Released in 1987, Farrenheit by Farrenheit is one of those polished, radio-ready rock albums that perfectly captures the melodic, arena-friendly spirit of the late ’80s without succumbing entirely to the excesses of the era. Built around strong songwriting, clean production, and a confident vocal performance, it stands as an underrated gem of its time.
Who are Farrenheit?
Farrenheit was formed in the mid-1980s by vocalist and guitarist Charlie Farren following his stint with The Joe Perry Project. Alongside bassist David Heit (formerly David Hull) and drummer John “Muzz” Muzzy, Farren assembled a band that leaned more toward melodic rock and AOR than the heavier glam metal dominating the charts.
The group quickly secured a deal with Warner Bros. and released this their self-titled debut in 1987. The album achieved modest commercial success, spending several weeks on the Billboard 200 and gaining exposure through MTV airplay and touring—most notably opening for Boston on a major U.S. tour.
Farrenheit – The Album Review
From the opening notes, Farrenheit establishes itself as a slick, well-produced slice of American rock. Produced with a crisp, radio-friendly sheen, the album blends catchy hooks with a slightly soulful edge, thanks in part to the band’s use of saxophone and layered keyboards. The result is a sound that sits comfortably between classic heartland rock and the more polished AOR style of the era.
What makes the album particularly appealing is its restraint. While many contemporaries leaned heavily into image and bombast, Farrenheit focused on songwriting. The melodies are strong, the arrangements are tight, and there’s a sincerity that keeps the record feeling fresh decades later.
“Fool in Love” is perhaps the band’s most recognisable song, a driving, hook-laden track that earned significant MTV rotation. Its infectious chorus and polished production make it a quintessential late-’80s rock single, yet it avoids sounding generic thanks to its tight structure and emotional delivery. Likewise “Lost in Loveland” is another standout, combining a breezy, melodic sensibility with a sense of wistful nostalgia. It’s the kind of track that feels tailor-made for radio, with its shimmering keyboards and singalong chorus, and it remains one of the album’s most enduring moments.
“Bad Habit” brings a slightly edgier tone, driven by a punchy rhythm and a more urgent vocal performance. It adds some grit to the album’s otherwise polished sound and demonstrates the band’s ability to balance accessibility with energy.
Elsewhere, songs like “Impossible World” and “Time Won’t Wait” showcase the band’s knack for mid-tempo storytelling, while “Shine” closes the album on a reflective, uplifting note.
The Vinyl Review
This will be short. The vinyl cover, inner sleeve and vinyl are in perfect almost unplayed condition. Picked up as part of 3 for £10 from Rough Trade about a year ago.
Donnie’s Rating: 7.5/10
