Tane Cain

Tané Cain's self-titled debut album is a perfect example of a release that should have been a big hit, but for whatever reason, did very little commercially. Cain has an impressive voice, and the material -- most of it sleek, commercial pop/rock that was co-produced and co-written by Jonathan Cain and has a Pat Benatar-ish quality -- is generally excellent. Though Cain denied sounding anything like Benatar, the fact is that she is somewhat Benatar-ish on melodic jewels such as "Crazy Eyes," "Vertigo," and the haunting "My Time to Fly." Nonetheless, Cain is her own person, and she has a smoother, more restrained approach than Benatar -- you won't find anything as gritty, metallic, and guitar-crunching as "Hell Is for Children" or "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" on this vinyl LP. Regrettably, Tané Cain went out of print after the singer was dropped by RCA and is unlikely to ever be reissued on CD, but the LP is well worth obtaining if you're able to find a copy. ~ Alex Henderson