Smiles Like a Child

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the track "Smiles Like a Child" by Hurricane from their 1990 album Slave to the Thrill, getting their Zoo Freaks hyped. This song, one of the closing tracks on the album, stands out for its upbeat tempo and heavier riffs compared to some of the record’s more bluesy or melodic moments. According to a review on HardRock 80, while the album struggled with promotion due to label issues, "Smiles Like a Child" was noted as "not displeasing" for its energetic pace and harder-hitting style, giving fans a reason to crank up the volume. It’s a track that captures Hurricane’s attempt to blend their signature hard rock sound with a slightly more accessible vibe, though it didn’t get the spotlight it deserved due to the band’s label, Enigma, facing financial woes at the time.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from frontman Kelly Hansen’s own reflections on the Slave to the Thrill era. In interviews, Hansen has shared how the band poured their hearts into the album, only to hit a wall when Enigma’s collapse left them high and dry. He recounted in a later interview with Rock Eyez how the lack of label support meant canceling tour dates, which was a gut punch for the band. For "Smiles Like a Child," this meant the song never got its moment to shine on the road, though Hansen’s powerful vocals and the band’s tight performance still make it a fan favorite among diehard Zoo Freaks who dig into Hurricane’s catalog. The track’s optimistic title might hint at a lighter theme, but its gritty energy reflects the band’s resilience during a tough period.

Hurricane got their start in the mid-1980s in Los Angeles, the heart of the hair metal scene. Formed by brothers Tony and Robert Cavazo, alongside drummer Jay Schellen and singer Kelly Hansen, the band was born out of a shared love for hard rock and a desire to make waves in a crowded market. Tony, the bassist, had connections to the scene through his brother Rudy Sarzo, a well-known bassist for bands like Quiet Riot and Whitesnake. According to their bio on their official website, Hurricane’s early days were all about grinding it out in clubs on the Sunset Strip, building a rep for their high-energy shows and catchy hooks. By 1985, they’d landed a deal with Enigma Records, kicking off their career with their debut album Take What You Want. Their persistence paid off with Over the Edge in 1988, which spawned the hit "I’m On to You," cementing their place in the hard rock world.

You can keep up with Hurricane through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on music and occasional throwbacks to their glory days. Fans also gather on the Hurricane Band Fans Facebook group, a spot where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, rare photos, and love for tracks like "Smiles Like a Child." While the band’s official site remains the hub for news, the fan group is a goldmine for connecting with fellow enthusiasts who still vibe to Hurricane’s classic sound.