antiMusic.com: Jim Peterik

Jim Peterik - The Songs

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Although Jim Peterik may not be a household name, everybody's heard his songs. He co-wrote Survivor's mega hit, "The Eye of the Tiger," which began as song on the soundtrack to Rocky III, but has gone on to become one of those familiar-to-all songs. Long before his boxing movie fame, though, Peterik wrote and voiced "Vehicle" for The Ides of March. He also co-wrote many hits and radio songs for .38 Special. The Songs is an album comprised of Peterik's biggest, and many times, rearranged songs.

Peterik takes great liberties with these songs -they're his babies, after all - and so "Eye of the Tiger" comes out bluegrass-y here, while "Caught Up in You" takes on a classical feel in this new setting. And it's fun risk taking, especially since these songs are so overly familiar in their original incarnations.

Peterik's reinterpretations succeed because he's a talented and seasoned vocalist. The Songs is a fresh new take on some extremely popular radio songs. Jim Peterik really oughta be a household name, based upon his musical track record. But for Peterik, it'll always be about the songs.