British singer Adam Faith was one of Britain's original pop heroes. He rose to fame in the late 50's and 60's, and before a band called The Beatles became all the rage, he had managed an impressive amount of chart topping hits by 1962. As the decade wore on however the hits dried up and Faith eventually turned his sights towards an acting career in theater, movies and television, as well as the business side of the music industry. When fellow songwriter and one time member of his backing band, David Courtney brought to his attention an undiscovered singer named Leo Sayer, Faith became actively involved with Courtney in developing Sayer's career, and he would go on to both manage and produce Sayer throughout the 70's. After surviving a car crash in 1973 Faith decided it was time to once again enter the studio after almost a decade since his last album in a bid to capture some of that old magic.
Now re-issued by Angel Air Records in conjunction with David Courtney's First Day album, which is understandable considering the close friendship and musical partnership the two shared at the time, his 1974 album I Survive co-written and co-produced with Courtney is back in this lovingly crafted tribute to the late musician who passed away in 2003.
Unlike Courtney's album which was all over the map musically I Survive is a relatively low keyed and introspective sounding album. Perhaps the car accident forced Faith to come face to face with his own mortality and this contributed to the slightly subdued vocal approach on these compositions. In addition to Courtney who handles the majority of the piano work, the album features a who's who of the music business.Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore delivers a scorching, extended intro on the rocking title track, Martin Birch (yes that Martin Birch) contributes also on guitar on the same song, as well as ¾ of the backing band (including Russ Ballard) that appeared on Roger Daltrey's solo debut; an album Faith also had a hand in co-producing with Courtney. Faith also called in a Beatle, as Paul McCartney showed up to play a bit of synthesizer on "Never Say Goodbye", and also contribute backing vocals along with wife Linda on "Star Song" a track that features an absolutely lush sounding orchestral arrangement by Andrew Powell (Alan Parsons Project, Al Stewart).
I Survive is an intriguing ten song collection that successfully brings together elements of orchestral / theatrical rock with pop, all done up in Faith's signature sound and unmistakable charm and personality. If you missed out on this one the first time around here's the perfect way to bring one of Adam Faith's later era gems back into your life.
Track Listing
1) I Survived
2) I Believe In Love
3) Honey
4) Foreign Lady
5) Change
6) Maybe
7) Never Say Goodbye
8) Goodbye
9) In Your Life
10) Star Song
11) I Believe In Love –Rough mix (Bonus Track)
12) I Survived – Single version (Bonus Track)
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