Album flashback
Honeymoon Suite - Racing After Midnight [1988]
Following the triple platinum success of 1985’s ‘The Big Prize’, Honeymoon Suite got to work in LA for their heavily anticipated follow-up.
The recording process was eventful to say the least.
The core of the band were in place for these sessions - founders Johnnie Dee and Derry Grehan are backed by the rhythm section of Gary Lalonde [bass] and Dave Betts [drums]. New face Rob Preuss [Spoons] joined up for this record only on keyboards.
Behind the desk is Ted Templeman, known for work with Van Morrison, The Doobie Brothers and Van Halen - he’s assisted by Jeff Hendrickson. They must have had a mandate to bring the guitars into focus and the record sounds great.
Not credited on Discogs is the legendary Michael McDonald, who was drafted in to help while Dee underwent surgery for a broken leg after being struck by a car at LAX. MM helped to co-write a song - ‘Long Way Back’ - providing some vocals on that track.
The completed album hit #6 on our album chart and sold double platinum. Let’s go through the album’s singles and one surprise track that you might remember from the movies.
Lethal Weapon - peaked #54 in 1987
Always nice to see our CanCon stars picked for these blockbuster movie soundtracks, just a pity for the boys that it turned out to be this one.
Written by film score guru Michael Kamen, this is… vanilla.
First released on the OST of course, but a slightly shorter version appears here.
Love Changes Everything - peaked #10 in 1988
I’m going to get this take out of the way now.
Derry Grehan is one of the best 80s guitarists out there. CanCon or otherwise.
His playing is always exciting without the over the top, 128th note wanking that was popular at the time. Helluva songwriter, too.
This was Honeymoon Suite’s biggest hit, and you can see why. It’s slickly produced, catchy as hell and arena ready.
Looking Out For Number One - peaked #33 in 1988
Well, everyone’s favourite record company has the Honeymoon Suite song on lockdown, so I encourage you to go you-know-where and check it out. It’s great!
Meanwhile, I present BTO and their ‘Lookin’ Out For #1’. Hit #40 in 1976 and taught a whole bunch of guitar players how to jazz it up. Fantastic tune.
It’s Over Now - peaked #40 in 1988
Were you waiting for the power ballad?
Well flick your Bic and let’s get started.
The boys bring it down a little for all the ladies in the house, and we have a nice showcase for Rob Preuss and his signature keyboard expertise.
A nice bridge and a subdued guitar solo complete the piece just in time for you to burn your thumb.
Honeymoon Suite are still recording and touring, get out and see them if they come to your town! 🇨🇦
Honeymoon Suite is a band I have to check out more of. Thanks for the intro!
I’m going to offer a dissent here: to these ears, this was a big drop off from the first two albums. HS were never a “gritty” band, but whatever edge they had was completely planed off to achieve that slick faux rock sound that U.S. radio was looking for as they fought off the ascendance of hiphop. The Rob Preuss add never made sense to me (though I loved The Spoons); I saw them live when they toured this album (on a bill with Glass Tiger and Frozen Ghost), and even Rob seemed a bit confused what he was doing there. But 100% on board with the Derry Grehan comment: the guy was (is?) a master. If he had made his career in America, every axe fanboy would know his name.