Breaking Loose, Helix's debut album, stands today as one of the finest albu… Read Full Bio ↴Breaking Loose, Helix's debut album, stands today as one of the finest albums they've done, if not their very best.
In 1976, original band members Brian Vollmer and Keith Zurbrigg were joined by the Doerner brothers, Brent and Brian (lead guitar and drums respectively) and Paul Hackman (lead guitar) and toured extensively. This album collects many of the songs they wrote during those early days.
Kicking it off with the mid-tempo "I Could Never Leave", Helix right away hit you with one of their best songs. They keep building it until you get to "Billy Oxygen", one of their first hits, with lead vocals courtesy of Brent Doerner. "Billy Oxygen" is still a favourite to this day, a short fast rocker about a guy named Billy Oxygen, captain of a starship called an ES-335, looking to meet some aliens to party with.
There isn't a weak song on this album, but two other highlights are definitely "You're A Woman Now", featuring female backing vocals and a structure that builds into something dramatic, as if it's Helix's own "Stairway To Heaven". "Wish I Could Be There" brings back the outer space theme, and has acoustic and heavy sections, sort of Helix's foray into prog rock. Another interesting note about this album is that Lydia Taylor, who would later win a Canadian Juno award for "Female Vocalist of the Year\" sang background vocals on "You're A Woman Now". This song would become their first U.S. "hit", although only in Texas, and would lead to their first tour of that state.
This lineup only lasted for one album, both Brian Doerner and Keith Zurbrigg departed shortly after this, leaving Vollmer the sole original member. Their legacy is this debut album, something for any band to be proud of.
Although Helix sold about two million records during its career (as of 2009), Vollmer admits that during its heyday, band members regularly earned only about $200 a week.
In 1976, original band members Brian Vollmer and Keith Zurbrigg were joined by the Doerner brothers, Brent and Brian (lead guitar and drums respectively) and Paul Hackman (lead guitar) and toured extensively. This album collects many of the songs they wrote during those early days.
Kicking it off with the mid-tempo "I Could Never Leave", Helix right away hit you with one of their best songs. They keep building it until you get to "Billy Oxygen", one of their first hits, with lead vocals courtesy of Brent Doerner. "Billy Oxygen" is still a favourite to this day, a short fast rocker about a guy named Billy Oxygen, captain of a starship called an ES-335, looking to meet some aliens to party with.
There isn't a weak song on this album, but two other highlights are definitely "You're A Woman Now", featuring female backing vocals and a structure that builds into something dramatic, as if it's Helix's own "Stairway To Heaven". "Wish I Could Be There" brings back the outer space theme, and has acoustic and heavy sections, sort of Helix's foray into prog rock. Another interesting note about this album is that Lydia Taylor, who would later win a Canadian Juno award for "Female Vocalist of the Year\" sang background vocals on "You're A Woman Now". This song would become their first U.S. "hit", although only in Texas, and would lead to their first tour of that state.
This lineup only lasted for one album, both Brian Doerner and Keith Zurbrigg departed shortly after this, leaving Vollmer the sole original member. Their legacy is this debut album, something for any band to be proud of.
Although Helix sold about two million records during its career (as of 2009), Vollmer admits that during its heyday, band members regularly earned only about $200 a week.
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Breaking Loose
Helix Lyrics
Billy Oxygen Billy Oxygen Brent Doerner Hey come on now people let me…
Crazy Women Crazy Women Brent Doerner I can't handle anymore crazy w…
Don't Hide Your Love What is it that you really want Don't ya think i…
Down in the City Down In The City Brian Vollmer It's 2 o'clock in the mor…
Here I Go Again Here I Go Again Brent Doerner - Brian Vollmer It's the s…
I Could Never Leave You've been wondering If i've got the travelin' feelings A…
Wish I Could Be There Wish I Could Be There Paul Hackman On lonely nights I se…
You're a Woman Now You're A Woman Now Paul Hackman I was playin' my guitar …