Album Information:
Album ID: 9702
About Sniff 'n' The Tears:
Sniff 'n' The Tears is a British rock band that was formed in London in 1977 by lead vocalist Paul Roberts. The band's initial lineup consisted of Mick Dyche on guitar, Loz Netto on guitar, Stuart Epps on drums, Nick South on bass, and Les Davidson on keyboards. However, the lineup changed frequently throughout the band's history.
The band's music can be best described as a mix of rock, pop, and new wave with a hint of country and blues. The band enjoyed a brief but successful run in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with their biggest hit being the single 'Driver's Seat.'
'Driver's Seat' was released in 1979 and became an instant hit, reaching number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's distinctive drumbeat and catchy chorus made it an instant classic, and it has since been used in numerous movies and TV shows.
Sniff 'n' The Tears released several albums over the years, including 'Fickle Heart' (1978), 'The Game's Up' (1980), 'Love/Action' (1981), 'Ride Blue Divide' (1982), 'No Damage Done' (1992), 'Underground' (2003), and 'Downstream' (2011).
Despite their success in the late 1970s, Sniff 'n' The Tears went through multiple lineup changes and struggled to maintain their popularity throughout the 1980s. However, they continued to tour and record music, eventually experiencing a revival in the 2000s when 'Driver's Seat' was featured in the movie 'Boogie Nights.'
Today, Sniff 'n' The Tears remains a beloved band among fans of 70s and 80s rock music, known for their catchy, upbeat songs and unique sound.
About the album Fickle Heart:
Fickle Heart is the second studio album by the British rock band Sniff 'n' The Tears. The album was originally released in 1978 by Chiswick Records. It includes ten tracks, all written by lead vocalist Paul Roberts, who also co-produced the album.
The opening track, 'Driver's Seat', is the most well-known and popular song from the album. It features catchy guitar riffs and a memorable chorus, and has been included in numerous films, television shows, and video games. The track was a massive hit in the United States and reached the top 20 in the Billboard Hot 100.
The album's second track, 'Rock'n'Roll Music', is a high-energy rock song that showcases the band's musical skills. The third track, 'Bite The Bullet', has a slower tempo and a more melancholic feel. The track features prominent acoustic guitar and a haunting harmonica solo.
Other notable tracks on the album include 'What Can Daddy Do', a mid-tempo track with a bluesy guitar riff and lyrics about a dysfunctional family; and 'Night Life', a mellow, jazzy track with a smooth saxophone solo.
The album is a mix of rock, pop, and blues influences. The songs are well-crafted and showcase Paul Roberts' songwriting skills. The production is clean and polished, with a focus on guitar riffs and strong vocals.
Overall, Fickle Heart is a solid album that showcases Sniff 'n' The Tears' musical talent. Its standout track, 'Driver's Seat', remains a classic rock staple to this day.
Members:
Sniff 'n' The Tears is an English rock band formed in 1977. The band's members have changed over the years, with some joining and leaving the band at different stages of its evolution. However, the main members of the band are:
1. Paul Roberts - Lead Vocalist and Guitarist
Paul Roberts is the founding member of Sniff 'n' The Tears. Born in the UK in 1959, Roberts started playing guitar at an early age. He formed a band called Ashes with his brother Mick, which later evolved into Sniff 'n' The Tears. Roberts is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band. He has also worked as a session musician and has released solo albums.
2. Mick Dyche - Lead Guitarist
Mick Dyche is a guitarist who joined Sniff 'n' The Tears in 1979. Born in 1958 in the UK, Dyche started playing guitar in his teens. He was a member of the band Rosetta Stone before joining Sniff 'n' The Tears. Dyche is known for his guitar solos on the band's hit songs.
3. Les Davidson - Rhythm Guitarist
Les Davidson joined Sniff 'n' The Tears in 1986. Born in Australia in 1956, Davidson started playing guitar at an early age. He has worked as a session musician and has played with several other bands before joining Sniff 'n' The Tears.
4. Nick South - Bassist
Nick South is the bassist for Sniff 'n' The Tears. He joined the band in the early 2000s. South has worked as a session musician and has played with several other bands, including New Model Army.
5. Robin Langridge - Keyboardist
Robin Langridge joined Sniff 'n' The Tears in 1985. Born in the UK in 1960, Langridge started playing piano at an early age. He worked as a session musician before joining the band.
6. Luigi Salvoni - Drummer
Luigi Salvoni is the drummer for Sniff 'n' The Tears. Born in Italy in 1955, Salvoni started playing drums in his teens. He has worked as a session musician and has played with several other bands before joining Sniff 'n' The Tears.
Note that some of these band members may have left or rejoined the band at different times. However, these are the main members of the band.
Track List for Fickle Heart:
1. 'Driver's Seat' - 4:00 - A hit single from the album, 'Driver's Seat' is a catchy rock song with a driving beat and memorable guitar riffs. The lyrics describe a carefree joyride in a car and the feeling of freedom that comes with it.
2. 'New Lines on Love' - 4:08 - This track begins with a melancholy piano melody, then transitions into a soulful ballad with heartfelt lyrics about the difficulties of love and the hope for new beginnings. The use of saxophone adds depth and emotion to the song.
3. 'Out to Sea' - 4:18 - A slower, bluesy track that explores the theme of isolation and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lonely person standing on the shore, contemplating their life.
4. 'Hot Love' - 3:23 - A fun, upbeat song with an infectious chorus. 'Hot Love' is a celebration of young love and the passion that comes with it. The use of horns and a funky guitar riff give the song a retro feel.
5. 'Looking for You' - 4:10 - This track has a more laid-back, mellow vibe. The use of acoustic guitar and harmonica create a folksy feel, while the lyrics speak of searching for a lost love and longing for their return.
6. 'Rock 'n' Roll Music' - 3:56 - As the title implies, this song is a tribute to the power and influence of rock music. The catchy chorus and energetic guitar solos make it a standout track on the album.
7. 'Bride In Cold Tears' - 4:39 - A haunting, atmospheric ballad with a slow tempo and introspective lyrics. The use of strings and a delicate piano melody create a sense of sadness and longing.
8. 'The Thrill of It All' - 3:25 - 'The Thrill of It All' picks up the pace again with an upbeat rock track that celebrates the excitement and unpredictability of life. The catchy chorus and guitar riffs make it a perfect singalong song.
9. 'Deception' - 4:19 - A slower, more introspective track with a powerful vocal performance from lead singer Paul Roberts. The lyrics speak of betrayal and the pain of realizing that someone you trusted has deceived you.
10. 'Poison Pen Mail' - 3:44 - The album comes to a close with 'Poison Pen Mail,' a fiery rocker with a fast tempo and a cutting guitar riff. The lyrics address the pitfalls of fame and the negative influence of the media on society.
Discography for Sniff 'n' The Tears:
Here is the complete discography for Sniff 'n' The Tears in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Fickle Heart (1978)
2. The Game's Up (1980)
3. Love/Action (1981)
4. Ride Blue Divide (1982)
5. Underground (1983)
6. No Damage Done (1996)
7. Downstream (1999)
8. Random Elements (2002)
9. Underground Anthology (2008)
10. Downstream Deluxe Edition (2012)
Singles:
1. 'Drivers Seat' (1978)
2. 'Poison Pen Mail' (1978)
3. 'The Driving Beat' (1979)
4. 'New Lines On Love' (1980)
5. 'Hungry Eyes' (1981)
6. 'That Final Love' (1981)
7. 'Aria' (1982)
8. 'Don't Look Back' (1982)
9. 'Rodeo Drive' (1983)
10. 'Roll Them Bones' (1983)
Other releases:
1. 'Ride Blue Divide' EP (1982)
2. 'What Can Daddy Do' single (1983)
3. 'Sing' single (1984)
4. 'Heartache' single (1992)
5. 'Sniff 'n' The Tears Live' (1996)
Release dates:
Fickle Heart - 1978
'Drivers Seat' single - 1978
'Poison Pen Mail' single - 1978
The Game's Up - 1980
'New Lines On Love' single - 1980
Love/Action - 1981
'Hungry Eyes' single - 1981
'That Final Love' single - 1981
Ride Blue Divide - 1982
'Aria' single - 1982
'Don't Look Back' single - 1982
Underground - 1983
'Rodeo Drive' single - 1983
'Roll Them Bones' single - 1983
No Damage Done - 1996
'Heartache' single - 1992
Sniff 'n' The Tears Live - 1996
Downstream - 1999
Random Elements - 2002
Underground Anthology - 2008
Downstream Deluxe Edition - 2012