Premonition cover

Premonition

Survivor · 1981

33 min · 8 tracks · hard rock

An energetic blend of arena rock and pop melodies, driven by anthemic choruses and soaring guitar solos.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Poor Man's Son — This track stands out with its relatable lyrics about striving for success against odds, encapsulating the blue-collar spirit that resonated with listeners.
  • →
    Summer Nights — A quintessential anthem of youthful romance, its catchy hooks and upbeat rhythm showcase Survivor's ability to blend rock with pop sensibilities.
  • →
    Heart's a Lonely Hunter — The emotional depth of this power ballad highlights the band's softer side while still delivering powerful instrumentation and vocal performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the standout tracks that define classic hard rock records.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and anthemic choruses, establishing a high-energy opening that characterizes the album's sound.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with guitar solos prominently featured after choruses.
  • The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contrast with the earlier songs and providing a more reflective mood.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • invigorating sing-along moments
  • steady pacing for road trips
  • youthful exuberance in lyrics
  • melodic hooks for happy nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer experimental soundscapes
  • seek deep introspective themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1981, Premonition was Survivor's third album, following their breakthrough with Eye of the Tiger. The band had solidified their sound during this period, moving towards a more polished production while maintaining the hard rock edge fans expected.
Stylistic neighbors
Journey· Foreigner· Boston

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Poor Man's Son

    The verses detail personal struggles and dreams of overcoming hardship, speaking directly to those feeling disenfranchised.

    The narrative shifts from describing external challenges to a reflective tone on personal resilience, creating a connection with listeners who share similar experiences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Chevy Nights 3:38
  • 2 Summer Nights 4:08
  • 3 Poor Man’s Son 3:37
  • 4 Runway Lights 4:18
  • 5 Take You on a Saturday 4:07
  • 6 Light of a Thousand Smiles 5:00
  • 7 Love Is on My Side 3:37
  • 8 Heart’s a Lonely Hunter 5:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata