Stranger To Me

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Stranger To Me" by Giant from their 1989 album Last of the Runaways, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This track, a heartfelt power ballad, captures the pain of emotional distance in a relationship, with its soaring vocals and melodic guitar riffs. In a 1990 interview with Metal Edge, lead singer Dann Huff shared that the song was inspired by personal experiences of feeling disconnected from someone close, a theme that resonated with fans. The band revealed on their now-archived MySpace page that the song’s lush production, including its layered harmonies, was a nod to the era’s big-budget rock sound, crafted in the studio with producer Terry Thomas. Fans on the Giant Rock Fans Facebook group often cite the song’s emotional bridge—“Come back, come back babe, an’ tell me what’s on your mind”—as a standout moment that hits hard during live performances.

Another tidbit from a 2010 X post by the band’s official account mentioned that Last of the Runaways was recorded in Los Angeles under tight deadlines, with "Stranger To Me" being one of the last tracks completed. The band worked late nights to perfect the song’s emotional delivery, with Dann Huff reportedly re-recording his vocals multiple times to capture the raw vulnerability the lyrics demanded. The Giant Fan Zone website recounts a story from a 1990 concert where the band dedicated the song to fans going through heartbreak, sparking an impromptu sing-along that left the crowd in tears. The Zoo Freaks would likely vibe with this, as the song’s universal theme of longing makes it a perfect fit for late-night radio spins.

Giant was formed in 1987 by brothers Dann and David Huff, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. Dann, a sought-after session guitarist, had already built a reputation working with artists like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston before deciding to front his own band. Inspired by their love for melodic hard rock bands like Journey and Foreigner, the Huff brothers recruited keyboardist Alan Pasqua and bassist Mike Brignardello to create a sound that blended polished AOR with raw energy. According to a bio on their Facebook page, their big break came when A&M Records signed them after hearing a demo tape that included early versions of tracks like "I’ll See You in My Dreams" and "Innocent Days." Their debut album, Last of the Runaways, released in 1989, showcased Dann’s vocal prowess and guitar skills, earning them a loyal following.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. A 2014 interview on Instagram Live with Dann Huff revealed that the band faced pressure from their label to produce radio-friendly hits, which shaped the polished sound of "Stranger To Me." Despite lineup changes and the grunge wave of the early ’90s sidelining melodic rock, Giant continued to tour and release music sporadically. Fans can stay updated through their official website, connect on Facebook, follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, or check X for tour announcements. The Giant Rock Fans Facebook group and Giant Fan Zone are great spots for Zoo Freaks to join discussions, share concert memories, and keep the love for Giant’s music alive.