They were fronted by the beautiful platinum blonde Cherie Currie. She was part California poster girl mixed with Brigi
tte Bardot, with a voice that was both sweet and snarling. Strutting around the stage in a corset (which she bought because she liked it), it was hard to look away. She commandeered the stage in a way that demanded attention.
Flanked by capable band mates Sandy West, Jackie Fox, Lita Ford and Joan Jett, The Runaways caused quite a stir. All were too young to actually be in many of the places in which they played. Not only were they an all-girl rock band, they were still kids. That is, kids who rocked like there was no tomorrow.
As happens with bands, things never seem to stay pleasant forever. After a bit of soul-searching, Cherie left the Runaways. Jackie Fox had also decided to leave. The band carried on for a few more years and albums.
But it just wasn't the same.
Without their magnetic lead singer, the band eventually became a training ground for the solo careers of both Lita Ford and Joan Jett.
Cherie went on to famously star in Foxes with Jodi Foster. She followed that with other movie and television roles. She recorded solo and with her twin sister, Marie. She penned her autobiography, Neon Angel.
I'm sure she'd tell you that her favorite role is that of mom to her son Jake.
Through it all, music kept calling.
Cut to present day.
After many valiant but false starts, Cherie has finally finished her much anticipated new solo album, Reverie. Released solely by Cherie, the operative word for this project is undoubtedly 'independent'. With no help from any record company, Cherie and her dedicated band (featuring son Jake) have forged a compelling set of songs.
The songs run the emotional gamut, ranging in titles from Dark World to I'm Happy. Dark World reflects mistrust (maybe mirroring what led to this album being independently produced). Moody and evocative, Dark World would be a great nighttime driving song. I'm Happy is the other end of the spectrum, of course. Here Cherie is the most autobiographical. She sings about it being a tough road, but being worth the ride. This one seems to be sung directly to the fans that have stuck by her. Something the fans will appreciate, for sure.
Reverie is the well-crafted title track. Hook-laden and guitar-heavy, it walks the line between rock and pop, rocking out, yet laid back. The cryptic lyrics have a dreamlike quality that work well with the music. One of the albums highlights.
The centerpiece of the album for me is Believe. Having read Cherie's autobiography, Neon Angel, the word 'believe' seems to be her mantra. Never one to play victim, she reported her life story without laying blame on other people (even when it seemed to be warranted). Throughout her life she seemed to stay focused on the positive. Believe is a song that beautifully sums up that philosophy: Great vocal, lush arrangement. My personal favorite of the album.
Runaways fans are well served with two updates of American Nights and Is It Day Or Night. Both rock and both display Cherie's ability to revisit her past and make it sound as new and fresh as ever.
Another Dream is about that second chance we all long for. "Chase what's out of reach, until you find what sets you free." Here Cherie sings that, basically, it ain't over until you say it is. She obviously has more to say and, fortunately for us, more to sing. Another Dream is a shining example of the fact that Cherie is just a plain good singer.
If you want a rock album, this is it. If you want a ballad record, this is it, too. If you like music with depth, this is the one as well. Cherie even dips into gospel with Happy. Reggae pops up in Inner You. Many styles show up and, strangely, they all work. Like Cherie herself Reverie has many sides, and all are worth checking out.
"I've been lied to. Cheated. Never been defeated yet."
Indeed.
