Too Much To Lose
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''Too Much to Lose'' is the third studio album from American singer
Benny Mardones Ruben Armand "Benny" Mardones (November 9, 1946 – June 29, 2020) was an American pop/rock singer and songwriter who was best known for his hit single " Into the Night", which hit the top 20 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart twice, in 1980 ( ...
, released in 1981. It was produced by "The Wizard" Barry Mraz. The album was Mardones' last for eight years.


Background

After the success of 1980 album '' Never Run, Never Hide'', and particularly the hit song " Into The Night", Mardones entered the studio to record his third studio album. It was recorded at Right Track Studios and was one of the first records to be recorded there since its move from 21st Street to 48th Street. Although expectations were high for the album, disagreements at Polydor and other factors resulted in the commercial failure of ''Too Much to Lose'' when it was released in 1981. Despite this, many fans of Mardones highlight songs such as "Shelia C", "Baby Don't" and "I'm Not Gonna Cry Anymore". The album's only single was "Sheila C". Much of the material on the album was written by Mardones and
Robert Tepper Robert Tepper (born May 30, 1950) is an American songwriter, recording artist and singer, best known for his chart-topper, hit song "No Easy Way Out" from the ''Rocky IV'' motion picture Rocky IV (soundtrack), soundtrack. He is also known for co- ...
, having previously written "Into The Night" together. The album features a cover of Lulu's " Oh Me Oh My" and Nancy Brooks "I'm Not Gonna Cry Anymore". "Sheila C." would later be re-recorded for Mardones' 2002 album '' A Journey Through Time''.


Release

''Too Much to Lose'' was only released on vinyl in America only. The album remained out-of-print for many years. Later, Warrior Records issued the album on CD for the first time.


Track listing


Critical reception

Upon its release, ''
Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...
'' wrote: "Mardones is an emotional kind of guy. His wailing echoes throughout ''Too Much to Lose'', while backing musicians provide solid support. Mardones has a wonderful, versatile voice that is shown off to its best advantage on such cuts as "Sheila C.", "Treat You Right" and "The Dreamer". All the songs on the album are about women, but it's these, with their loving, rather than bitter, sentiments that come across as the most sincere. Best cuts: Those cited, plus "Oh Me Oh My"." Marc D. Allan of ''
The Boston Globe ''The Boston Globe'' is an American daily newspaper founded and based in Boston, Massachusetts. The newspaper has won a total of 27 Pulitzer Prizes, and has a total circulation of close to 300,000 print and digital subscribers. ''The Boston Glob ...
'' stated: "On his third album, the only noticeable change is nearly all the songs are punched up a little to bring them closer to straight rock 'n' roll. Mardones isn't a macho personality but an honest, straight-from-the-heart rocker who, in his own somewhat awkward way, accurately represents how a large majority of people think and feel." Bruce Britt of the ''
Detroit Free Press The ''Detroit Free Press'' is the largest daily newspaper in Detroit, Michigan, US. The Sunday edition is titled the ''Sunday Free Press''. It is sometimes referred to as the Freep (reflected in the paper's web address, www.freep.com). It primari ...
'' described the album as "endearingly dumb, heavy metal pop". He added: "Mardones displays impressive vocal flexibility, switching from a compassionate falsetto to a chalky growl. "Sheila C.," "This Time" and "Treat You Right" are the highlights, where he sounds like
Van Halen Van Halen ( ) was an American rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. Credited with "restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene", Van Halen was known for its energetic live shows and for the virtuosity of its lead gu ...
performing
Sam Cooke Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), known professionally as Sam Cooke, was an American singer and songwriter. Considered to be a pioneer and one of the most influential soul artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred ...
." Mike Kuchta of ''
Quad-City Times The ''Quad-City Times'' is a daily morning newspaper based in Davenport, Iowa, and circulated throughout the Quad Cities metropolitan area ( Davenport, Bettendorf and Scott County in Iowa; and Moline, East Moline, Rock Island and Rock Isla ...
'' wrote: "If Mardones learned a little restraint, he might actually make a decent album some day. With his soul-tinged street rock, he aspires to be a
Bruce Springsteen Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer and songwriter. He has released 21 studio albums, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Originally from the Jersey Shore, he is an originat ...
but winds up closer to a
Meat Loaf Michael Lee Aday (born Marvin Lee Aday; September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022), known professionally as Meat Loaf, was an American rock singer and actor. He was noted for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows. He is on t ...
."


Personnel

* Benny Mardones - vocals * Bobby Tepper, Terry Bacon, Lars Hanson - instruments * Gregg Gerson - drums


Charts


References

{{Authority control 1981 albums Benny Mardones albums Polydor Records albums