Survivor cover

Survivor

Survivor · 1979

40 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

Anthemic melodies and driving rhythms fuse with heartfelt lyrics, embodying the arena rock spirit of the late '70s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Youngblood — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its infectious chorus and driving beat, showcasing their knack for creating memorable hooks.
  • →
    Whole Town's Talkin’ — With its relatable narrative and catchy melody, this song captures the essence of small-town life and highlights Survivor's lyrical storytelling ability.
  • →
    Can’t Getcha Offa My Mind — This track features an upbeat tempo and a playful vibe that makes it stand out as a quintessential example of late '70s pop rock energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

41 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

Survivor's debut showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks the standout tracks that define their later work.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, establishing a high-energy opening.
  • Several songs incorporate layered harmonies in the chorus, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • optimistic feel-good anthems
  • uplifting vibes for gatherings
  • catchy hooks for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Survivor's debut album, released in 1979, marked the beginning of their journey in the music industry. At this point, the band was striving to establish their sound following the formation in 1978, crafting a signature style that would soon resonate through iconic hits in the coming years.
Stylistic neighbors
Journey· Foreigner· Boston

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Somewhere Here in America 5:12
  • 2 Can’t Getcha Offa My Mind 2:59
  • 3 Let It Be Now 3:37
  • 4 As Soon as Love Finds Me 2:49
  • 5 Youngblood 3:29
  • 6 Love Has Got Me 3:38
  • 7 Whole Town's Talkin’ 3:31
  • 8 20/20 3:23
  • 9 Freelance 3:37
  • 10 Nothing Can Shake Me (From Your Love) 4:05
  • 11 Whatever It Takes 3:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata