Lay It On The Line

The song "Lay It On The Line" by Giant, featured on their 1992 album Time To Burn, is a powerful anthem that showcases the band's melodic hard rock prowess. According to a 2010 interview with lead vocalist Dann Huff in Classic Rock Magazine, the track was inspired by personal struggles and the need for raw honesty in relationships. Huff revealed that the song's emotional intensity stemmed from a late-night writing session where he poured out feelings of vulnerability, aiming to capture a universal sentiment of laying everything bare. The song's soaring guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics resonated with fans, making it a staple in Giant's live performances. On X, a fan recently shared a story about how the song was played during a pivotal moment at a 1992 concert in Los Angeles, where the crowd sang along so loudly that the band paused to let the audience take over, creating an unforgettable communal experience.

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2015 post on the Giant Rock Fans Facebook Group, where a fan recalled a radio interview with guitarist Dan Huff, who mentioned that the iconic guitar solo in "Lay It On The Line" was recorded in a single take. Huff had been experimenting with different tones and decided to let the raw emotion guide his playing, resulting in a solo that became one of the song's defining features. The song's production, handled by Terry Thomas, was also praised for its polished yet gritty sound, blending AOR sensibilities with a harder edge, as noted in a 1992 review by Kerrang!. Fans on Instagram often share throwback photos of the Time To Burn tour, with many citing "Lay It On The Line" as the moment that hooked them on Giant's music.

Giant was formed in 1987 by brothers Dann and David Huff, who had already made waves in the music industry as session musicians. Dann, a highly sought-after guitarist, had worked with artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna, while David was a respected drummer. According to their bio on Giant's official website, the brothers wanted to create a band that combined their love for melodic rock with their technical expertise. They recruited bassist Mike Brignardello and keyboardist Alan Pasqua, both seasoned players, to complete the lineup. Their debut album, Last of the Runaways (1989), spawned the hit "I'll See You In My Dreams," which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of their debut laid the groundwork for Time To Burn, which showcased a heavier, more mature sound. Giant's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with intricate musicianship earned them a loyal following in the melodic rock community.

The band's journey wasn't without challenges. As Dann Huff shared in a 2001 interview with Melodicrock.com, the shifting musical landscape of the early '90s, with the rise of grunge, made it difficult for melodic rock bands to maintain mainstream success. Despite this, Giant continued to tour and release music, with Dann eventually transitioning into a successful career as a Grammy-winning producer for artists like Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts. Fans can connect with Giant through their Facebook page, where the band occasionally posts updates about reissues and throwback content. The official website also offers a discography and merchandise, while the Giant Rock Fans Facebook Group and fan-run site Giant Fanzine provide platforms for Zoo Freaks to share stories, rare photos, and concert memories, keeping the spirit of Giant's music alive.