” – 4:45
“Ever Since the World Began” – 3:41
“American Heartbeat” – 4:09
“Silver Girl” – 4:52

Caught in the Game (1983)

Released: September 1983

Caught in the Game, released in September 1983, was recorded at Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park, California. This album didn’t replicate the success of its predecessor on the Billboard charts but showcased Survivor’s depth in songwriting and production, handled by Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik.

CD Track Listings:

“Caught in the Game” – 4:46
“Jackie Don’t Go” – 4:05
“I Never Stopped Loving You” – 4:08
“It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way” – 4:00
“Ready for the Real Thing” – 3:54
“Half-Life” – 5:03
“What Do You Really Think?” – 3:49
“Slander” – 5:19
“Santa Ana Winds” – 6:34

Vital Signs (1984)

Released: August 1984

Vital Signs marked a turning point for Survivor, introducing a more polished sound with new lead vocalist Jimi Jamison. Recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, in early 1984, it was produced by Ron Nevison. The album soared on the Billboard 200 and produced multiple hit singles.

CD Track Listings:

“I Can’t Hold Back” – 3:59
“High on You” – 4:09
“First Night” – 4:17
“The Search Is Over” – 4:13
“Broken Promises” – 3:58
“Popular Girl” – 3:37
“Everlasting” – 3:52
“It’s the Singer Not the Song” – 4:32
“I See You in Everyone” – 4:26

When Seconds Count (1986)

Released: October 1986

When Seconds Count continued the trend of hit albums for Survivor, recorded at various locations in Los Angeles and produced by Ron Nevison. The album featured catchy hooks and anthem-like melodies that became hallmarks of Survivor’s sound in the mid-80s.

CD Track Listings:

“How Much Love” – 3:58
“Keep It Right Here” – 4:31
“Is This Love” – 3:41
“Man Against the World” – 3:35
“Rebel Son” – 4:39
“Oceans” – 4:39
“When Seconds Count” – 4:07
“Backstreet Love Affair” – 4:01
“In Good Faith” – 4:23
“Can’t Let You Go” – 4:42

Too Hot to Sleep (1988)

Released: October 1988

Too Hot to Sleep was released in October 1988, presenting a grittier, rock-oriented sound. The album, recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, and produced by Frank Filipetti and Frankie Sullivan, showcased mature songwriting and sophisticated production but did not achieve significant commercial success.

CD Track Listings:

“She’s a Star” – 4:24
“Desperate Dreams” – 4:46
“Too Hot to Sleep” – 4:47
“Didn’t Know It Was Love” – 4:24
“Rhythm of the City” – 4:29
“Here Comes Desire” – 4:54
“Across the Miles” – 5:55
“Tell Me I’m the One” – 4:16
“Can’t Give It Up” – 4:36
“Burning Bridges” – 5:22

Reach (2006)

Released: April 2006

Reach, released in April 2006, marked a comeback for Survivor after nearly two decades. The album was recorded at various studios across the United States and was produced by original band member Frankie Sullivan. While it did not reach the heights of their 80s success, it demonstrated the band’s enduring appeal and featured the return of both original vocalist Dave Bickler and longtime vocalist Jimi Jamison.

CD Track Listings: