Step into the gritty, blues-infused world of Philadelphia hard rock with Tangier's electrifying track.
The Song
"On The Line" is a quintessential hard rock anthem by the American band Tangier, released in 1989. It is featured on their second album, Four Winds, which marked their major label debut with Atco Records. The song showcases the band's blend of bluesy hard rock, drawing comparisons to acts like Foreigner, Whitesnake, and even Lynyrd Skynyrd, with a raw, driving riff and soulful vocals. The track was co-written and co-produced by guitarist Doug Gordon, with veteran producer Andy Johns also helming the production.
The Artist
Tangier originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1984, founded by songwriter and guitarist Doug Gordon. The band initially gained traction in the local club scene, even opening for Cinderella on one of their major tours. During the Four Winds era, the lineup included Bill Mattson on vocals, Doug Gordon on guitar, Gari Saint also on guitar, Garry Nutt on bass, and Bobby Bender on drums. Tangier was known for its evolving sound, moving from AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) roots to a heavier, more soulful, and blues-infused rock style. The band ultimately disbanded in 1992.
Chart Performance
"On The Line" proved to be a significant track for Tangier, performing well on rock radio. The single reached #7 on the Rock charts. While it crossed over to the Pop charts, its mainstream prospects were more limited, peaking at #67 and spending seven weeks on the chart. The album Four Winds itself peaked at #91. Despite not achieving massive pop success, the song remains a fan favorite among those who followed Tangier's club performances.
Cultural Impact
While "On The Line" might not have reached the stratospheric heights of some of its glam metal contemporaries, it carved out a respected niche within the hard rock landscape of the late 1980s. The song, along with the Four Winds album, solidified Tangier's reputation as a band capable of delivering gritty, blues-tinged rock that stood apart from some of the more overtly pop-oriented acts of the era. It is remembered by fans as a strong example of the band's blend of Southern rock influences with a distinct Philadelphia edge.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "On The Line" features the band performing, capturing the raw energy of their live shows.
- Bill Mattson, the lead singer on "On The Line," is often cited by fans as one of the best vocalists to emerge from the Philadelphia music scene.
- After Tangier, founder Doug Gordon went on to co-produce and write with other artists, including playing guitar on Myles Goodwin's solo album and co-writing "Babylon" on Tom Keifer's (Cinderella) solo album.
- The album Four Winds was produced by Andy Johns, a legendary producer and engineer known for his work with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Van Halen.
- Tangier's third album, Stranded (1991), featured a new vocalist, Mike LeCompt, and its title track's music video famously included Pamela Anderson, helping boost its visibility on MTV.