Starting his professional musical career in the jazz rock arena, Jeff Paris was already an accomplished musician before he landed a deal with Polygram Records for his 1986 Race to Paradise album. A gifted guitarist and songwriter, the album found Paris with his feet firmly in the AOR world, delivering arena-ready hooks throughout its nine tracks. It's too bad no one noticed.
Wired Up followed the next year, and like its predecessor, bombed at the record stores. But it's not for a lack of great songs. "Cryin'" is the best of the bunch. A keyboard-heavy cut, the track sounds like 1987, which is always a plus for me. I'm that kind of guy.
Paris' version of "Cryin'" might have done nothing for his solo career, but that's not where the song's story ends.
Vixen recorded a cover version of "Cryin'" for their 1988 self-titled debut album, and released the track as their second single the following year. It became the all-female AOR group's best-selling single, hitting the #22 spot on the US Hot 100 chart.
Polygram Records dropped Paris from their roster after Wired Up failed to live up to their bottom line. Paris has gone on to a career in songwriting and session work since his major label days. He's also released three more solo records throughout the years.
Sadly, the only version on YouTube of "Cryin'" is the live one I've embedded above that was filmed at the 2011 Firefest music festival in England.
