Jim Peterik is a god in AOR circles, but most people don't know his name. He's been a driving force in hitmakers The Ides of March and Survivor, and written hit songs for other artists including .38 Special, Henry Paul Band, and Cheap Trick, yet he's never scored a chart appearance as a solo artist. Partly because he has released very few solo records. Even then, he usually has big name collaborators, as in the case of his World Stage records. The first record he released with this rotating all-star band was back in 2000, and Peterik is slated to release another long-awaited World Stage record this year (2019). Peterik's collaboration runs strong with Cheap Trick, who lent a hand to write and perform this truly great rocker called "Zig Zag" from the first World Stage record. Punching it up even more are backing vocals from Tom Keifer of Cinderella.
Even if you're not familiar with the name Tom Keifer, you're sure to recognize his distinctive growl from his days fronting the 80s band Cinderella. Keifer can still "scream his heart out" on a solid blues rocker, but he shows that he is not limited to this single dimension on his 2013 solo effort entitled, "The Way Life Goes." It's a surprisingly great record that blends his past stylings with a modernized sound and matured songwriting. "A Different Light" probably showcases this best. The deluxe edition features a new rendition of Cinderella's breakthrough hit, "Nobody's Fool," performed as a duet with powerhouse vocalist Lzzy Hale from Halestorm.
Philly band Cinderella seemed to have found a glass slipper that fit by glamming it up in the 80s. Championed by the likes of Gene Simmons and Jon Bon Jovi, Cinderella's debut album was a smash (peaking at #3 in 1987). "Night Songs" was propelled by the success of their second single and epic breakup anthem, "Nobody's Fool", which reached #13 in 1986. The first single, the now-classic "Shake Me", didn't chart. The band suffered no sophomore jinx, despite toning down the glam and switching from metal to a bluesier rock sound. "Long Cold Winter" got to #10 and produced four charting singles, the biggest being the monster ballad, "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)", which hit #12 in 1988. The band's sound evolved further by 1990's record, "Heartbreak Station". Cinderella should be applauded for not being so one-dimensional, but this album began the band's decline with the mainstream. The only charting singles were "Shelter Me" (#36) and the title track (#44) - it is surprising they didn't fare better, but artistic growth is seldom rewarded. The album has some other strong yet overlooked cuts like the kickass rocker, "Make Your Own Way".
