Some say under different circumstances, The Alarm would have become the biggest rock band in the world. Some say that the only thing standing in their way was this other band called U2. While I can see the comparison, I can also safely say that The Alarm wasn’t just a pale copy of the Irish band. The Alarm had their own voice and style to deliver.
I think people kept comparing them to U2 because the two groups basically had a similar message in the 80′s… both bands were openly religious, both bands were political, and both bands were about “feel good” vibes and uplifting anthems that would suit much flag waving. If you listen past this, though, their music is quite different. But this article isn’t about comparing the two bands, it’s about the album that, for me, put The Alarm on the Rock ‘n’ Roll map.
The Alarm was formed in Rhyl, Wales in 1978. Originally going by the name Seventeen, they changed their name to Alarm Alarm and then finally to simply The Alarm by the suggestion of influential and oh-so-missed DJ John Peel (as legend states). I guess there were already too many bands with double names, like Duran Duran, The The (one of my all-time favorite band names) and Barry Manilow (think about that one).
Spirit of ’76 single
In 1985 they released their second album, Strength. This record retained the enthusiasm and punch of their debut, Declaration, but lyrically it was more personal and reflective. Strength also made it clear that The Alarm had no problems revealing their faith to the world, which I think helped others relate to them in ways Declaration couldn’t accomplish. Don’t get me wrong – Declaration is a fine album, but there were times when I would have absolutely no idea what the singer, Mike Peters, was going on about.
Strength was the highest charting album for the band, and delivered four singles: “Absolute Reality,” “Strength,” “Spirit of ’76,” and “Knife Edge.”
Knife Edge single
I’ve been listening to this album on and off for the past few days and having some of the same feelings as I had way back when I first heard it. The album packs a definite punch, right from the opening track, “Knife Edge.” This is such a perfect song to not only start an album with, but a concert as well. Take a listen to it in the Dig-It section below… close your eyes and just imagine complete darkness as the opening keyboard riff starts… the BLAMMO! You get blinded with the first punch of the band. TOTALLY dig it.
My favorite lines of the song: There’s a pointlessness about it all, I’ve gotta force that to the back of my mind / The important thing now is just I’ve gotta survive These lyrics were a huge step forward from their first album… gone were the “battle cries” and the “wastelands,” and “the guns forever.” This was a more mature band that admitted their vulnerability… and in all honesty, that made them stronger in their message.
Absolute Reality single
Dave Sharp’s rootsy guitar style is a trademark of their sound, and he showcases it well in “Knife Edge.” I think Sharp is one of the most underrated guitar players in the history of Rock. He does so much with so little, as he finds riffs within the simplest of chord progressions. He was influenced by the guitar players of the 60′s and 70′s (who isn’t), and brought that with him when he discovered punk rock. I’ve always found his playing to be bluesy and raw, yet big and intricate enough to seem like there are multiple players. Take a listen to the title track, “Strength,” and you’ll see what I mean. There’s only one guitar there… mighty impressive work. He doesn’t use many effects, either… it’s just him and the guitar.
I think the comparisons between The Alarm and U2 overshadowed Sharp’s musicianship. He’s a much different player than The Edge, so I always thought the examinations between the two were like comparing apples to oranges.
There are plenty of excellent songs off the album but my favorite track off the album has to be “Spirit of ’76.” This epic song is perhaps one of the most personal statements from the band. Lyrically, it deals with the trials and tribulations of youth, friendship, and everything that can go wrong.
My favorite lines from the song:
And work wasn’t so hard to find
You would not be going your way
I would not be going mine
When I was a kid, I couldn’t quite grasp how true these words were. Now that I’m all grow’d up, though, these four lines make me wonder what happened to everyone that I’ve lost touch with… and it makes me want to get on Facebook and catch up. I’ve posted a live version of “Spirit of ’76″ below in the Dig-It section. If you’ve never heard this song before, make sure you take the time to check it out.
Here’s the music video for the song… man alive, Eddie MacDonald (bassist and piano guy in the video) has the BIGGEST hair EVER. You have GOT to watch the intro to this video and check out his hair. I wonder how many cans of Aqua Net he had to use?
The tour for Strength was a huge success for The Alarm. Dubbed The Spirit of ’86 Tour, The Alarm went on to open for Queen, and in April of 1986, they played a free live concert for over 20,000 fans at UCLA. This show was shown on MTV for millions more, and was a huge success for not only the cable channel, but for the band as well. A video of the show was released, and is now quite the collector’s item.
Strength boasts a wonderful collection of songs that dig deep into the lives and beliefs of the band. It’ll give you a good idea of where they came from, what happened there, and most importantly, who they are as people.
Take a listen to the samples below, and if you like what you hear, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the rest of the album. The Alarm was one of the most exciting bands to come out of the 80′s… they still have a huge loyal following, despite the many changes of personnel… someday, the original members will go on a tour (not just a one-off like on VH-1), and you can bet your sweet patootie that I’m going to be there, front and center.
The Alarm on Amazon
The Alarm on iTunes
Your Dig-It Downloads: (right click on link to download)
Knife Edge
Spirit of ’76 (live)
Popularity: 3% [?]
Late in their career, they “Sold Me Down The River,” and I’ve been a fan ever since then..
More great 80′s stuff. I love your 80′s posts…. they remind me of how much great music there was during that decade.
And I dig the big hair. I sure wish it would come back into style. Aerosol hairspray, blow dryer, wings, ratted bangs that don’t move. Man, those were the days!!
Enjoyed the post. Thanks for the tunes!
one of my favorite albums and favorite groups!
“Change” is one of their best albums, yes!
The video of the Spirit of ’86 UCLA MTV concert has been finally released on DVD by Mike Peters himself. It and all the Alarm’s recorded output (also remastered with beaucoup bonus tracks) are available from thealarm.com. If you order the box set of all the albums together, you get — incredibly — a PERSONALLY RECORDED single-song CD from Mike Peters, whatever Alarm song you request plus whatever dedication you want him to say before the performance. Thanks for the post.