Let There Be Rock's Best Single of 2024
- Let There Be Rock
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
🏆 Best Single of 2024
FM - 'Out Of The Blue'
For those of you who are regular listeners of the Let There Be Rock show, you will have been expecting an appearance in the best of 2024 from the mighty FM, unashamedly my favourite band, if indeed DJs are allowed to be bias. In 2024 the AOR veterans celebrated their 40th anniversary with the release of their 14th studio album ‘Old Habits Die Hard’, and an extensive globe trotting tour with 50 shows in 15 countries. This included the band’s first ever shows in South America.
In 2024, despite it being their 40th year, there was extra motivation for the band to make it a memorable one. The production of ‘Old Habits Die Hard’ the previous year was during some difficult times. Keyboardist Jem Davis received a cancer diagnosis in early 2023, delaying recording, although thankfully he was given the all clear after treatment. Then unexpectedly former FM guitarist and founding member Chris Overland, brother to frontman Steve Overland, suddenly passed away, followed only two days later by close friend and guitar legend Bernie Marsden, hitting the band hard on a personal level. Despite these tough times, the tragedies that plagued them throughout the recording process only reinforced FM’s resolve and desire to make the best album that they could to represent their 40 years in the business. The new album was finally released on Friday 3rd May 2024 via Frontiers Records.
Prior to the albums release we had a taster of what we could expect from the latest instalment, in the form of the single ‘Out Of The Blue’. The track heavily echoing its AOR heritage, with keyboardist Jem Davis once again the source of another fantastically crafted song. Drawing on influences from the likes of Toto and Foreigner, and putting in the those all important old school FM elements, a catchy chorus, an enriching guitar solo, and of course Steve Overland’s ageless and pitch perfect melodic vocals.
On the writing of the track Jem recalls, “I wrote this song in Lanzarote. It’s about a guy who is completely happy in his own little world, and suddenly his partner declares she’s not, and is calling it a day! This comes to him out of the blue, but he’s not going to give in and lose her without a fight.”
It is of course another fine example of what FM do so well, and that is write some of the very best melodic rock songs. Right out of the FM songbook of perfectly crafted singles, the track is sure to be a feature of the FM live shows for many years to come. It was certainly my most played single of 2024, further emphasising that some 40 years into their career the music they produce is still of the highest quality. I’ve said it many times before, FM are the sum of their parts, five very talented musicians each bringing their own elements to the production, and delivering not just my favourite single of the year, but one of my favourite albums too. A very fitting tribute to the late Chris Overland, and another addition to the FM catalogue of gold standard AOR.
Album: Old Habits Die Hard
Released: 3rd May 2024
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: https://fmofficial.com
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