Cinderella's 1988 album "Long Cold Winter" marked a transformative moment for the band, transitioning from glam metal to a blues-infused sound. Overcoming challenges during recording, including Tom Keifer's vocal cord issues, the album's lead single "Gypsy Road" and power ballad "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" propelled Cinderella to commercial success.
In the world of rock music, certain albums stand out as timeless classics that encapsulate the spirit of an era. Cinderella's "Long Cold Winter," released in 1988, is undeniably one such gem. This second studio album from the American rock band catapulted them into the limelight, showcasing their musical prowess and establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the late 1980s rock scene.
The Band and the Prelude to "Long Cold Winter":
Cinderella, formed in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Tom Keifer, bassist Eric Brittingham, guitarist Jeff LaBar, and drummer Fred Coury, quickly gained recognition with their debut album, "Night Songs" (1986). The album's commercial success set the stage for the band's ambitious follow-up, "Long Cold Winter."
The Making of "Long Cold Winter":
Unlike their debut, which had a glam-metal edge, "Long Cold Winter" marked a departure for Cinderella. The band delved into a blues-infused, more mature sound, showcasing Keifer's soulful vocals and the band's collective musical growth. The recording process was not without its challenges, including Keifer's vocal cord issues, which threatened to derail the project.
The album's title, "Long Cold Winter," reflected not only the atmospheric themes explored in the lyrics but also the metaphorical struggles the band faced during its creation. The cover art, featuring a frosty scene with the band's name etched in ice, further emphasized the chilly aesthetic.
Key Tracks and Musical Evolution:
The album's lead single, "Gypsy Road," became a rallying cry for Cinderella fans. Its bluesy riffs and Keifer's distinctive vocals showcased the band's evolution while maintaining the hard rock edge that endeared them to audiences. Other standout tracks included the power ballad "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" and the bluesy "Coming Home," both of which underscored Cinderella's musical versatility.
Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim:
"Long Cold Winter" was a commercial triumph, reaching multi-platinum status in the United States and earning Cinderella a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Critics praised the band's musical growth and the album's cohesive blend of blues, rock, and soul. The power ballad "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" became a chart-topping single, solidifying Cinderella's place in the rock pantheon.
Legacy and Influence:
Beyond its immediate success, "Long Cold Winter" has endured as a testament to Cinderella's resilience and musical artistry. The album's enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence on classic rock playlists and its influence on subsequent generations of rock bands.
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Description & Collectors Information: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of the Cinderella band."Long Cold Winter" is the second studio album by American rock band Cinderella, released in 1988 through Mercury Records. |
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Music Genre: Glam Rock / Heavy Metal , Hair Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "Long Cold Winter" was produced by: Andy Johns, Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham |
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Record Label Information: White Label Mercury 834 612 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone Record Album weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1988 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Cinderella Long Cold Winter |
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Track Listing of: "Long Cold Winter" |
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The Songs/tracks on "Long Cold Winter" are
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| Photo of "Long Cold Winter" Album's Back Cover |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Cinderella was a hard rock band that gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The band's original lineup consisted of Tom Keifer on lead vocals and guitar, Eric Brittingham on bass, Jeff LaBar on guitar, and Fred Coury on drums. They were known for their bluesy, guitar-driven sound, and their energetic live performances.
Cinderella released their debut album, "Night Songs," in 1986, which included hits like "Shake Me" and "Nobody's Fool." The album was a commercial success, reaching #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and being certified triple platinum. The band's follow-up album, "Long Cold Winter," was released in 1988 and featured the hit single "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)." The album also featured a more blues-influenced sound and showcased Keifer's exceptional vocal range.
Cinderella's third album, "Heartbreak Station," was released in 1990 and continued the band's success. The album included hits like "The More Things Change" and the title track "Heartbreak Station." However, the band's popularity began to wane as the 1990s progressed, and they released their final album, "Still Climbing," in 1994.
Despite their commercial decline, Cinderella remained a beloved band among their fans and continued to tour throughout the 2000s. However, the band's original lineup never reunited, and in 2017, Keifer released a solo album called "The Way Life Goes."
In addition to their music, Cinderella was known for their distinctive image. The band's look was inspired by glam and heavy metal, with Keifer often wearing a top hat and scarf, and the rest of the band wearing leather and spandex. The band's music videos also featured the band in various glamorous and theatrical settings.
Mercury 888 812 (88812) , 1987 , Netherlands
Cinderella's "The Live E.P." 12" vinyl album encapsulates the raw energy of the American glam metal band during a 1987 Philadelphia performance. The recording immortalizes the band at their zenith. In the vinyl resurgence, this live gem has become a sought-after collectible, offering fans an authentic, tactile experience of Cinderella's electrifying stage presence.
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White Label Mercury 834 612 , 1988 , Netherlands
Cinderella's 1988 album "Long Cold Winter" marked a transformative moment for the band, transitioning from glam metal to a blues-infused sound. Overcoming challenges during recording, including Tom Keifer's vocal cord issues, the album's lead single "Gypsy Road" and power ballad "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" propelled Cinderella to commercial success.
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Polygram
"Cinderella's 1986 debut album, 'Night Songs,' became a rock classic. The limited edition Picture Disc 12" Vinyl added a visual dimension to the auditory experience, featuring captivating artwork on each side. With timeless tracks like 'Shake Me' and 'Nobody's Fool,' this collector's item stands as both a musical gem and a visual masterpiece, preserving the magic of '80s glam metal in a tangible and cherished form."
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Mercury 422-830-976 , 1986 , USA
Cinderella's 1986 debut album, "Night Songs (USA)," marked their rise to glam metal stardom. Fueled by the hit single "Nobody's Fool" and strategic MTV airplay, the album soared to multi-platinum success. An opening slot on Bon Jovi's tour further propelled their fame, solidifying Cinderella as a defining force in 1980s rock.
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Mercury 830 076 , 1986 , Netherlands
Night Songs is Cinderella's first(debut album, which sold several million copies due to a combination of the single Nobody's Fool, MTV airplay, and an opening slot on Bon Jovi's tour (in support of their album Slippery When Wet).
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