Bryan Adams and the Creation of the Iconic “Reckless” Album

Bryan Adams’ “Reckless” album was released in 1984 and features the following tracklisting:

1. One Night Love Affair
2. She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’
3. Run to You
4. Heaven
5. Somebody
6. Summer of ’69
7. Kids Wanna Rock
8. It’s Only Love (with Tina Turner)
9. Long Gone
10. Ain’t Gonna Cry

These tracks made “Reckless” one of Bryan Adams’ most successful albums, with several hit singles that are still beloved by fans today.

Setting the Stage

Adams had already tasted success with his previous album, “Cuts Like A Knife,” which sold a million copies in the US. However, as he worked on new songs for his upcoming album, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Adams, alongside his producer Bob Clearmountain, found themselves at The Power Station, a renowned recording studio on West 53rd Street in Manhattan. Despite recording nine tracks at Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver, the city Bryan had called home since his teenage years, Adams felt that something was missing from the album.

Adams was determined that “Reckless” had to be nothing short of perfect. His manager, Bruce Allen, played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s direction. It was Allen who uttered three words that would change everything: “Where’s the rock?”

According to Adams, these words sparked a transformation in his approach to the album. Determined to infuse more rock energy into the record, Adams selected two tracks, “One Night Love Affair” and “Summer Of ’69,” to be taken up a notch. Additionally, he collaborated with Jim Vallance, his co-songwriter, to create a new song from scratch, a song that would emphatically answer Bruce Allen’s question – “Kids Wanna Rock.”

These three tracks underwent re-recording with a new drummer Adams had discovered playing in a ska band in a strip joint. It was a defining moment; Bryan Adams knew he had finally captured the essence he was looking for.

Bryan Adams: A Working-Class Hero

Bryan Adams, often described as a working-class hero, attributed his strong work ethic and approach to songwriting to his upbringing. Raised with the values of hard work and humility, he understood the importance of putting in the effort to achieve success. “The way I was brought up, you couldn’t really put on any airs and graces,” he remarked.

Adams’ journey into the music industry wasn’t glamorous. When he met Jim Vallance in 1978 at a music store in Vancouver, he was unemployed, penniless, and living with his mother. At just 18, he had already ventured into professional music, starting with his debut as the singer for the glam-rock band Sweeney Todd.

However, success didn’t come easy. Before finding a manager, Adams faced numerous rejections from record labels. He remembered one encounter where a record company executive dismissed him simply because he didn’t have a band or a manager. It was a challenging time, but Adams persevered.

Finally, in 1978, A&M Records signed Adams for a nominal fee of one Canadian dollar, initially as a songwriter with the provision to make an album. His first album, self-titled and released in 1980, didn’t achieve commercial success but taught him a valuable lesson – there’s a distinction between writing songs and making a record.

Adams knew he needed a producer to elevate his music, which led him to New York to persuade Bob Clearmountain to listen to his songs. Clearmountain produced his second album, “You Want It You Got It.” Though it sounded good, sales were weak. It was with his third album, “Cuts Like A Knife” in 1983, that Adams began gaining traction in Canada, the US, and beyond.

However, even as he achieved success, he learned some harsh realities of the music industry. It was after receiving a platinum disc for one million sales that he discovered he hadn’t been paid for his achievements. This experience reinforced his determination to succeed and provide for his loved ones.

Crafting “Reckless”

As he reflected on the making of “Reckless,” Bryan Adams admitted he didn’t have a grand strategy. His primary goal was to keep the momentum going, pay the bills, and create great songs. His music was unapologetically populist, in contrast to artists like Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen, who used their music for socio-political statements. Adams aimed to write great songs that connected with audiences.

Supporting Journey on tour, Adams realized the need for songs that resonated with large audiences – anthems. “Reckless” would become an album full of anthems. Before intensive writing sessions with Jim Vallance, Adams already had several tracks in various stages of development, including “Heaven,” “One Night Love Affair,” and “Run To You.”

“Run To You,” initially written for Blue Öyster Cult and later kept by Adams, became a standout track. Its opening guitar riff echoed their classic hit “The Reaper,” and its energy contributed to the album’s overall vitality. “It’s Only Love,” a duet with Tina Turner, was another remarkable addition to the album, even though it wasn’t initially written as a duet. Turner’s powerful vocals brought a unique dimension to the song.

The recording process for “Reckless” emphasized capturing the energy and vibe of a live performance. Most of the tracks were recorded “as live,” with Adams backed by his touring band and session drummer Mickey Curry. “Run To You” famously required only one take, a testament to the band’s chemistry and Adams’ vision.

The Birth of “Kids Wanna Rock”

“Kids Wanna Rock,” a high-energy rock track with a gonzoid lyric, was inspired by Jim Vallance’s fervent belief in the enduring appeal of rock. After attending a Thomas Dolby concert, Vallance declared, “The kids wanna rock!” This phrase stuck, becoming the anthem’s title and encapsulating the spirit of the album.

“Reckless” was released in November 1984, marking Bryan Adams’ 25th birthday. The album found its unique niche as a rock record for mainstream radio audiences. While it appealed to fans of Bruce Springsteen, John Cougar Mellencamp, and Don Henley, Adams’ distinct hard rock sensibility and Rod Stewart-esque vocals set him apart.

The success of “Reckless” exceeded all expectations. It produced a string of hit singles in the US, with six of them reaching the Top 15 – a feat matched only by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The USA.” “Heaven” eventually topped the US charts, and two months later, the album itself achieved the same feat.

Despite the monumental success, Bryan Adams maintained his focus and humility. He was never drawn to the excesses of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, including drug use. Adams’ grounded nature was bolstered by his girlfriend, Vicki Russell, who had a unique understanding of the music industry’s quirks and a knack for cutting through pretense.

Life After “Reckless”

After the “Reckless” tour, Bryan Adams decided to take a break and return home. He had been on the road for two years and needed some respite. The success of “Reckless” allowed him to purchase a house in Vancouver, a testament to his hard-earned achievements. Notably, he fulfilled a dream by buying a house for his mother and providing for his loved ones.

In the three decades since “Reckless,” Bryan Adams has released six more albums, each with its own character and reception. While “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” dominated the early ’90s, it left an enduring perception of Adams as a balladeer. However, “Reckless” remains an extraordinary achievement, a rock album packed with hits that transcend generations.

In conclusion, “Reckless” is not merely an album in Bryan Adams’ discography; it’s a testament to his dedication, passion, and undeniable talent. Its enduring impact on the world of rock music solidifies its status as a timeless classic.

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