One Hit Wonders: Adrian Gurvitz - Classic

You have to admire the nerve of any lyricist who claims that the words ‘classic’, ‘attic’ and ‘addict’ rhyme, but veteran rocker Adrian Gurvitz had the songwriting gravitas to do so.

Gurvitz was 32 when he issued a sentimental, supersoft rock ballad with prominent bassline and a warbly vocal suited perfectly to an emotional middle eight, but still a young man, he had plenty to back up his dubious rhymes. A guitarist since the age of seven, he fronted three influential rock bands in his teens and 20s, including The Gun, whose track Race With The Devil gave him a Top 10 hit at the age of 18.

Classic, a straightforward wrestling of the pro songwriter’s emotional well-being, became an MOR favourite after its release in January 1982, although it fell down the charts after first entering at No.65. It stumbled around afterwards before increased airplay got it to No.22, eventually peaking at No.8. The album, also called Classic, failed to chart.

Gurvitz somehow became a one-hit wonder for the second time thanks to Classic, as the follow-ups couldn’t quite make the Top 40. He subsequently became a contracted songwriter, composing for other artists and soundtrack albums, before setting up his own label. He released two more albums in 1996 and 2000.

Matthew Rudd is the host of Forgotten 80s on Absolute 80s

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