Never Change Your Mind

The Zoo Crew is spinning the power ballad "Never Change Your Mind" by Loudness from their iconic album Thunder in the East, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, one of the standout songs from the 1985 release, is a rare ballad for the Japanese heavy metal band, showcasing a softer side compared to their usual high-energy anthems. According to a review on Encyclopaedia Metallum, fans and critics consider it one of the band’s best attempts at a ballad, though some debated its placement as the album closer due to its slower, dramatic vibe with guitar divebombs and anthemic qualities. In a 2015 interview with Roppongi Rocks, vocalist Minoru Niihara didn’t list "Never Change Your Mind" among his personal favorites from the album, instead highlighting tracks like "Clockwork Toy" and "Crazy Nights." However, its unique light-and-shade dynamic and emotional depth have made it a fan favorite, often praised for its memorable chorus and Akira Takasaki’s intricate guitar work.

Another piece of trivia comes from the production of Thunder in the East. The album, produced by Max Norman, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, was a pivotal moment for Loudness. Norman pushed the band to refine their sound, and as Niihara recalled in the same Roppongi Rocks interview, the band brought a demo tape with 15 to 20 songs to the U.S., only for Norman to request additional tracks. While "Never Change Your Mind" wasn’t specifically mentioned in this context, its polished production and emotional resonance reflect Norman’s influence in shaping the album for an international audience. A post on X from @doomedparade in 2024 celebrated Loudness as the first Japanese metal band signed to a U.S. label (Atlantic Records), underscoring the significance of Thunder in the East and tracks like "Never Change Your Mind" in breaking cultural barriers in the global metal scene.

Loudness was formed in 1981 in Osaka, Japan, by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, both of whom had previously played in the pop-rock band Lazy. Disillusioned with the lighter sound of Lazy, Takasaki and Higuchi sought to create a heavier, more aggressive sound inspired by Western heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. They recruited vocalist Minoru Niihara and bassist Masayoshi Yamashita to complete the lineup, and Loudness quickly gained traction in Japan with their debut album, The Birthday Eve, in 1981. Their early work blended traditional heavy metal with a distinctly Japanese flair, earning them a dedicated following. By 1983, their growing international fanbase led to tours in North America and Europe, and their signing with Atlantic Records’ Atco label in 1985 for Thunder in the East marked a historic milestone as the first Japanese band to secure a major U.S. deal. This breakthrough, as noted in a Wikipedia entry, propelled the album to No. 74 on the U.S. Billboard 200, a first for a Japanese act.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Loudness’s world, the band’s official website is www.loudnessjp.com, where you can find tour dates, discography, and news. Their official Facebook page keeps fans updated with photos and announcements, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band’s activities. On X, you can follow them at @loudness228 for real-time updates, like their January 2025 post celebrating the 40th anniversary of Thunder in the East. Fans can also connect through the Loudness Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band. For more fan-driven content, Encyclopaedia Metallum provides detailed discographies and reviews, while Last.fm offers track insights and streaming options. These platforms are perfect for Zoo Freaks to keep the Loudness spirit alive!