Take Me Away by The Lines: A New Wave Gem from 1985 That Still Hits
Alright, so let’s talk about Take Me Away, the kinda underrated rock album by The Lines that dropped back in ’85. It’s got this cool New Wave vibe that feels like a mixtape of nostalgia and raw energy. Released under Sideman Records, it’s one of those albums that doesn’t scream “perfect,” but man, does it have character.
First off, you gotta give props to the lineup—Rob Whitelock on vocals and guitar is the clear MVP here, bringing both grit and melody to the table. And can we shout out Eric Hafner on lead guitar? Dude rips some killer solos. Oh, and Laurie Nason adding backing vocals on a couple tracks? Solid touch. Producer Paul Carchidi clearly let these guys do their thing without over-polishing everything, which works in their favor.
Now onto the tracks. There are nine songs total, but two stuck with me for different reasons. First up, “Take Me Away”—the title track—is an absolute banger. From the opening riff, you know you’re in for something special. Rob’s voice has this raspy charm that just pulls you in, while Eric lays down some wicked guitar work. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s catchy as hell. You find yourself humming it hours later, even if you didn’t mean to.
Then there’s “I Fear The Dark.” This one hits different. It’s slower, moodier, almost haunting. Rick Dahlinger’s keyboard work really shines here, giving it this cinematic feel, like you’re walking through a foggy street at night. When Rob sings, “I fear the dark / it takes my soul,” it feels personal, like he’s letting you into his headspace. Not every band nails emotional depth like this, especially in the New Wave scene, where things can sometimes lean too synth-heavy or sterile. But The Lines keep it real.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going. Tracks like “Out In The Cold” and “Seeking Shelter” bring solid hooks and relatable lyrics, though they don’t quite hit the same highs as the standouts. Still, no filler tracks—a win in my book.
What makes this album stick out isn’t just the music; it’s how unapologetically human it feels. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they were just making tunes that mattered to them. And honestly, that’s refreshing. Plus, knowing it came from the US in the mid-’80s, when everyone was chasing the next big radio hit, makes it feel even more genuine.
Here’s the kicker: I stumbled across this album randomly at a thrift store last year. Paid three bucks for it. Three bucks! And now it’s one of those records I throw on when I need something that feels real, y’know? Makes me wonder how many other gems are sitting in dusty bins waiting to be rediscovered.
So yeah, check out Take Me Away. It might not change your life, but it’ll definitely make your day a little brighter—or darker, depending on which track you’re vibing with.
