Imagine if one of Bryan Adams’ most iconic songs had ended up in the hands of another band. It’s a mind-boggling thought, right? But that’s exactly what almost happened. In the early days of his career, Adams and his songwriting partner, Jim Vallance, had a habit of writing songs for other artists, even if they weren’t sure how those songs would reach them. And this is the part most people miss: one of those songs was the chart-topping Run to You, originally penned for Blue Oyster Cult. But here’s where it gets controversial—did the band ever even hear it? According to Adams, the producer, Bruce Fairbairn, might never have played it for them. Instead, Run to You became the first of six singles from Adams’ 1984 album Reckless, catapulting him to new heights. But what if it had become a Blue Oyster Cult track? Adams’ guitarist, Keith Scott, was adamant: ‘Please don’t give it away!’ he pleaded. Would the song have had the same impact? That’s a question for the comment section.
Reckless wasn’t just a hit—it was a game-changer. It was the first album to sell over a million copies in Canada, certified 10 times platinum, and all six singles cracked the Billboard Top 20. Run to You peaked at No. 6, and the album sold over 12 million copies worldwide, becoming Adams’ second best-selling record after 1991’s Waking Up the Neighbours. But Blue Oyster Cult wasn’t the only band that almost got their hands on it. 38 Special also had a shot, though they passed—but they did record other Vallance/Adams collaborations, like Teacher, Teacher, which became a Top 40 hit.
Adams’ knack for writing for others didn’t stop there. He penned tracks for Kiss, Mötley Crüe, and even Joe Cocker, whose rendition of When the Night Comes became a Top 40 hit in 1989. Adams recalls working with Cocker fondly, though he admits, ‘I made the mistake of trying to keep up with Joe at one point. He had this thing called the Joe Cola—Bacardi and Coke. It flattened me.’ But here’s the real question: Did Adams’ collaborations dilute his own artistry, or did they enhance it? Let’s hear your thoughts.
Another near-miss came with Let Me Down Easy, originally intended for Reckless but ultimately given to Roger Daltrey for his 1985 solo album Under a Raging Moon. Adams reflects, ‘You’re talking about two of the most iconic singers in my life… To get the chance to work with your heroes and have a laugh doing it, it’s so much fun.’ But is it ever a good idea to give away a song you’ve poured your heart into? Share your take in the comments.
Fast forward to today, and Adams is embracing a ‘newfound freedom’ as an independent artist. His latest album, Roll With the Punches, is a testament to this shift. ‘Extracting myself from the past and moving into the future has been enormously liberating,’ he explains. The title track is an anthem for resilience, a theme that resonates deeply in his career. But here’s the controversial part: In an industry dominated by labels, is going independent the future for artists? Weigh in below.
From almost giving away a mega-hit to collaborating with legends and now charting his own path, Bryan Adams’ journey is a masterclass in creativity and reinvention. What’s your take on his bold moves? Let’s keep the conversation going!
