Let the soaring vocals and iconic guitar work of this power ballad transport you back to the golden age of hard rock.
The Song
"Anytime" is a quintessential power ballad from the hard rock band McAuley Schenker Group (MSG), released as a single in April 1990 from their 1989 album, Save Yourself. Penned by vocalist Robin McAuley and guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mann, the track quickly became a standout hit, capturing hearts with its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies. The song delves into themes of longing and redemption, with a narrator pleading for a lost love to return, promising unwavering presence "anytime" they call.
The production, handled by Frank Filipetti, enhances the song's emotional depth, featuring atmospheric keyboards at the intro beautifully complemented by an acoustic guitar. This delicate start builds into a powerful rock anthem, showcasing McAuley's emotive vocals and a distinctive co-solo from Michael Schenker and Steve Mann that adds significant texture to the composition.
The Artist
The McAuley Schenker Group was a multi-national hard rock band, a significant evolution of guitarist Michael Schenker's earlier project, the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). Formed in Los Angeles in 1986, this incarnation saw German guitar virtuoso Michael Schenker team up with Irish vocalist Robin McAuley. This strong partnership led to the rebranding, retaining the familiar "MSG" initials while highlighting their collaboration.
The band aimed to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of hard rock and glam metal in the United States, releasing three studio albums during their tenure: Perfect Timing (1987), Save Yourself (1989), and M.S.G. (1991). Their lineup often featured a blend of talented musicians from various backgrounds, including Rocky Newton on bass and Bodo Schopf on drums, contributing to their polished arena rock sound.
Chart Performance
"Anytime" proved to be a significant commercial success for the McAuley Schenker Group, becoming their biggest chart hit in the U.S. The power ballad climbed to #69 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In addition to its cross-genre appeal, the song performed exceptionally well on rock-specific charts, peaking at #5 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Its radio-friendly nature contributed to its widespread airplay and recognition during the era when ballads were a staple of hard rock.
Cultural Impact
"Anytime" is widely regarded as one of the standout power ballads of the late 1980s hard rock scene. Its presence on MTV helped solidify its status as a memorable track of the era, reaching a broad audience during a time when music videos were a primary form of music discovery. The song's emotional resonance and Robin McAuley's compelling vocal delivery often receive particular praise, with some critics noting his ability to convey deep longing and emotion in ballads, surpassing other vocalists in the MSG lineage.
The track's enduring appeal is evident in its continued discussion among rock fans and its inclusion in retrospective analyses of the genre's best power ballads. The song showcased the band's ability to blend powerful rock instrumentation with accessible, heartfelt melodies, a hallmark of successful arena rock acts of the time.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Anytime" was directed by Mark Rezyka and released in 1990.
- In 2015, 26 years after its initial release, Robin McAuley and Steve Mann reunited to re-record "Anytime" for a digital release, breathing new life into the classic track.
- Michael Schenker, known for his distinctive guitar work, famously plays a half black, half white Gibson Flying V guitar.
- The melancholic keyboard and acoustic guitar intro to "Anytime" has been noted by some listeners for its resemblance to the intro of Def Leppard's hit "Foolin'".
- Robin McAuley mentioned in an interview that he and Steve Mann knew they had crafted "something very special" when they wrote "Anytime" in 1988.