Never Surrender (song)
Encyclopedia
"Never Surrender" is a power ballad and hit song
recorded by Canadian singer Corey Hart. It was the first single
to be released off his second album, 1985's Boy in the Box
. The song was a number one single for nine weeks in Canada and was Hart's highest charting single in the United States, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100
in August 1985.
The song won a Juno Award
in 1985 for the "Single of the Year
", and was certified Platinum in Canada for sales of over 100,000 copies in 1985.
Allmusic called "Never Surrender": "a soaring power ballad of empowerment, giving this album (Boy in the Box) a greater musical and emotional range than his (Hart's) debut." Regarding the song becoming another US hit single Hart said "I really think it's difficult breaking into America regardless of where you're from. I don't think it's any more difficult for a Canadian act than for a band from Oklahoma".
his way to a major city where he finds himself alone and ends with a 'live' performance with his band. Portions of the video were filmed on Queen Street West
in downtown Toronto
, including the now defunct Crest Grill. The video's director, Rob Quartly
, had worked with Hart on three previous music videos and Quartly was again nominated for a Juno Award for his work on this video.
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
recorded by Canadian singer Corey Hart. It was the first single
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...
to be released off his second album, 1985's Boy in the Box
Boy in the Box (album)
Boy in the Box is the second album by Corey Hart, released in 1985. It generated four charted singles. The song "Never Surrender" won a Juno Award in 1985 for "Single of the Year" and reached #3 on the U.S...
. The song was a number one single for nine weeks in Canada and was Hart's highest charting single in the United States, reaching number three 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...
in August 1985.
The song won a Juno Award
Juno Awards of 1985
The Juno Awards of 1985, representing Canadian music industry achievements of the previous year, were awarded on 4 November 1985 in Toronto. The ceremony was hosted by Andrea Martin and Martin Short at the Harbour Castle Hilton Hotel....
in 1985 for the "Single of the Year
Juno Award for Single of the Year
The Juno Award for Single of the Year has been awarded since 1974 for the best single in Canada. It has also been known as Best Single and Best Selling Single.-Best Single :...
", and was certified Platinum in Canada for sales of over 100,000 copies in 1985.
Allmusic called "Never Surrender": "a soaring power ballad of empowerment, giving this album (Boy in the Box) a greater musical and emotional range than his (Hart's) debut." Regarding the song becoming another US hit single Hart said "I really think it's difficult breaking into America regardless of where you're from. I don't think it's any more difficult for a Canadian act than for a band from Oklahoma".
Music video
The music video features a story line of Hart leaving his home and hitchhikingHitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a means of transportation that is gained by asking people, usually strangers, for a ride in their automobile or other road vehicle to travel a distance that may either be short or long...
his way to a major city where he finds himself alone and ends with a 'live' performance with his band. Portions of the video were filmed on Queen Street West
Queen Street West
Queen Street West describes both the western branch of Queen Street, a major east-west thoroughfare, and a series of neighbourhoods or commercial districts, situated west of Yonge Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Queen Street begins in the west at the intersection of King Street, The...
in downtown Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, including the now defunct Crest Grill. The video's director, Rob Quartly
Rob Quartly
Robert "Rob" Quartly is a Canadian music video, television and commercial director. During the 1980s, Quartly produced numerous Juno award-winning music videos for artists including Corey Hart, Gowan, Platinum Blonde and Rush....
, had worked with Hart on three previous music videos and Quartly was again nominated for a Juno Award for his work on this video.
Versions
The album version of the song is 4:58, while the 7" single is shortened to 4:16. The 12" single features the album version of the song.Performers
- Corey Hart - vocals
- Russell Boswell - bass
- Gary BreitGary BreitGary Breit is a Canadian keyboardist and vocalist best known for his collaboration with singer/songwriter Bryan Adams. He has also recorded with acts such as Amanda Marshall, Cassandra Wilson, Corey Hart, Amy Sky, Long John Baldry, Lucid Dreaming, Damhnait Doyle and has toured with Kim Mitchell and...
- keyboards - Michael Hehir - guitars
- Andy HamiltonAndy Hamilton (pop musician)Andy Hamilton is a British saxophonist who has played with Duran Duran , Wham!, Elton John, Pet Shop Boys, Tina Turner, George Michael, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Bon Jovi and David Bowie....
- saxophone - Bruce Moffet - percussion