In the U.S.,
Red Rider never matched the level of success they had achieved in their native Canada. They had several AOR hits, including the brooding, now-staple "Lunatic Fringe," but mainstream attention eluded them. Lead singer
Tom Cochrane broke through in a major way with "Life Is a Highway" from his solo debut,
Mad Mad World. The song was a driving rocker with an insistent hook. Dominating the airwaves, the song reached the Top Five on the pop charts (
Red Rider had never managed to even break into the Top 50). There seems to be a little more fire in
Cochrane's belly than on the final
Red Rider record.
Mad Mad World is some of his strongest work. Literate lyrics and infectious melodies abound on songs like the
Don Henley-like title track, the resiliently rousing "No Regrets," the chugging love song "Sinking Like a Sunset," and the chiming, big-beat ballad "Friendly Advice." There's a bit of filler near the end (save for the elegant closer "All The King's Men"), but it's a small complaint. Members of
Red Rider play on most of the tracks and
Mad Mad World should be met with delight from longtime fans. For unfamiliar listeners, it's worth checking out if you're into
Mellencamp or
Petty. ~ Tom Demalon