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Artist: Survivor

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Survivor Homepage

CD Title: Vital Signs

 

Category: AOR

Year: 1984

Label: Scotti Brothers

Catalog Number: 5215-2

Personnel

Jimi Jamison lead and backing vocals
Jim Peterik bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals
Mickey Thomas backing vocals
Marc Droubay drums
Stephan Ellis bass
Frankie Sullivan backing guitar, vocals, vocals
Billie Lee Lewis percussion

Tracks

1.	I Can't Hold Back	3:59
2.	High on You	4:09
3.	First Night	4:17
4.	The Search Is Over	4:13
5.	Broken Promises	4:01
6.	Popular Girl	3:39
7.	Everlasting	3:52
8.	It's The Singer, Not The Song	4:34
9.	I See You in Everyone	4:26
Total Running Time:		37:10

If you see any errors or omissions in the CD information shown above, either in the musician credits or song listings (cover song credits, live tracks, etc.), please post them in the corrections section of the Heavy Harmonies forum/message board.

The music discographies on this site are works in progress. If you notice that a particular Survivor CD release or compilation is missing from the list above, please submit that CD using the CD submission page. The ultimate goal is to make the discographies here at Heavy Harmonies as complete as possible. Even if it is an obscure greatest-hits or live compilation CD, we want to add it to the site. Please only submit official CD releases; no bootlegs or cassette-only or LP-only releases.

EPs and CD-singles from Survivor are also welcome to be added, as long as they are at least 4 songs in length.

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Existing comments about this CD

From: James	Date: September 3, 2001 at 7:14
Just the best thing ever. Not a contemporary sound, just absolute classic Survivor, and classic AOR. Every song a triumph of melodic song writing, harmonies, and playing. Superb.

From: Hard Action	Date: February 16, 2002 at 18:44
First Night: unbelieveble song! Probably the best Survivor song!

From: Ezequiel	Date: May 14, 2002 at 11:54
i think survivor is great, anybody knows a band like this ? please write some bands. thanks.

From: koogles

Date: June 24, 2002 at 19:23

Ezequiel: check out King Kobra 'Thrill of a Lifetime'. Okay, 'Vital Signs' is one of the greatest AOR/melodic rock CDs ever made. Anyone who says otherwise 1. doesn't know what they're talking about 2. needs a swift kick in the ass 3. is committing blasphemy and shall be fed promptly to the lions. 'Vital Signs' is note-perfect from start to finish. Zero filler. In my opinion, only Journey made a finer, more definitive AOR album ('Escape'). ESSENTIAL!!!

From: ThunderDan	Date: June 30, 2002 at 14:17
A true commercial classic! Exquisite from beginning to end! If you love AOR, this is the album to own!

From: Jay.Brit	Date: July 4, 2002 at 15:04
Awesome album - best work and Jamisons vocal lead adds the missing ingredience - must have this if you love AOR!

From: JOURNEY	Date: August 15, 2002 at 5:41
SUPERALBUM!!!!! Unbelieveble!!!! MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!

From: HOTROD	Date: October 15, 2002 at 2:04
The best AOR album of the 80's.......period!!!!

From: scott	Date: October 22, 2002 at 23:33
HOTROD said it almost right this is the best aor album EVER!! from the best band ever.

From: EZEQUIEL	Date: January 1, 2003 at 19:07
HI, I REALLY LIKE THIS KIND OF MUSIC AND MY WIFE TOO: TOO MANY KEYBOARDS AND GREATS SINGERS, VERY ROMANTIC BUT WITH POWER. CAN YOU TELL ME A LIST OF GROUPS LIKE THAT ? THANKS. I AM ARGENTINIAN AND IN MY COUNTRY THERE'S NOT TOO MANY INFORMATION OF THIS, AND I LIVE IN BARCELONA ( SPAIN ).

From: koogles

Date: January 2, 2003 at 18:48

EZEQUIEL- Some recommendations: Hugo, The Storm, Signal, King Kobra (Thrill of a Lifetime), Alias, Beau Coup, Stun Leer, Mark Free (Long Way to Love), Diving For Pearls, Ten (debut), Harem Scarem (debut), Vinny Kay (Where Do We Go From Here), Giant, Tyketto (Don't Come Easy, Strength in Numbers), FM UK (Indiscreet, Tough it Out), Valentine (self-titled from 1990), Giuffria, Strangeways (Native Sons, Walk in the Fire), Bad English, Say (Heart Still Beats)...that should keep you going for awhile.

From: Shoemaker	Date: January 2, 2003 at 22:01
Hey EZEQUIEL, just buy all Survivor albums they are all great, only their first 'st' is a bit to 'Rock'n Roll' for me.

From:	Date: January 8, 2003 at 15:16
koggles: thank you very much !!! i have king kobra and bad english = perfect !!! i will see the others.

From: freddy de keyze

Date: February 25, 2003 at 10:55

Let's keep this short. ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE ! And to Ezequiel : Koogles is a man with taste. Search the CD's he recommended and I add some others :I-Ten, Agent (first), Intruder, the mighty THE V.U. (the view)!,Van Stephenson (not the first), Red Dawn, Shadow King, Dakota (Runaway), Van Zant, Drive She Said (certainly their first!),Franke ANd The KNockouts (expect their first),of course Foreigner, Captive Heart, Fake I.D., Harlan Cage, Fortune (pre-Harlan Cage), 101 South, Arcangel,Mecca,Preview

From: freddy de keyze	Date: February 25, 2003 at 10:58
I continue : Streets (Crimes In mInd), Spys, New England, Thrills, Westwind, MPG, RPM, Urgent, Harlequin, some Honeymoon Suite (their first) etc. etc. Too many to mention. Good search !!!

From: JAVIER-MAD	Date: March 2, 2003 at 18:41
'I can't hold back', me hizo reconocer que yo nunca compondr'a un tema as'. Es el mejor tema que he escuchado en mi vida

From: PETER	Date: April 6, 2003 at 22:10
'there can only be one'.just play it ,the world is yours...

From: Gar	Date: April 8, 2003 at 22:01
Was great when it came out and still great today. Some real classic songs on this. 'First Night' is definitely the highlight.

From: Chris	Date: November 18, 2003 at 9:43
Without a doubt this is the bands best release. Bickler was a good singer and he sang on some fine Survivor albums, but the band were far superior in the Jamison era. Better songs, better production and far better vocals. Every home should have this.

From: Agnar	Date: November 25, 2003 at 11:42
Survivor's best album (i don't like Eye of the Tiger very much!). Also one of the best aor records of all times!

From: AOR freaky	Date: November 26, 2003 at 7:58
Killer AOR by a KILLER BAND ! Survivor did release fantastic records and this is one of these gems ! Don't miss Jim Jamison's Survivor and the rerealed 'Empires' CD on Frontiers ! Great !

From: Big Papa K	Date: June 29, 2004 at 1:25
Jimi Jamison could not have joined the band at a better time. They climb back up the charts again and the production is a lot better than the last album. 'I Can't Hold Back', 'High On You', and 'I See You In Everyone' are outstanding. Their best album. 9/10

From: manos	Date: July 2, 2004 at 17:50
That is definitely the definite definition of definable AOR!!!. Majestic harmonies, anthemic vocals,keyboards, guitars, keyboards guitars and even more keyboards 'n guitars. A great portion of 80s inspiration and soul is condensed in 37 minutes. This is a buy or die album! AORfreaky, this is the real thing! Pride of Lions is nothng more but a mediocre replica...

From: Dean	Date: July 3, 2004 at 2:45
Another superb disc from Survivor. So full of hits it should be a crime. Along with Journey's 'Escape' shows what killer AOR should sound like. 9/10

From: Viruete	Date: July 20, 2004 at 0:06
AMAZING, UNBELIEABLE. One of my fav albums EVER. All songs are really wonderful, but the first three are terrific. They almost bring me to tears of their beauty. Un disco increible.

From: Wotty	Date: August 14, 2004 at 18:07
In the U.K. we had FMs INDISCREET,in the USA they had this,albeit 2 years previously.Every track is a true 80s classic,though not the debut,what a time for Jimi to turn up.He was the singer with the song.I am filling up here.....

From: Geoff	Date: August 14, 2004 at 23:07
Another release that amazes me. I do quite enjoy this CD, but holy crap! I like some rock in my melodic hard rock releases and at times it gets hard to hear anything else beyond those keyboards! Cool AOR release, but for me there are way too many keyboards for me and it is just too soft... I hate to say. Decent AOR release. 6/10

From: AOR freaky

Date: August 15, 2004 at 6:09

Well, Geoff ! This says it all : YOU KNOW NOTHING, NOTHING AT ALL ABOUT CLASSIC AOR ! This is the ultimate sign for us that you are not an AOR fan (don't tell me that Treat is better than this, everyone will have a laugh on you, man !), but only are focussed on hardrock. Nothing against that (I also love hardrock). But . . . Man, this is AN ALL TIME CLASSIC ! Too many keys, too soft : are you kidding ? !!! Not decent AOR, BUT PERFECT AOR ! Sorry if you don't hear that, Geoff. Sad for you !

From: Wotty	Date: August 15, 2004 at 7:43
Geoff,Geoff,Geoff.Vital Signs is 20 years old,still sounds excellent,and obviously still holds a place in pure AOR lovers hearts,including myself and Freaky.The beauty is,after 20 years we can still debate classics like this,and INDISCREET with a decent amount of ferocity.How many recent CDs will generate that.

From: Rycheage	Date: August 15, 2004 at 17:28
This is indeed a classic and is how AOR should sound. It is a perfect mixture of guitars and keys. 'I Can't Hold Back', 'I See You In Everyone', 'First Night', 'High On You' and the ballad 'The Search Is Over' are all top notch. This transcended the genre to another level that IMO hasn't been reached before or since. There have been alot of excellent AOR over the years but not to this level.

From: Wotty	Date: August 15, 2004 at 17:40
To Rycheage,spot on with your comments about Vital Signs.They mirror mine and Freakys exactly.You cant beat glorious 80s albums like this,Respect....

From: aorjocke	Date: August 15, 2004 at 17:48
I totally agree with my 'aorfriends' on this site..this is one of the best AOR albums ever made! Songs like 'I Can't Hold Back','Broken Promises' and 'High on You' are tru classics! I will never get bored with this record.

From: Wotty	Date: August 15, 2004 at 18:00
To aorjocke,I post a few lines about a classic album and the likes of yourself, Freaky and Rycheage come out in support.Who says there are no fans of PURE AOR. RESULT

From: aorjocke	Date: August 15, 2004 at 18:10
Thanks Wotty! There are always nice to talk with people that share the same music taste... I have been listening to AOR since 86 and are always looking for new good AOR records, maybe you can give a tip on a good record...thanks!

From: Wotty	Date: August 15, 2004 at 18:33
To aorjocke,thanks for comments.It seems we have liked AOR for about the same time.I am basically stuck in the 80s,but recent CDs would be,DEACON STREET SPIN GALLERY HUGO and TEN.I am even retro in this years releases.

From: Geoff

Date: August 15, 2004 at 21:42

By the way, I'm not really concerned if people laugh at me, AOR Freaky, so just allow me to say that I much prefer any Treat album to this, but especially 'Dreamhunter' and 'Organised Crime'. Classics to me are the ones I like best, not the ones everyone else likes best. I do like AOR, just not the ones I'm told are best. I prefer the ones like 'Outside Edge' that I, with my own mind, like best. I don't hate this CD, I just think there are a lot better!

From: TIM (2)

Date: August 16, 2004 at 5:16

This one was a bit before my time, but I still recognise quality AOR when I hear it. Anyone who loves the track 'I Can't Hold Back' needs to get the new Pride Of Lions CD single to hear it live, is incredible. A classic should be an album that stands the test of time, and this album still does it for me in 2004. I also still love listening to 'When Seconds Count' and 'Too Hot to Sleep' so guess I'd call them both classics too. Each to their own though.

From: aorjocke	Date: August 16, 2004 at 6:34
To Wotty, me to is stuck in the 80s, so I know what you mean...and thank's for your help, I appreciate it.

From: Wotty	Date: August 29, 2004 at 16:44
Just heard Kevin Chalfant sing I Cant Hold Back on Rock America by World Stage.Excellent....

From: gener8tr	Date: October 19, 2004 at 11:16
Doesn't get any better than this if you enjoy mid 80's AOR / Melodic Rock.

From:	Date: October 26, 2004 at 10:16
best aor ever!!!!!

From: Tom Bombadil	Date: November 7, 2004 at 15:15
I Can't Hold Back is what music is all about!!!

From: Roxas	Date: November 18, 2004 at 20:49
This CD explodes into my head. Far too late to turn back now. 9/10

From: ChrisSlade	Date: December 19, 2004 at 7:57
I saw survivor a few years back up in Raymond, ME. It was a total dive bar that held maybe 50-60 people. Jim Jamisons voice is still beautiful, but he had his bass player sing all the high notes. Vital Signs is one of my fav`s of all time.

From: Kim HP	Date: December 26, 2004 at 15:39
There's no secret that this album is a masterpiece. Probably the album that really turned me on to classic AOR in general. Highlights: just about every song... but 'I See You In Everyone' , 'High On You' and 'First Night' deserve to be mentioned.

From: Tom Bombadil	Date: January 9, 2005 at 6:33
Hasint Jim Peterik written some of KISS songs? if so what are the titles of those songs? Thx

From: ka8twn	Date: January 10, 2005 at 0:53
vital signs my number one cd of all times,,,,,,super vocals ,,thanks survivor for all your cds,.

From: AORmaniac	Date: January 28, 2005 at 23:12
One of the best AOR albums of all time!!!! You cannot call yourself a melodic rock/AOR fan and not have this brilliant album!!!!! Every song is damn good and Peterik along with Sullivan give lessons about how great songs can be written!!!! This album is also a must for every songwriter in the world... ETERNAL DIAMOND!!!!!!!

From: AOR freaky	Date: January 29, 2005 at 1:54
I only can and must agree : this is an AOR MASTERPIECE, AORmaniac !

From: Scandinavia	Date: January 29, 2005 at 3:55
Finally found this one on CD. Yes, it's an absolute materpiece!! The Mona Lisa of AOR!

From: FROM GREECE...	Date: March 7, 2005 at 6:21
OK GUYS IT'S CLASSIC, IT'S MASTERPIECE, IT'S A MUST HAVE ALBUM FOR ALL AOR FUNS, BUT IN MY OPINION THEIR NEXT IT'S BETTER THAN THIS!

From: aor69	Date: March 16, 2005 at 6:43
This is the love of my life,I havent found anything to touch this in the 20 years since its release.A masterpiece

From: leozao	Date: July 14, 2005 at 23:54
Spectacular!!! One of best the record of AOR of all the times!!!

From: monster	Date: September 30, 2005 at 4:28
The best Survivor album by a mile. Also possibly the greatest ever melodic rock album. Broken Promises and Everlasting are my 2 stand out tracks and not any fillers in sight. Truly a classic and what a voice.

From: AORLover	Date: October 17, 2005 at 7:02
True Classic record 10/10

From: PAUL	Date: October 18, 2005 at 11:52
monster & AORlover.How can i disagree with you when we're talking about the mighty SURVIVOR and 'vital signs',the beginning of their golden trilogy(together with 'when seconds count' and 'too hot too sleep').I can't say which is better,but 'rebel son' from seconds is still my fav survivor song.

From: poproxx2007	Date: December 22, 2005 at 23:20
I agree that this is one of the greatest AOR releases of all time. Always loved 'High On You' and 'I Can't Hold Back'.

From: Distance	Date: April 5, 2006 at 8:38
Well i was going to leave a few comments on the new album REACH but it not on here yet. But while im here this is one of the best, maybe a close 2nd to preview. Looking to buy PREVIEW S/T on cd does anybody know where its for sale?

From: SweetLilRocker	Date: August 9, 2006 at 12:11
This CD is simply awesome. The lyrics of Can't Hold Back are very cleverly written and that song alone makes the CD worth buying. Jimi Jamison's voice is outstanding as it usually is and what can I say, this CD rocks.

From: Nix	Date: October 18, 2006 at 16:33
A great AOR album with not one bad song. A true masterpiece! I have the Japanese release of this album, which has 'The Moment Of Truth' from The Karate Kid as an extra track. Cool song too! A definite recommendation to all fans of AOR. 10/10 A+++++

From: sanxdowntherainbow	Date: December 12, 2006 at 1:33
THIS IS WHAT AOR IS ALL ABOUT! BUY IT!!! 10/10

From: barker	Date: September 11, 2008 at 18:00
Yes I agree with most of the above comments but why has this never been re-issued in a remastered version ? All Survivors albums need to be re-issued in this way. This album in particular as it is by far their greatest achievement. When I split with my girlfriend I kept my AOR CDs but she begged me for this one above all others - NO WAY !

From: lalo r.o.c.k.	Date: February 17, 2010 at 16:45
On more comment(the other get lost!),a true classic from start to the end,melodies and catchy songs, i had it on vinyl,and now in cd and still gets me crazy,popular girl,I cán´t hold back,the search is over,all the songs are masterpieces..10/10.

From: underworld king	Date: March 8, 2010 at 21:55
I have the Japanese version with Moment of Truth! A good album by Survivor that has stood the test of time.

From: happy2849	Date: October 8, 2010 at 0:50
Just going through my collection to listen to a few I haven't heard for awhile. Boy do I miss these type releases. A great slab of melodic rock from start to finish. I think a little harder edged then their earlier stuff, it remains one of my favorites.

From: RED	Date: January 17, 2011 at 10:16
Now re-issued by Rock Candy - fully remastered and with the bonus track ' The Moment Of Truth ' Sounds more awesome than ever !!

From: rick kerch vzla

Date: February 5, 2012 at 17:57

First album with a new man on the 'mic' named Jimi Jamison...for me it was the right singer to cover Dave Bickler's place in the band...and that's undeniable...to prove the quality of the new 'member' the rest of the guys composed some wonderful tunes in order to show that they've selected one perfect substitute...'I Can't Hold Back','High On You'(the best cut of the album IMO),'First Night','The Search Is Over'(beautiful),'It's The Singer,Not The Song' & 'I See You In Everyone' are awesome songs indeed...recommended...90/100

From: 707STAR	Date: March 4, 2012 at 1:13
MAN DID THEY FIND A GREAT REPACEMENT FOR BICKLER. YES THIS IS GREAT MUSIC W/HARMONY. THERE ARE 3 MASTERPIECE SONGS ON THIS LP AND THEY ARE HIGH ON YOU,I CAN,T HOLD BACK AND BROKEN PROMISES. A PRETTY SOLID LP. JIMI JAMISON IS A GREAT SINGER. SEE THEM LIVE YOU WILL LOVE THEM.

From: underworld king	Date: January 4, 2015 at 6:42
RIP Jimi Jamison.

From: petermexico13

Date: February 7, 2017 at 20:53

AOR Perfection, Jim Jamison was the missing piece in Survivor, 33 years later these songs sound as good as the first time. Este es el disco que realmente puso a Survivor en su verdadero sitio, más allá de haber gozado de un Hit tan impresionante como Eye of the Tiger que es icónico, la única forma de superar ese éxito era un disco tan perfecto como este, una a una puedes recordar cada letra y cada melodía que son parte del soundtrack de nuestra vida quienes somos adictos a esta música y que tuvimos la fortuna de vivir los 80s, época memorable y sin igual que hizo de discos como éste obras para toda la vida una vez que estás enganchado.

From: Eric3	Date: April 30, 2017 at 20:17
To my ears, the best AOR album ever recorded. I'm obviously way late to the party here so there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said, other than Vital Signs makes me miss the '80s-a decade I wasn't even alive for. That's the power of great music.

From: titothetitan	Date: August 28, 2018 at 14:02
One of the best AOR albums ever. Jimi Jamison is a superb replacement and sings like a god. Nine brilliant songs. No fillers.

From: tomdwa	Date: March 28, 2020 at 19:29
As stated by others above, one of the top aor-albums of all times. There's not a bad or lesser song on this one, and everything fits perfectly. Jimi Jamison (god have his soul) emerges as the ideal frontman for the band, what a set of pipes he has/had :-(. Play this loud and sing along!

From: edwithmj

Date: October 25, 2021 at 22:46

If ever there were a perfect AOR album, this could be it. Jimi's vocals are so good, I almost forget that Dave Bickler was ever in the band and that Eye of the Tiger was even one of their hits. It's difficult to pick a favourite but The Search is Over just clinches it for me. High On You and Popular Girl would be my second and third favourites from this respectively but really, the whole album is filler free.

From: plastic sheet	Date: January 31, 2022 at 0:15
There is definitely a place for Survivor on AOR, which everyone considers their best. There's no bloody drumming, no fancy guitar, it's just comfortable, perfect for a 40-something. In the field of AOR is also very important.

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