SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.
As the lead cut off their same-titled 1984 album, “The Warrior” endures as Scandal’s signature radio hit. Although credited as a featured vocalist, Patty Smyth was in fact the band’s lead singer.
Note: The song’s co-composer is Holly Knight. Knight’s resumé includes writing/co-writing multiple Tina Turner hits, such as “The Best” and Grammy-winning “Better Be Good to Me;” Aerosmith’s “Rag Doll;” and Animotion’s “Obsession.”
REVIEW:
The primary reason this energetic tune sounds so reminiscent of Pat Benatar and Joan Jett isn’t just Patty Smyth’s vocal style; rather, it’s attributable to songwriter/musician Holly Knight. Having composed both 1985’s “Invincible” and, before that, 1983’s Grammy-winning “Love is a Battlefield” for Benatar, Knight’s assertive fingerprints are evident on “The Warrior.”
Hearing the way Patty Smyth croons its aggressive lyrics, there’s no mistaking that this formulaic tune came from Knight’s arsenal of high-powered 80’s female empowerment rock. While Scandal’s instrumentals are terrific, they are frankly indistinguishable from similar bands of this era. What readily sells “The Warrior” is Smyth’s knockout delivery. Even if the song falls short on originality, this track is still worth adding to any workout or dance party playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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