- 1984 Netherlands Release
This album is the Dutch release of "Dancin' on the Edge" which is Lita Ford's second solo album. It features the late drummer Randy Castillo, who later played for Ozzy Osbourne , with whom Lita Ford later did the duet "Close My Eyes Forever." It also features the bassist Hugh McDonald, who is currently the bassist for Bon Jovi.
1984. MTV was a neon-drenched, spandex-clad colossus bestriding the pop culture landscape. Big hair, bigger guitars, and pyrotechnics ruled the airwaves. Amidst this sonic maelstrom, Lita Ford, formerly the Runaways' teenage guitar goddess, released her third solo album, "Dancin' on the Edge". This wasn't just another rock record; it was a declaration of independence, a middle finger to conformity, and a testament to Ford's evolution from a rock and roll ingénue to a full-fledged, leather-clad rock queen.
The album explodes out of the gate with the title track, a ferocious hard rock anthem that showcased Ford's powerful vocals and blistering guitar work. It was a shot across the bow, announcing that Lita was no longer content to be a side player; she was ready to take center stage. The rest of the album didn't disappoint, delivering a relentless barrage of hook-laden hard rock anthems like "Gotta Let Go" and "Fire in My Heart".
Ford wasn't just another pretty face fronting a band; she was a bona fide guitar hero, and "Dancin' on the Edge" provided ample evidence of her six-string prowess. Tracks like the instrumental "The Runaways" paid homage to her roots, while "Dressed to Kill" showcased her ability to craft memorable, radio-friendly rock anthems. Notably, it also featured the talents of renowned bassist Hugh McDonald, who would later join Bon Jovi, and the late drummer Randy Castillo, recognized for his work with Ozzy Osbourne.
While the album was primarily a hard rock affair, it also showcased Ford's willingness to experiment. The power ballad "Still of the Night" showcased her softer side, a track that would go on to become one of her most beloved songs, while the bluesy "Hit and Run" revealed her affinity for classic rock influences.
The album was produced by the legendary Tom Werman, who had previously worked with acts like Cheap Trick and Mötley Crüe. Werman's slick production perfectly captured the energy and attitude of Ford's music, while also ensuring that the songs had enough commercial appeal to make an impact on the charts.
Recorded at the famed Record Plant studios in Los Angeles, "Dancin' on the Edge" had a raw, powerful sound that perfectly captured the spirit of the 80s hard rock scene. The album wasn't afraid to be loud, brash, and unapologetically in your face.
"Dancin' on the Edge" wasn't without its controversies. The album's cover, featuring Ford in a revealing outfit, raised eyebrows and drew accusations of sexism. But Ford was never one to shy away from controversy, and she defended her right to express herself however she saw fit. The album's cover, while provocative, became iconic, further solidifying Ford's image as a strong, independent woman in a male-dominated industry.
In the end, "Dancin' on the Edge" was a triumph for Lita Ford. It cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated world of hard rock, and it paved the way for her even greater success in the years to come.
Music Genre: Female Fronted Heavy Metal / Hard Rock |
Album Production Information:
The album: "LITA FORD - Dancin' on the Edge" was produced by: Lance Quinn This album was recorded at: The Power Station, New YOrk - The Warehouse and Studio 4 , Philadelphia Mastered and Masterdisk by Bob Ludwig Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz. Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work. Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process. Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time. Album cover photography: Barry Levine Barry Levine an American photographer who has (during the 1980s) made photographs for half a dozen of Heavy Metal albums: 1978 It's Not So Funny (Single), Quiet Riot (USA) 1978 Quiet Riot, Quiet Riot (USA) 1983 Shout at the Devil , Motley Crue (USA) 1984 Dancin' on the Edge, Lita Ford (GBR) 1985 Fighting for the Earth, Warrior 1987 Girls, Girls, Girls, Motley Crue (USA) 1987 License to Kill, Malice |
Record Label & Catalognr: Mercury 818 864 |
Album Packaging: This album "LITA FORD - Dancin' on the Edge" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: LITA FORD - Dancin' on the Edge |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "LITA FORD - Dancin' on the Edge" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "LITA FORD - Dancin' on the Edge" is:
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Large full page photo of Lita Ford on the front cover
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 ).
Group photo of the Lita Ford band and tracklisting on the album back cover
Six photos of Lita Ford playing the guitar on the original custom inner sleever
Lyrics of all the songs on "Dancin' On The Edge" printed on the original custom inner sleeve
"Dancin' On The Edge" Record Label Details: Blue Colour MERCURY 818 864-1, Made in Holland ℗ 1984 Polygram Records, Inc, USA Sound Copyright
The album's title track, "Dancin' on the Edge," became an instant hard rock anthem, with its driving beat, catchy chorus, and Ford's fierce vocals. Other standout tracks like "Gotta Let Go" and "Dressed to Kill" further showcased Ford's ability to blend melody with hard-hitting rock elements.
- Dancin' on the Edge (1984, Germany) - Dancin' On The Edge (1984, Netherlands)"Out for Blood" is a remarkable 12" vinyl LP album that marked the debut of the American Glam/Heavy Metal band Lita Ford. Released with a captivating album cover featuring Lita herself standing in front of a spiderweb, clutching a broken blood-spurting guitar,
- Out For Blood 12" Vinyl LPStiletto saw Ford exploring a wider range of musical influences while staying true to her hard rock roots. Tracks like "Hungry" and "Lisa" showcased her signature powerful vocals and guitar work, while "Only Women Bleed" delved into more melodic territory.
Stiletto 12" Vinyl LP