YesterRock has done a fantastic job bringing back the long‑lost catalog of Canadian melodic rockers THE ARROWS, and their 1985 album “The Lines Are Open” is one of the crown jewels of that reissue campaign. Originally produced by the acclaimed David Tyson (Alannah Myles, Jude Cole), the album earned him yet another Juno Award nomination — and listening today, it’s easy to hear why.
For a record released in 1985, The Lines Are Open has aged remarkably well. Its blend of power‑pop, melodic rock, and hi‑tech AOR still feels vibrant, even with its unapologetically ’80s sax flourishes. Imagine the punch of early Honeymoon Suite mixed with the sleek, modern sheen of Eight Seconds — that’s the sonic territory The Arrows occupy.
The album kicks off with “Heart Of The City”, a glorious slice of FM‑ready melodic rock that instantly sets the tone. It’s one of those songs where the opening seconds alone bring a smile to your face.
A major part of the album’s appeal lies in its pristine sound. The mix was handled by none other than Bob Rock, and his touch is unmistakable — big, clean, and radio‑polished. Combined with Tyson’s production, the result is a record that still feels fresh and dynamic decades later.
Musically, The Arrows specialized in radio‑friendly melodic rock with a strong keyboard presence, very much in line with their Canadian contemporaries Honeymoon Suite. Tracks like “Talk Talk” and “Tell It To My Heart” lean into a Rick Springfield‑style power‑pop vibe, full of hooks and upbeat energy.
Dean McTaggart’s vocals are a highlight throughout — smooth, expressive, and perfectly suited to the band’s melodic sensibilities. It’s honestly baffling that The Arrows never broke into the mainstream the way they deserved. With songs this strong, they should have been household names.
Sadly, pressure from management and the label for a major breakthrough led to the band’s breakup shortly after the album’s release. A real loss, considering the quality of the material.
“The Lines Are Open” stands as a near‑perfect melodic rock/AOR album, every bit as strong as the band’s debut.
This YesterRock remaster — the album’s first appearance on CD — sounds pristine, restoring these long‑forgotten gems for ’80s AOR fans to rediscover and enjoy.
A must‑own reissue for collectors and lovers of classic Canadian melodic rock.