"Feel It Again" by Honeymoon Suite

Song#:  2648
Date:  03/08/1986
Debut:  86
Peak:  34
Weeks:  18
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  The Canadian band's debut single, "New Girl Now," was a #7 hit on the US Rock chart and it did well enough to reach #57 at Pop. Subsequent singles didn't chart at Pop, but their associated self-titled album tallied enough sales to reach #60. With a foundation built, the band set out to record a follow-up with their new producer Bruce Fairbairn. The subsequent LP, The Big Prize, was issued out along with this first single. Again, the band did well at Rock with the song reaching #8. The crossover action was much better this time and the single got near the Pop Top 30 before retreating. It would end up being their biggest hit in the US. The album was a hit in Canada and it earned them a Juno award for Group of the Year while The Big Prize was nominated for Album of the Year.

ReduxReview:  Taking cues from bands like Foreigner, Honeymoon Suite perfected their commercial arena rock sound with this track. The verse is solid and it builds well to an explosive, hooky chorus. Of course, the production is top notch and certainly helped the song along. The tune had muscle, but it didn't overwhelm its pop radio viability. It really should have done better than just the Top 40.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Of course the success of the album had mainly to do with the band's songs and performances, but some also cite the production/engineering as a highlight. It was produced by Bruce Fairbairn who was having solid success with fellow Canadians Loverboy. On board as engineer was Bob Rock. Their work was noticed by many including members of a US band that was still attempting to break through. Bon Jovi had two albums under their belt with a few charting songs, but they needed far better results in order to keep their label happy and to alleviate some financial issues. While getting ready to record their third album, Jon Bon Jovi happened to hear Honeymoon Suite's album and loved the sound that Fairbairn and Rock had created. The band decided to bring the team on board and they all worked together to create what would be the mega-hit LP Slippery When Wet. Bob Rock's work would later attract another major band. Metallica hired him on to produce their 1991 self-titled album (also known as "The Black Album"). It would go on to be a 16-million selling #1 LP.

_________________________________________________________________________________