THE Hard Rock and AOR Reference on the Internet!

Bands: 10325 CDS: 25012 Songs: 297499

Nov. 13, 2024: 25,000th CD added to Heavy Harmonies! The 25,000th CD has been added here at HH, and the album with that distinction is the new comeback album from Krokus lead singer Marc Storace, entitled Crossfire. -Dan

#s A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Compilations    Soundtracks    Tributes

Artist: Balance

(click on Artist's name above to return to artist's main page)

CD Title: Balance/In For the Count

 

Category: AOR

Year: 1981/1982

Label: Renaissance

Catalog Number: RMED00104

Personnel

Peppy Castro lead and backing vocals
Bob Kulick guitars
Doug Katsaros keyboards, backing vocals
Andy Newmark drums, percussion
Willie Weeks bass
John Siegler bass

1997 2on1 re-issue of the first 2 albums

Tracks

1.	Looking For the Magic	3:55
2.	I'm Through Loving You	3:10
3.	Breaking Away	3:11
4.	No Getting Around My Love	3:50
5.	Fly Through the Night	3:53
6.	American Dream	4:15
7.	Haunting	3:47
8.	Falling in Love	3:16
9.	Hot Summer Nights	3:20
10.	It's So Strange	4:04
11.	In For the Count	4:51
12.	Is It Over	3:04
13.	Slow Motion	4:22
14.	Undercover Man	4:25
15.	On My Honor	3:31
16.	All The Way	3:36
17.	Pull the Plug	3:40
18.	Bedroom Eyes	3:52
19.	We Can Have It All	3:44
Total Running Time:		71:46

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 Balance 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 Balance are also welcome to be added, as long as they are at least 4 songs in length.

---

Heavy Harmonies Review
From: Dan	Date: March 18, 2003 at 1:22
Is it just me, or have one or the other of the Kulick brothers been involved in darned near every AOR or hard rock project of the last 20 years? You can't swing a dead cat without hitting an album that one or the other has contributed to. This is one of the better ones. The two albums represented here, while slightly different in flavor from one another, are wonderfully representative of all the things we've come to know and love about late-1970s AOR: lots of keyboards, powerful choruses, and rich vocal harmonies. The first album Balance is the more laid back of the two albums, and a bit more even stylistically. The sound has almost a 'west coast' feel and reminds one of Toto, and occasionally Styx. Nothing ever totally 'rocks out' but then again you wouldn't expect it to. The second offering In for the Count strikes off into 'hard rock' land. It's a little more varied stylistically than the first album, but I think I like it a tad better. Even though it has a heavier feel, the keyboards and vocal harmonies are still as strong. This compilation is extremely melodic, and I've been playing it quite a bit lately. This is an absolute MUST for any self-respecting AOR fan! Rating: 89/100

Existing comments about this CD

From: music man	Date: October 22, 2001 at 11:15
Why this awesome 80's AOR band never became huge is beyond me. Great melodies,great musicianship. A fantastic piece of music and your getting a 2 on 1 as well. this one is to good not to own.

Heavy Harmonies Volunteer
From: Jez	Date: December 14, 2001 at 3:33
2 of the best A.O.R.discs of the 80's.Absolute classics

From: BERNARDO CASAR	Date: July 27, 2002 at 0:12
AOR DE ALTA CALIDAD, NO TE DEFRAUDARA COMPRALO! DONT MISS IT!! CLASSIC ALLTIME

From: 9 CHAMPIONS A 1	Date: September 21, 2002 at 16:31
Disco recomendado para la gente que le guste el AOR de principios de la década de los 80,el tema In For The Count se puede considerar un clásico del AOR.NO ESTA MAL.

From: freddy de keyze	Date: September 24, 2002 at 4:18
Didn't know they were out on one CD, an probably digitally remastered too. The first is rather average, but In For The COUNT is a brilliant record, especially the title track. What a song !!!!

From: JOURNEY	Date: October 16, 2002 at 11:40
YES, ' INFOR THE COUNT' IS A FANTASTIC SONG!!!! A MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!

From: JOURNEY	Date: October 18, 2002 at 4:09
AN OTHER FANTASTIC SONG IS 'ALL THE WAY'!!!MASTERPIECE!!!

From: JOURNEY	Date: October 24, 2002 at 12:50
SONGS LIKE 'AMERICAN DREAM','FALLING IN LOVE','IN FOR THE COUNT','FLY THROUGH THE NIGHT','ALL THE WAY' AND 'WE CAN HAVE IT ALL', ARE DIAMONDS!!!!!! THEY ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!LONG LIFE TO A.O.R!!!!!!

From: Richard H.	Date: October 24, 2002 at 23:06
Pure AOR bliss,an essential package for collectors of this genre of music.just check the titles of the songs and you'll understand waht you're in for.

From: Xabofar	Date: March 24, 2003 at 15:37
The first one is good, really good (I´m through loving you, fly through the night and the impressive American Dream) but In for the Count is an instant classic in the AOR world (not only for the song title). Magical keys, very good harmony vocals and fantastic guitar work from Bob Kulick (listen to Is it Over and Undercover Man).

From: Big Dog	Date: March 28, 2003 at 17:55
Balance is just plain awful. Definitely try before you buy.

From: Chris

Date: June 7, 2003 at 14:35

One of the finest albums of the early 80's 'In for the count'. The title song alone (which is one of my top 5 songs ever) is enough reason to purchase this album, however its not the only masterpiece on the album, there are many more. The debut is alittle more laid back, but still has some great moments and is well worth getting. For all you collectors out there, there was also a Jap only single released called 'Ride the wind' (i think) that was recorded at the same time as 'In for the count'.

From: Chris	Date: June 7, 2003 at 14:38
cont'd...And if you have this , then you are a lucky, lucky person. I have been trying to get this for nearly 20 years without success (although i have it on tape) and its a scorcher.

From: Rycheage	Date: June 22, 2003 at 14:57
The songs are strong, the vocals great, and unlike Bob's latest work, contain a great deal of melody!! The ones who will but this two for one release of the bands two records 'Balance' and 'In For The Count' will no doubt be the owners of the original vinyl releases, but they should not be ignored by the fine collector, who would like to round out their collection. Definitely worth a listen.

From: Vicrock	Date: September 20, 2003 at 20:51
Hey, listen the disco oriented songs of Lenny Kravitz, its Peppy Castro sound of the first Balance record, its not a joke, check it. In other way Balance was a really really good group.

From: AOR freaky	Date: November 26, 2003 at 4:52
Great act, Dan has it right ! Although the first (their debut) is not that special, it's ' In For The Count' that makes this outstanding ! Give this a try, you won't be disappointed ! And the good news is that Peppy Castro is still out there ! So, who knows ? And Rycheage, you're a connoisseur too !

From: robert	Date: November 26, 2003 at 19:35
Me encantan los 2!! Clasicos absolutos del A.O.R.!! Por cierto, ¿No estaba en el 2º disco el genial bateria CHUCK BURGI?

From: Rockhead	Date: March 5, 2004 at 9:44
In for the Count is the BEST melodic hard rock ablum ever!!!

From: Danny Jamison	Date: June 12, 2004 at 6:00
Simply the best !!! and my favourite is ''slow motion'' buy and enjoy !!!

From: rocketron	Date: August 4, 2004 at 9:20
I have these albums on separate CDs.Were they remastered for this double ? They are totally different albums so I cant imagine how they sound together. 'In For The Count' is by far the better of the 2 - the guitar playing of Kulick is outstanding - and 'Slow Motion' is a standout track.

From: richb	Date: November 19, 2004 at 7:27
Probably of the greatest 'undiscovered' AOR bands of all time. They also released Ride the Wave/Alone Tonight as a single in Japan only. This is as good as anything on 'in for the count' if not better. Nothing short of criminal that they never made the big time...

From: MikeL	Date: January 6, 2005 at 20:19
Some real nice tunes here. Undercover Man and In for the Count are the best. However, there are some fillers as well. Nice CD but not the among the best in mind.

From: Rafo Phoenix

Date: January 27, 2005 at 22:46

DIOS MIO!!!!!!!!!!! EL IN FOR THE COUNT, UNA SUPERJOYA DEL AOR , TREMENDOS TEMAS EL TIPO DE AOR EN SU ESTADO MAS NATURAL, COMO SABEMOS ACA ESTAN LOS 2 ALBUMS DEL GRUPO, LO MEJOR EMPIEZA EN LA SEGUNDA PARTE 'EL IN FOR THE COUNT', QUE ALBUM, EL TIPO DE AOR DE LOS 80 QUE TE DESTROZA All The Way, Is It Over, In For the Count, Slow Motion(MIS 4 FAVORITAS), Undercover Man, It's So Strange, On My Honor, We Can Have It All ASI QUE NO LO PIERDAS ESTAS ANTE UN CLASICO DEL AOR.

From: Rafo Phoenix	Date: January 27, 2005 at 22:50
A DIFERENCIA QUE EL BALANCE QUE ME RECUERDA MUCHO AL GRUPO AMERICA QUE NO ES EL TIPO DE AOR QUE ME DESTROZA AUNQUE ESTA EN ALGO, PERO EL IN FOR THE COUNT ES LA VERDADERA JOYA.

From: AOR freaky	Date: January 28, 2005 at 2:25
Great double package. I even have the impression that the sound on this double CD is a bit better than on the single CD's ! Fantastic AOR !

From: Swriter	Date: February 20, 2005 at 19:50
I loved this when it was released and found the albums again and got the 2 on 1 cd, great west coast style aor, saw these guys in the 80's a few times!!! Great tunes including American Dream, Magic, Breaking Away, and the Toto sounding No Getting round my Love, not a classic but one of the best of the 80's!!!

From: Tom	Date: May 5, 2005 at 19:01
This is such an awesome double alnum,almost every track is amazing you must buy this album if yyour serious about true AOR the singer is superb and the music is so original its classic

From: rocky	Date: May 6, 2005 at 11:36
sorry people !!!!!!!! can`t and won`t agree with you....maybe a couple of their tunes might be ok but the rest ******** my god so boring....one can compare it to Tim Feehan`s old band FOOTLOOSE....jeeezz...i usually love AOR/ WESTCOAST, but this is no favourite of mine.

Heavy Harmonies Volunteer
From: Jez	Date: May 6, 2005 at 19:27
Definately two genre defining albums and any Aor/MR fan worth their salt owns these two beauties (If you don't,then sort it pronto!!). 'In For The Count' is the stronger of the two, but that is not to take away anything from the impressive debut. Without a doubt two of the most consistent back to back releases I have heard from one band. If you have the originals, don't bother with this 2on1 if you are expecting a Remaster, as there is absolutely no difference whatsoever.

From: Nick C

Date: May 6, 2005 at 20:28

Yep gotta agree, I have to say that again I'd struggle to find a favourite. The 1st has Haunting, American Dream, Looking for the Magic and I'm Through Loving You in it's arsenal whereas In 4 Da Count has the title track, Undercover Man and Is It Over to fight back with. Just excellent releases! As Jez mentioned consistent back to back releases I would also rate the Spys and Seventh Key as a further two.

From: 707star	Date: August 29, 2005 at 21:21
THESE GUYS FLAT OUT ROCK WITH GREAT MELODY AND FANTASTIC RIFFS. FLY THROUGH THE NIGHT, IN FOR THE COUNT, ALL THE WAY AND IT,S SO STRANGE ARE TOTALLY CLASSIC ROCK SONGS TO ME. BUT KEEP IN MIND ALL THEIR MUSIC IS TIGHT. WHY THEY ARE NOT PLAYED ON THE AIRWAVES IS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT TO ME. 2 OF THE BEST ALBUMS I,VE EVER HEARD!

From: TomStavely	Date: May 14, 2006 at 18:04
In my opinion it is the best AOR album ever made because it come as a double there are so many flawless tracks it really doesnt get much better than this. WHY DID THEY STOP i know Peppy sang on Micheal Boltons albums but why did he never record again anyone know? This is one of my all time favourites buy it and play it all its fantastic 11/10

From: TomStavely	Date: May 14, 2006 at 18:24
Does anybody know if there is an album with Peppy Castro singing on?

From: TONI MALLORCA

Date: May 30, 2006 at 14:32

QUE MAS SE PUEDE DECIR DE ESTE PEDAZO DE GRUPO QUE SIN HACER MUCHO RUIDO(ME REFIERO A POPULARIDAD)NOS DEJARON SU LEGADO EN DOS MARAVILLAS DE ALBUMS QUE YA A MUCHOS ARCHICONOCIDOS GRUPOS MILLONARIOS EN VENTAS(Y NO DIGO NOMBRES) YA LES HUBIERAN GUSTADO FIRMAR.PERSONALMENTE ME QUEDO CON EL PRIMERO DE ELLOS ES MAS MELODICO Y VARIADO Y AUNQUE EL IN FOR THE COUNT INCLUYE LA QUE PARA MI ES SU MASTERPIECE"SLOW MOTION" CREO QUE HAY TEMAS QUE NO ESTAN A LA ALTURA DEL PRIMERO,DE QUALQUIER MANERA SON LOS DO

From: TONI MALLORCA	Date: May 30, 2006 at 14:37
DE CUALQUIERA MANERA SON LOS DOS OBLIGATORIOS!!!!!!!!!! es lo que queria decir arriva y no me ha cabido,coño!!!

From: Nix	Date: July 22, 2006 at 8:17
I found the 'In For The Count' album in a store's sales bin and purchased it at a pretty cheap price. 'Slow Motion' is my favorite track on the album. Other favorites would be 'On My Honor' and 'In For The Count'. It's a good album. Also check out Bob Kulick's Skull, which has three members of Balance involved. It's great!

From: DANTE

Date: November 14, 2006 at 7:12

LO QUE NO ENTIENDO ES POR QUÉ NO SACAN LA PORTADA ORIGINAL DE LOS DOS DISCOS. TENGO EN VINILO EL "IN FOR THE COUNT", DE 1982, DONDE POR CIERTO SÍ ESTÁ CHUCK BURGI (DESPUÉS EN RAINBOW Y RED DAWN) Y AUNQUE LA PORTADA DEJA MUCHO QUE DESEAR (LOS DOS TÍOS DISPARÁNDOSE RAYOS LASER), ES PARA PONERLA AQUÍ, Y NO ESTA EDICIÓN DE 1996. DE TODOS MODOS, IMPRESIONANTE AOR. LASTIMA QUE BOB KULICK HICIERA UN DISCO TAN MALO CON GRAHAM BONNET EN BLACKTHORNE.

From: Carlos A.	Date: December 14, 2006 at 17:33
De este doble tengo el "In for the count" de los añorados 1982 y muy-de-acuerdo con todos un clasico,clasico de cabo a rabo! temas adornados con feroces guitarras y un actitud total de los primigenios 80`s "In For the Count,"Slow Motion"."Slow Motion" unas delicias, Recomendado.

From: Harald	Date: January 27, 2007 at 14:28
Got the new Rock Candy version this week including the bonus tracks "Ride The Wave" & "She´s Alone Tonight". Excellent stuff and worth the price for the bonus tracks only. I´m taking my hat off to the Rock Candy Records staff for this excellent reissue.

From: rick kerch vzla	Date: February 11, 2007 at 11:06
Highly recommended albums,especially the second one "In for the Count" which its own title track as a superb pomp/aor song.Good idea to put these 2 together.10/10

From: peppymagoo

Date: March 31, 2007 at 2:08

Well it's amazing what one can find when they do a search on themselves. LOL. Many thanks to all who supported the efforts of Balance. It's nice to know we still are appreciated. For those interested. I'm active. Peppycastro.com is rather old and not updated but I can be reached from the site. Thanks to all. I'm recording and gigging again and even trying to do a Balance reunion. Peace. Peppy Castro

From: Refugee80

Date: August 2, 2007 at 13:46

100/100 simply the best Aor album of the early 80's defines the early 80's American rock sound, If that is Peppy Castro which its proberly not it is actually true Balance have reformed and are putting a new album together that was officially annonced on melodicrock.com a month ago so its true. God knows what it will sound like but i cant wait, Peppy if that is you id like to ask you WHY DID YOU NEVER MAKE ANY ALBUMS OF YOUR OWN YOU HAD THE BEST VOICE IN ROCK&AN AMAZING SONGWRITER YOU LAZY GIT

From: Figge

Date: August 4, 2007 at 16:24

I'm actually one of those rare individuals who happen to think these albums are pretty overrated. The music doesn't quite match the level of praise. It sure is a classic and the title track "In For The Count" is fantastic. There are more gems on the disc(s) but to be honest, the material is rather inconsistent. Especially the first album lacks those absolute top notch songs and it's much more in the West Coast territory than classic AOR. "I.F.T.C" is a great album nonetheless (of course)!

From: petermexico

Date: April 23, 2009 at 13:15

Balance es una de esas grandes joyas ocultas de inicio de la década de los 80, en este disco se incluyen ambos trabajos de estos músicos neoyorquinos, Bob Kulick es el hermano de Bruce quien estuvo los años finales de Kiss en su estapa sin maquillaje, el primer álbum demuestra un AOR bien elaborado con influencias Toto, Survivor y Styx, tiene algunos temas importantes muy de la época (1981)como "I´m Through Loving You", "Breaking Away" y "American Dream", pero es su trabajo de 1982 "In for the Count" donde el grupo agrega un estilo un poco más hacia el Hard Rock y ahí es donde sobresale la guitarra de Bob con buenos riffs y solos, el tema título, "Undercover Man", "Is It Over" son fabulosos, así como los más melódicos "Slow Motion" y "We Can Have It All" y "On My Honor"(te recuerda a "Queen") todas unas joyas, y el motivo principal para comprar este disco. Rock Candy records reeditó "in For the Count" con un excelente sonido. Uno de mis discos favoritos desde 1982. Muy recomendable.

From: DanDare	Date: October 16, 2010 at 19:42
I've never heard the first album 'Balance, but 'In For The Count' is excellent. It's been re-released seperately on the superb Rock Candy label in recent years and deservedly so. I remember getting a copy on tape many moons ago and it was quite exciting to listen to in those days. Obviously, it's dated now, but still a classic of the genre.

---

You cannot leave comments for this CD because you are not currently logged in. Please click here to log in or create a Username for leaving comments.