STRIKER striker AB4165

Striking a Chord: Striker’s 1978 Self-Titled Debut (AB 4165)

Today’s entry takes us back to the late 1970s American rock scene with the self-titled debut album from the band Striker. Released in 1978 on Arista Records, this 12-inch vinyl LP carries the catalog number AB 4165.

This album is a prime example of the transitional era between classic 70s rock and the polished AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) that would come to dominate the early 80s. Striker hailed from the Seattle area (recording at Kaye-Smith Studios) and delivered a sound characterized by strong melodies, vocal harmonies, and driving guitar work.

The band featured a lineup including Rick Randle, Scott Rosburg, Rick Ramirez, and Rick Taylor. Produced by Harry Maslin, the album offers a mix of hard-driving rockers and melodic tunes. Tracks like “Midnight Flyer,” “Hard On Me,” and the anthemic closer “We Got The Power” showcase their musicianship.

AB 4165 is a solid pickup for collectors of vintage American hard rock and AOR. It captures a talented band delivering a polished, radio-friendly sound that fits perfectly alongside contemporaries like Foreigner or Toto, representing the high production standards of the late 70s major label rock scene.