Review JIMI JAMISON “1998 Live Hits”

The American rock band Survivor had its breakthrough with its third album, “Eye of the Tiger.” The band’s rise to fame in the early ’80s was fueled by the popularity of the pounding title track from the Rocky III movie. It was the peak for a band that also had to go through some struggles of life.

After Dave Bickler left the band for health reasons, Jimi Jamison stepped in and became “the voice” of Survivor. Jamison left the band in 1993 to work on his solo project, and a retrospective of his work, “1998 Live Hits,” hit the shelves a few weeks ago.

This live release features recordings from three shows in Little Rock, Arkansas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Bettendorf, Iowa. The release contains a total of 13 songs, starting with “Burning Heart” from the ‘Rocky IV’ soundtrack. Along with “Eye of the Tiger,” it’s another one of Survivor’s commercial successes, and this live version captures all of the energy of the original.

In addition to Survivor songs, the live album features “Rock Hard,” a throbbing song from Jamison’s solo career, while “The Search Is Over” showcases the emotional side of rock music. Regardless of whether you listen to the harder tunes or the soulful ballads, Jamison’s voice is the key to success because he can handle the entire range of sounds.

The live recording also includes one of Jamison’s later songs, “I’m Always Here.” Stunning, though, is another song on this album: Jimi Jamison recorded a breathtaking 10-minute version of “Riders on the Storm.” The classic, originally by The Doors, is thrilling because this interpretation matches the excellence of the original. It showcases the versatility of Jamison’s voice, as well as the expertise of his bandmates. While staying close to the original, this version still has enough of its own momentum, especially towards the end when the guitars take over. A jam-like solo adds heart and soul to this version, a highlight of the album.

There is no doubt that a version of “Eye of the Tiger” must also be on this album, and it is the finale. The punching beat fits the “Rocky” soundtrack perfectly, and this version includes a stunning extra: a great piano/guitar duel that bridges a jazzy piano-vibe with a hard-rocking blast towards the end.

“1998 Live Hits” is a carefully curated collection of some of Jimi Jamison’s most impactful songs. The singer with the iconic voice passed away in 2014 but left behind a musical legacy. This album is a fine homage to an extraordinary singer.