JIM PETERIK
Former SURVIVOR and current PRIDE OF LIONS main songwriter, Jim Peterik is returning with a brand new solo album “Above The Storm” to be released on March 24th in Europe.
Jim was kind enough to send some personal insights on the songs appearing on the record:
Live Life - This is my life anthem of the album written with Johnny Van Zant of LYNYRD SKYNYRD. It is basic 3 chord rock and roll with me handling the leads and Mike Aquino doing the power chords. The message is simple: instead of worrying about tomorrow or regretting the past, get busy living today! The rest will take care of itself.
Burning with a Reason - Another rocker. This one written in a flea-bitten motel with Donnie and Johnny Van Zant on a rented piano. Out of that scene came a song about still being at the game, after all these years in rock and roll. We still got the fire, we're still burning with a reason.
Above the Storm - The title cut is my song of hope. No matter how dark it gets, you got know that the sun will shine again. It makes me think of carrying my son Colin on my shoulders when he was a baby. I always made him feel protected, that security is the best feeling we can give to another. I wrote this song with Johnny Van Zant, he loves it as much as I do. Hope you do too. Especially notice the Ides of March vocal harmonies on the choruses and bridge.
In the Days we Have - This song is about making every moment count in life. The tragedies and 9 / 11, the tsunami, hurricane Katrina… they all make us realize how fragile life truly is. Anger and hate is a big waste of time - we are all in this together. So in this spirit I try to live each day as the privilege it is. I love the feel of this song written in the 6/8 time signature. Also, I make my debut on mandolin and accordion on this one.
Stand and be Counted - This is a fist-raised anthem about standing up for what you believe in and not backing down even from an unpopular opinion. I cranked up the Rickenbacker 12 string in the chorus to evoke a Who-like feeling and told Lisa to sing the backgrounds as if she was Grace Slick. Power to the people!!! I wrote this song with a talented singer named Brian Anders and with Dave Austin who co-wrote the book “Songwriting for Dummies” with me.
At this Time of Night - This one starts atmospherically with the sounds of the city at night. Then it gets cooking with a hooky guitar figure and a chugging rhythm track. In the world I describe 2 lovers can do anything they want without consequence. Wish I could find a place like that Lisa McClowry's vocals create a nice counterpoint to my voice.
A Kiss to Remember You By - This big ballad in 6/8 time is about someone leaving home for an extended time. I originally put myself in the shoes of a soldier going off to war and knowing that he may never return. But I think this song has resonance for anyone about to leave the ones he loves.
The God in You - Starting with a stately string arrangement this song blossoms into power pop. Lyrically it is about the presence of God. All of us and how in certain people that spirit shines through especially bright. No matter how beautiful a person is physically, it’s what shines through underneath that gets me hooked.
Secrets of a Woman - This one sort of goes back to my soul roots, Stevie Wonder in particular. This song just cooks. It sounds like we had a blast recording it and we did! The IDES OF MARCH brass came in and added those signature “Vehicle” horns. The song is about our favourite creatures, women, and the secrets they like to tease us with. Hopefully they'll always hold a few back, just to keep things interesting!
A Talent for Loving You - A love ballad that I wrote for my wife of 33 years: Karen. She said the words "you have a talent for loving me" on the day we celebrated her pregnancy with our son. Many years later a finally turned her sentiment into a song with the help of the brilliant lyricist John Greenebaum.
Hiding From Yourself - I wrote this song with Donnie Van Zant who has a sister going through some problems. We wrote this for her to try and tell her that she was really a lot better than she was telling herself. She no longer had to run from the past and hide from herself.
Midnight in My Soul - It was always bittersweet leaving on the road with SURVIVOR or the IDES OF MARCH. I'm just not a road dog like some of my friends in bands. I wrote this song with the Van Zant’s about that place deep inside that takes no part of the parties and the bright lights on the road life, a place where it is always midnight in my soul.
We Believe - This song contains many of my beliefs in life- truths that no one taught me- but truths I had to live. We have no shortcuts to wisdom but if I can give my listeners a few time tested idea - maybe it could help you get through a bad day. I am assisted by Jeff Boyle here on vocals. He is a gem and always a part of my World Stage shows.