This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Squier's "In the Dark"

Along with arena rock bands like Loverboy, Journey and Night Ranger, Billy Squier served as one of America's prime '80s masters in the specific genre of keyboard-heavy hard rock. Such music enjoyed the benefit of great timing, as the popularity of new wave allowed an even wider audience for this strain of arena rock already palatable to rock and pop listeners. Squier was quite an underrated contributor to the pop/rock scene of the early '80s, churning out several solid singles without ever enjoying a Top 10 pop hit. This track from his 1981 album, Don't Say No, delivers on many levels, particularly through a keen melodic sense and a passionate, distinctive vocal performance. There's no mistaking "In the Dark" for anything other than '80s music, by any means, but at least the quality is relatively high.

• Sample or download "In the Dark" here.
• Compare prices on Billy Squier CDs here.
• Official Billy Squier Fan Site

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Capitol Records