Artist: Loverboy
Title: “Hurtin”
Label: Independent Release
Release Date: 5/12/2016
Genre: Rock
Rating: 3.5/5
Fans of the Canadian Melodic Rock export Loverboy might be clamoring for a full on new release from the band but with their busy touring schedule (some of which include a support slot on the Rick Springfield run) they’ll just have to wait it out a little bit longer. While they wait they can enjoy this brand new single called “Hurtin” which was released just the other day and offers up a nice taste of what made the band so special to them in the first place. According to the press copy that I received the song was initially a bunch of instrumental sections that were intended to be an anthem for a sporting team who were putting a “Hurtin” on the opposing team. Of course the end result is nothing of the sort and instead is a smooth ballad sort of song that finds singer Mike Reno working out the issues in a problematic relationship. It’s a very synth-laden tune that is quite catchy and should find you humming or singing along by the time the chorus comes around the second time. There is a distinct 80’s vibe to the tune based on the synths but it doesn’t sound at all dated and instead makes you accept the classic band in today’s musical geography.
I’ve enjoyed the music of Loverboy as a bit of a guilty pleasure since first seeing them open up for Journey on the “Escape” tour back in 1981 and admit that it’s great to see them still active with all of their founding members in the lineup (Reno, Dean, Frenette and Johnson) while being joined by Ken Sinnaeve who is now on bass replacing the late Scott Smith. One of my hopes is that when a full-length comes out perhaps we will find the group exploring the original anthem angle for this tune with an alternate version. I’d be interested in hearing that for sure. This should definitely appeal to their fans and it’s just available to purchase via digital download now. Make sure you check them out on tour if they are coming near you as it’s a night loaded with hits.
Track Listing:
1. Hurtin
Official Website: http://www.loverboyband.com