This Could Be The Right One

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with This Could Be The Right One by April Wine from their 1984 album Animal Grace. This track, a pop-leaning gem, hit the charts fast but didn’t stick around long, reflecting the band’s struggles during its creation. The song’s recording was marked by tension, as band members were drifting apart, with frontman Myles Goodwyn even relocating to the Bahamas during this period. Despite the rocky vibes, the tune’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a fan favorite, with its music video capturing the 1980s rock spirit, thanks to heavy rotation on MTV. Fun fact: Animal Grace was dedicated to Robbie Whalen, though details about this dedication remain scarce, adding a layer of mystery for diehard fans.

The making of This Could Be The Right One wasn’t all smooth sailing. In a 2016 memoir, Just Between You and Me, Myles Goodwyn shared how the lengthy recording sessions for Animal Grace exposed deep rifts within the band. The track’s quick chart climb and abrupt stall mirrored the group’s internal chaos, with Goodwyn noting the album took “an extremely long time to record.” Yet, its polished sound, blending April Wine’s hard rock roots with a softer, radio-friendly edge, showed their versatility. Fans on April Wine’s Facebook often cite the song’s relatable lyrics about love’s uncertainty as a standout, with some calling it a “hidden gem” in posts on fan-driven groups like April Wine Fans.

Let’s rewind to how April Wine got their start. Formed in 1969 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the band came together when Myles Goodwyn, a singer-guitarist, teamed up with brothers David and Ritchie Henman and their cousin Jim Henman. Before April Wine, the Henmans played in a group called Prism, while Goodwyn rocked with a band called the Termites. After a brief university stint, they reunited, with David Henman naming the band “April Wine” for its romantic, ambiguous vibe. By 1970, they moved to Montreal, landing a deal with Aquarius Records after a bold move: misreading a rejection letter as an invitation! Their debut album, April Wine (1971), featured the single Fast Train, which got solid Canadian airplay and set the stage for their rise.

April Wine’s early days were gritty and determined. They toured eastern Canada relentlessly, sharing stages with bands like Mashmakhan, and recorded their first hit, a cover of Hot Chocolate’s You Could Have Been a Lady, which topped Canadian charts in 1972. Goodwyn’s songwriting and raw vocals became the band’s backbone, even as lineup changes shuffled the roster. Over the decades, they racked up 16 studio albums, 11 Juno nominations, and inductions into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk of Fame (2023). Their official site, aprilwine.ca, keeps fans updated on tours, while their Instagram and X accounts share throwback photos and show announcements.

For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan hubs like aprilwine.ws, a dedicated fan site with discography details and rare photos. The April Wine Fans Facebook group is a lively spot where supporters swap stories, vinyl finds, and concert memories. Though Myles Goodwyn passed in 2023, the current lineup—Brian Greenway, Richard Lanthier, Roy Nichol, and Marc Parent—keeps the rock alive, as seen in recent Instagram posts hyping their North American gigs. So, crank up This Could Be The Right One and vibe with April Wine’s timeless sound!