Cuts Like a Knife
Encyclopedia
Cuts Like a Knife is the third studio album by the Canadian rock
artist Bryan Adams
. Released on 18 January 1983 through A&M Records
, the album became a huge commercial success in Canada
and the United States
whereas outside North America, the album did poorly. After the release of Reckless the album would chart on the British
album chart and would later be certified Silver by the BPI
. It was recorded at Little Mountain Sound
, Vancouver
, Canada.
The album was a commercial success and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
Three singles
were released from the album: "Straight from the Heart
", "Cuts Like a Knife
" and "This Time
"; the three were responsible for launching Adams into mainstream popularity. The album is regarded as one of Adams' finest albums and of the greatest albums of the 80's. The album was named the #48 Greatest Canadian Album of All Time by Bob Mersereau in his book The Top 100 Canadian Albums
, Vancouver
, Canada by Bob Clearmountain
and Adams; it was later mixed at Le Studio, Morin-Heights, Canada. "Straight from the Heart" was originally written in 1978; the title for the song originally came from his friend Eric Kagna. This song was the last recorded song for the album. Adams didn't really want "This Time" to be recorded but since Clearmountain insisted, the song was recorded at Little Mountain studio.
" is a ballad written by Adams and released in December 1982 as the first single released from the album, which was subsequently released the next month. It is one of Adams' most recognizable and popular songs. It was also recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler in 1983, it appears on her album "Faster Than The Speed Of Light". The song peaked at the top ten on the Billboard
Hot 100
at 10 and 32 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song has appeared on all of Adams' compilation albums with the exception of The Best of Me.
"Cuts Like a Knife
" was released in 1983 and became one of the most successful songs from Cuts Like a Knife on the American rock charts and one of Adams most recognizable and popular songs from the 80s. "Cuts Like a Knife" was released worldwide in March 1984. The song reached the top ten on the Mainstream Rock Tracks
at six, "Cuts Like a Knife" would also chart on the Billboard Hot 100
at 15. "Cuts Like a Knife" was Adams first the top 20 hit on the Canadian singles
chart and remained in the top 20 for six weeks. "Cuts Like a Knife" was released the following month in Europe
but didn't chart.
"This Time
" by Adams and co-writer Jim Vallance was the third single released from the album. "This Time" was Adams first single to chart in Europe
. While it charted after being re-released in the United Kingdom
. The song peaked at the top 30 on the Billboard
Mainstream Rock Tracks chart at 21, it would also chart on the Billboard Hot 100
at 24.
The final track on the album, "The Best Was Yet to Come", was later covered by Laura Branigan
for her 1990 self-titled album
.
, peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200
. The album was released in January, 1983 and featured the hit singles "Straight from the Heart
", "This Time
" and "Cuts Like a Knife
". "Cuts Like a Knife" and "Straight from the Heart" were nominated for a Juno Award
for Single of the Year, "Cuts Like a Knife" would win the Composer of the Year award. In Canada Cuts Like a Knife was certified three times platinum and the album would also be certified in the United States reaching platinum.
Cuts Like a Knife included the hits "Straight from the Heart", "This Time", "Cuts Like a Knife", "I'm Ready", "The Only One" and "Take Me Back". All the singles had accompanying music video
s. The first three singles charted on the Billboard Hot 100, while only "Straight from the Heart" peaked at the top ten. "Cuts Like a Knife" would become the most successful single from Cuts Like a Knife at its time of release on the rock charts, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the mainstream rock chart.
"Cuts Like a Knife" is regarded as one of Adams' most commercially successful and acclaimed albums. The album is regarded as one of the iconic albums of the 80's. It is often regarded as one of the Greatest Canadian Albums of all time. The title track has become one of Adams' signature songs and is a rock radio staple. It is the most-played song by Adams in his concert. "Straight from the Heart" is often regarded as one of the best ballads by Bryan Adams.
progressive rock
band Supertramp
on their tour in North America
. Though not featured on the album, drummer for the tour was the late Frankie LaRocka
and the keyboarder was Johnny 'Blitz' Hannah. Adams then traveled to Vancouver where he played live in front of 30,000 fans. Later on he went to Europe
for a six week solo tour, one gig (and subsequent band interview) was broadcast live on German TV and radio as part of the famous Rockpalast
series. He played in six different countries. November, 1983 Adams went to Japan
to start his own headline tour. By this time Adams had been on the road 283 days. Adams supported The Police
when he toured in Australia
and New Zealand
.
and Jim Vallance
except where noted.
http://www.discogs.com/Bryan-Adams-Cuts-Like-A-Knife/release/859891
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
artist Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
. Released on 18 January 1983 through A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
, the album became a huge commercial success in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
whereas outside North America, the album did poorly. After the release of Reckless the album would chart on the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
album chart and would later be certified Silver by the BPI
British Phonographic Industry
The British Phonographic Industry is the British record industry's trade association.-Structure:Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four "major" record companies , associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of independent music companies...
. It was recorded at Little Mountain Sound
Little Mountain Sound Studios
Little Mountain Sound Studios was a music recording facility located in Vancouver, British Columbia. In its day, it was the most successful recording studio in Western Canada and was the home for many years to producers Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock...
, Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, Canada.
The album was a commercial success and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
Three singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
were released from the album: "Straight from the Heart
Straight from the Heart (song)
"Straight from the Heart" is a rock ballad, which was the first single from Bryan Adams' first hit album Cuts Like a Knife. The song was Adams' first song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #10. It also peaked at #32 on the Adult Contemporary chart, the first Bryan Adams single...
", "Cuts Like a Knife
Cuts Like a Knife (song)
-Personnel:*Bryan Adams – rhythm guitar, lead vocals*Keith Scott – lead guitar*Jim Wesley – drums*Tommy Mandel – keyboard*Dave Taylor – bass guitar-Chart positions:...
" and "This Time
This Time (Bryan Adams song)
"This Time" is a hit song by Canadian rock star Bryan Adams, appearing as the third track on his 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife. The single was a top 30 hit in the US on Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock Tracks during the fall of 1983 and was Adams first single to reach the UK Singles Chart...
"; the three were responsible for launching Adams into mainstream popularity. The album is regarded as one of Adams' finest albums and of the greatest albums of the 80's. The album was named the #48 Greatest Canadian Album of All Time by Bob Mersereau in his book The Top 100 Canadian Albums
Recording and production
The recording for the album was between 13 August-20 October 1982. Mixing started on 14 October and ended on 20 October. "Straight from the Heart" was recorded at Little Mountain SoundLittle Mountain Sound Studios
Little Mountain Sound Studios was a music recording facility located in Vancouver, British Columbia. In its day, it was the most successful recording studio in Western Canada and was the home for many years to producers Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock...
, Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, Canada by Bob Clearmountain
Bob Clearmountain
Bob Clearmountain is an award-winning American music engineer, mixer and producer. He has worked with many prominent names in music including Bruce Springsteen , The Rolling Stones , Bryan Adams , Robbie Williams Bob Clearmountain is an award-winning American music engineer, mixer and producer. He...
and Adams; it was later mixed at Le Studio, Morin-Heights, Canada. "Straight from the Heart" was originally written in 1978; the title for the song originally came from his friend Eric Kagna. This song was the last recorded song for the album. Adams didn't really want "This Time" to be recorded but since Clearmountain insisted, the song was recorded at Little Mountain studio.
Songs
"Straight from the HeartStraight from the Heart (song)
"Straight from the Heart" is a rock ballad, which was the first single from Bryan Adams' first hit album Cuts Like a Knife. The song was Adams' first song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #10. It also peaked at #32 on the Adult Contemporary chart, the first Bryan Adams single...
" is a ballad written by Adams and released in December 1982 as the first single released from the album, which was subsequently released the next month. It is one of Adams' most recognizable and popular songs. It was also recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler in 1983, it appears on her album "Faster Than The Speed Of Light". The song peaked at the top ten on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at 10 and 32 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song has appeared on all of Adams' compilation albums with the exception of The Best of Me.
"Cuts Like a Knife
Cuts Like a Knife (song)
-Personnel:*Bryan Adams – rhythm guitar, lead vocals*Keith Scott – lead guitar*Jim Wesley – drums*Tommy Mandel – keyboard*Dave Taylor – bass guitar-Chart positions:...
" was released in 1983 and became one of the most successful songs from Cuts Like a Knife on the American rock charts and one of Adams most recognizable and popular songs from the 80s. "Cuts Like a Knife" was released worldwide in March 1984. The song reached the top ten on the Mainstream Rock Tracks
Mainstream Rock Tracks
Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks is a ranking in Billboard magazine of the most-played songs on mainstream rock radio stations, a category that includes stations that play primarily rock music. Modern rock tracks are counted in the Alternative Songs chart.This chart began with the March 21, 1981, issue...
at six, "Cuts Like a Knife" would also chart on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at 15. "Cuts Like a Knife" was Adams first the top 20 hit on the Canadian singles
RPM (magazine)
RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
chart and remained in the top 20 for six weeks. "Cuts Like a Knife" was released the following month in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
but didn't chart.
"This Time
This Time (Bryan Adams song)
"This Time" is a hit song by Canadian rock star Bryan Adams, appearing as the third track on his 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife. The single was a top 30 hit in the US on Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock Tracks during the fall of 1983 and was Adams first single to reach the UK Singles Chart...
" by Adams and co-writer Jim Vallance was the third single released from the album. "This Time" was Adams first single to chart in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. While it charted after being re-released in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The song peaked at the top 30 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Mainstream Rock Tracks chart at 21, it would also chart on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at 24.
The final track on the album, "The Best Was Yet to Come", was later covered by Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan
Laura Ann Branigan was an American singer-songwriter and actress of Italian and Irish ancestry. She is best known in the United States for her 1982 Platinum-certified hit "Gloria" and in Europe for the number-one single "Self Control"...
for her 1990 self-titled album
Laura Branigan (album)
Laura Branigan is the sixth album by singer Laura Branigan, released in 1990.The album's second single, "Never In A Million Years", was an AC hit for Branigan. The album also brought the singer back to the tops of the Hi-NRG charts and dancefloors with its first single, "Moonlight On Water", and a...
.
Release and reception
Adams breakthrough album Cuts Like a Knife co-produced by Adams and Bob ClearmountainBob Clearmountain
Bob Clearmountain is an award-winning American music engineer, mixer and producer. He has worked with many prominent names in music including Bruce Springsteen , The Rolling Stones , Bryan Adams , Robbie Williams Bob Clearmountain is an award-winning American music engineer, mixer and producer. He...
, peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. The album was released in January, 1983 and featured the hit singles "Straight from the Heart
Straight from the Heart (song)
"Straight from the Heart" is a rock ballad, which was the first single from Bryan Adams' first hit album Cuts Like a Knife. The song was Adams' first song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #10. It also peaked at #32 on the Adult Contemporary chart, the first Bryan Adams single...
", "This Time
This Time (Bryan Adams song)
"This Time" is a hit song by Canadian rock star Bryan Adams, appearing as the third track on his 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife. The single was a top 30 hit in the US on Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock Tracks during the fall of 1983 and was Adams first single to reach the UK Singles Chart...
" and "Cuts Like a Knife
Cuts Like a Knife (song)
-Personnel:*Bryan Adams – rhythm guitar, lead vocals*Keith Scott – lead guitar*Jim Wesley – drums*Tommy Mandel – keyboard*Dave Taylor – bass guitar-Chart positions:...
". "Cuts Like a Knife" and "Straight from the Heart" were nominated for a Juno Award
Juno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
for Single of the Year, "Cuts Like a Knife" would win the Composer of the Year award. In Canada Cuts Like a Knife was certified three times platinum and the album would also be certified in the United States reaching platinum.
Cuts Like a Knife included the hits "Straight from the Heart", "This Time", "Cuts Like a Knife", "I'm Ready", "The Only One" and "Take Me Back". All the singles had accompanying music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
s. The first three singles charted on the Billboard Hot 100, while only "Straight from the Heart" peaked at the top ten. "Cuts Like a Knife" would become the most successful single from Cuts Like a Knife at its time of release on the rock charts, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the mainstream rock chart.
"Cuts Like a Knife" is regarded as one of Adams' most commercially successful and acclaimed albums. The album is regarded as one of the iconic albums of the 80's. It is often regarded as one of the Greatest Canadian Albums of all time. The title track has become one of Adams' signature songs and is a rock radio staple. It is the most-played song by Adams in his concert. "Straight from the Heart" is often regarded as one of the best ballads by Bryan Adams.
Cuts Like a Knife tour
The Cuts Like a Knife tour started in eastern Canada. In March, Adams started the American leg of the tour, after five months Adams had performed over 100 dates. He later joined the BritishUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp are a British rock band formed in 1969 under the name Daddy before renaming to Supertramp in early 1970. Though their music was initially categorised as progressive rock, they have since incorporated a combination of traditional rock and art rock into their music...
on their tour in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. Though not featured on the album, drummer for the tour was the late Frankie LaRocka
Frankie LaRocka
Frankie LaRocka was a musician and producer. He was a member of Scandal and, at various stages, played the drums with Bon Jovi, David Johansen, Bryan Adams, and John Waite...
and the keyboarder was Johnny 'Blitz' Hannah. Adams then traveled to Vancouver where he played live in front of 30,000 fans. Later on he went to Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
for a six week solo tour, one gig (and subsequent band interview) was broadcast live on German TV and radio as part of the famous Rockpalast
Rockpalast
Rockpalast is a German music television show that broadcasts live on German television station Westdeutscher Rundfunk . Rockpalast started in 1974 and continues to this day. Hundreds of rock and jazz bands have performed on Rockpalast...
series. He played in six different countries. November, 1983 Adams went to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
to start his own headline tour. By this time Adams had been on the road 283 days. Adams supported The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
when he toured in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
.
Track listing
All songs written by Bryan AdamsBryan Adams
Bryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
and Jim Vallance
Jim Vallance
James Douglas "Jim" Vallance, OC is a retired Canadian musician, songwriter, arranger and producer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. He is best known as the former songwriting partner of Canadian international recording artist Bryan Adams...
except where noted.
Personnel
- Bryan Adams - vocals, guitars, piano
- Jim VallanceJim VallanceJames Douglas "Jim" Vallance, OC is a retired Canadian musician, songwriter, arranger and producer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. He is best known as the former songwriting partner of Canadian international recording artist Bryan Adams...
- percussion, electric piano on "The Best Was Yet to Come" http://www.discogs.com/Bryan-Adams-Cuts-Like-A-Knife/release/1320466 - Mickey CurryMickey CurryMichael Timothy Curry is an American drummer. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with the singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, although he has also worked with Hall & Oates, Cher, Tina Turner, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Sam Phillips, Tom Waits, The Cult, Steve Jones and...
- drums - Tommy MandelTommy MandelTommy Mandel is a keyboardist who is most famous for playing with Bryan Adams, from 1981 to 1998, starting with Bryan Adams's album You Want It You Got It.He also has played with Dire Straits and others....
- organ, synthesizer - Keith ScottKeith ScottKeith Douglas Scott is a Canadian guitar player. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with the singer-songwriter Bryan Adams...
- guitars, vocals - Dave Taylor - bass guitar
- Alfa Anderson - background vocals
- Lou GrammLou GrammLou Gramm is an American rock vocalist and songwriter best known for his role as the lead vocalist and co-writer of many of the songs for the rock band Foreigner. He also had a successful solo career...
of ForeignerForeigner (band)Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...
- background vocals
http://www.discogs.com/Bryan-Adams-Cuts-Like-A-Knife/release/859891