The Other Side introduced Charlie Major's blue-collar, rock-influenced brand of country, and was a significant hit in Canada, going double platinum (sales of over 200,000). The album spawned six singles that went to number one on the Canadian country charts, including the debut hit "I'm Gonna Drive You Out of My Mind." The Other Side is littered with first-rate examples of journeyman country-rock. Major writes and sings about working-class life, songs that have quite a lot in common with some of Bruce Springsteen's blue-collar anthems. "Running in the Red" is about working from paycheck to paycheck, working hard just to get by, while "I'm Somebody" recognizes the lives of ordinary people. However, most of the songs concern love, either people looking for love or trying to escape the pain of love gone wrong. In "Walk Away," Major says goodbye to a lover; on "The Other Side" he's inviting love into his heart, while in "I'll See You in My Dreams" he's pining for a lover who's far away. Producer Steve Fishell gathered a crack band consisting of some Nashville's best players. Led by lead guitarists Albert Lee and Steuart Smith, these musicians are obviously sympathetic to Major's music. Harry Stinson plays an important role, both drumming and singing throughout the album, and Kim Richey is also on hand to provide harmony vocals on "I'm Here" and "I'll See You in My Dreams." The Other Side is a fine debut from a gifted writer and singer, and established Charlie Major as a significant talent in the Canadian country music scene.
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