415 - Area Code 415 CD (US IMPORT!)

Here we have the first album from the band "415" which later changed the name of the band to "Eric Martin Band" that released the album "Sucker For A Pretty Face". The band is fronted by none other than Eric Martin before he helped form "Mr. Big". The band also had John Nymann on guitar before he joined "Y&T". This original album features Journey frontman "Steve Perry" singing guest backing vocals on the song "I'm Alone". The "Area Code 415" album was recorded in 1980 but was shelved as the band continued to write and seek attention from the major labels. The band had all intentions of releasing the album in the early 1980's, but things didn't quite play out that way. The album laid in the vault for 44 years, but it has now been uncovered for the world to finally hear. All songs have been digitally remastered. And with the final Mr. Big tour wrapping up, now is as good as any to release this soon to be classic album.

The album "Area Code 415" is packed with super catchy radio friendly songs that would have definitely been billboard hits. The album starts off with the song "She's Gone" where you can hear the emotion in Eric's very distinct voice. The song has a super catchy chorus and very upbeat tempo that will appeal to any early 80's AOR enthusiast. The 2nd track "New Girl" sounds like it came right off of Journey's "Departure" album with big backing vocals and some very melodic keys. Track 3 (I'm Alone) is definitely the magnum opus of the album with the great Steve Perry (Journey) singing backups. This track has top notch writing and some very powerful vocals from Eric with top notch musicianship all around. Track 4 (Tears) starts out slow, but quickly picks up into a very catchy song with fantastic keyboards with an overlaying piano. The guitars that come in take the song to a new level. Top it off with emotional lead vocals and top-notch backing vocals. Track 5 (Ten Scale) takes another Journey-like approach as Eric belts out some brilliant lyrics backed by rhythmic keys and catchy guitar riffs. Track 6 (Kiss Off) starts off beautiful and slow and then Eric takes the song to another level as the music becomes a little jazzy and Eric gives the song a little sass with some raspy vocals that gives the listener some great Toto style vibes. Track 7 (I Want To Have It All) has a great classic feel to it with a great mix of guitar and keys and a sing along chorus that everyone can relate to. Track 8 (Cover Girl) is a catchy track that should have been a sure hit, if the album would have been released in 1980 as originally intended. Just a super fun radio friendly song. Track 9 (More Than Enough) is one of the more rockin' tracks on the album that has a great groove to it that really showcases Eric's voice. Track 10 (Sorry, I Don't Even Care) is an intelligent song with great oxymoron lyrics that are just fun to sing along to.

For fans of: Journey, Mr. Big, Toto.

Available:  August 30th, 2024.

TRACK LISTING:
1. She's Gone
2. New Girl
3. I'm Alone
4. Tears
5. Ten Scale
6. Kiss Off
7. I Want To Have It All
8. Cover Girl
9. More Than Enough
10. Sorry, I Don't Even Care