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.
In the world of rock history, certain albums stand out as pivotal moments that mark the emergence of new talent and the birth of iconic bands. Cinderella's debut album, "Night Songs," released in the USA, is one such milestone that catapulted the band into the rock and glam metal spotlight of the mid-1980s.
The Birth of "Night Songs":
Cinderella, a Philadelphia-based rock band formed in 1982, consisted of Tom Keifer (vocals/guitar), Eric Brittingham (bass), Jeff LaBar (guitar), and Fred Coury (drums). The band's early years were marked by club performances and a relentless pursuit of a record deal. Their breakthrough came when they signed with Mercury Records, paving the way for the creation of their debut album, "Night Songs."
Released in 1986, "Night Songs" marked Cinderella's grand entrance into the hard rock and glam metal scene. The album featured a potent blend of blues-infused rock, anthemic ballads, and Keifer's distinctive raspy vocals. The record was a sonic embodiment of the band's influences, ranging from classic rock to blues, delivered with a modern glam metal twist.
Nobody's Fool and MTV Airplay: The success of "Night Songs" can be attributed, in large part, to the single "Nobody's Fool." This power ballad, characterized by Keifer's soulful delivery and the band's melodic prowess, struck a chord with audiences. The accompanying music video received heavy rotation on MTV, introducing Cinderella to a vast audience hungry for the next big thing in rock.
MTV was a dominant force in shaping musical tastes in the 1980s, and Cinderella's strategic use of the music video medium helped propel "Nobody's Fool" and, by extension, "Night Songs" to commercial success. The band's visual appeal, coupled with their musical prowess, made them stand out in a crowded field of emerging rock acts.
Bon Jovi's Tour and Soaring Success:
Cinderella's trajectory to stardom gained further momentum when they secured the coveted opening slot on Bon Jovi's tour in support of the wildly successful "Slippery When Wet" album. This exposure to large audiences across the United States solidified Cinderella's reputation as a formidable live act, boosting the sales of "Night Songs."
The synergy between Cinderella and Bon Jovi was not only a testament to the camaraderie among bands but also a strategic move that strategically positioned Cinderella in the epicenter of the glam metal explosion. The tour's success, combined with the continued radio and MTV play of "Nobody's Fool," propelled "Night Songs" to multi-platinum status, with several million copies sold.
Cinderella's debut album "Night Songs" on 12" vinyl is a raucous hard rock experience that transports you back to the energetic hair metal scene of the 80s. The warm analog sound of the vinyl enhances the raw power of the band's performance, making it a must-have for any fan.
Here are some of the standout tracks that make this album a classic:
"Night Songs" : The album kicks off with the title track, a blues-infused rocker that showcases Tom Keifer's distinctive raspy vocals and the band's tight musicianship. The song's infectious energy and catchy chorus make it an instant classic.
"Shake Me" : This high-octane anthem is a pure adrenaline rush, with its driving rhythm, blistering guitar solos, and Keifer's passionate vocals. It's a track that demands to be played at maximum volume.
"Nobody's Fool" : A power ballad with a hard rock edge, this song showcases the band's versatility. Keifer's emotive vocals and the soaring guitar solos make it a highlight of the album.
"Somebody Save Me" : This bluesy rocker is another standout track, with its infectious groove and soulful vocals. The song's raw energy and emotional intensity make it a fan favorite.
Collectors information: This album "CINDERELLA - Night Songs (USA)" is Cinderella's 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). |
Music Genre: Glam Metal, Hair Metal |
Album Production information: Produced by Andy Johns. Andy Johns was a British record producer and sound engineer celebrated for shaping the sound of rock in the 1970s and 1980s. He worked with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Free, and later Cinderella, mastering warm analog tones and dynamic mixes that defined classic rock production.
Visit his mini-biography .
Management: Larry Mazer. Recorded at Bearsville Studios, Kajem Studios, Warehouse Studios, Sigma Studios and the Sound Factory. Mixed at the Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA. Assistant Sound Engineers: Mark McKenna, Joe Hauserman, Nick Didia, Paul Wertheimer, David Glover. Photography: Mark "Weissguy" Weiss. Mark Weiss is a renowned rock and roll photographer who has captured some of the most iconic moments in music history. Known for his dynamic images of legends like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses, Weiss’s work defines the visual essence of rock’s golden era. His photography continues to inspire generations. Learn more about Mark Weiss. |
Record Label & Catalognr: Mercury 422-830-976 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: CINDERELLA - Night Songs (USA) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "CINDERELLA - Night Songs (USA)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "CINDERELLA - Night Songs (USA)" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. 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 ).
1986 MERCURY Records, Dark Grey background colouzr, 422 830-076-1 M-1 , 1986 Polygram Records, Inc-
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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Press play on “Long Cold Winter” and you can almost see the steam rise from the amps. This is blues-rock dipped in frostbite — a rebirth album that left mascara trails in the snow. Keifer howls, the band burns, and somewhere between heartbreak and redemption, glam metal remembers its soul. A pure late-80s artifact that still sounds beautifully worn at the edges.
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.
Learn more
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).
Learn more