Fastway

In the early 1980s, amidst the rise of hair metal, bluesy hard rock and boogie continued to hold their ground. Emerging from Britain, Fastway was formed by two seasoned musicians: Fast Eddie Clarke, guitarist for Motörhead, and Jerry Shirley, drummer for Humble Pie. They enlisted the then-unknown David King, who brought his vocal talents and harmonica skills to the band, and together they released their successful self-titled debut album in 1983.

The initial lineup of Fastway did not feature a full-time bassist, and the credited musicians for the album remain unconfirmed. David King's vocal style drew significant comparisons to Robert Plant, and the band's overall sound often evoked a strong resemblance to Led Zeppelin. Despite this perceived derivative nature, the debut album offered a raw and enjoyable listening experience. Clarke's guitar work on this record showcased a broader range than his contributions in Motörhead, notably on the driving opener, "Easy Livin'," which features his signature powerful riffing. The track is both catchy and energetic, amplified by King's commanding vocals. Other notable songs from the album include "Feel Me, Touch Me (Do Anything You Want)," "Heft!," and "We Become One." The album's highlights are arguably "Easy Livin'," "Say What You Will," and the dramatic bonus track "Far Far From Home." It is worth noting that, unlike Kingdom Come who faced harsh criticism five years later, Fastway, despite its clear influences, largely avoided severe critical backlash.