We Are The Young

The song "We Are the Young" from Paul Laine's debut album Stick It In Your Ear is a standout track that captures the vibrant energy of early '90s hard rock. Described as a fist-raising anthem, it’s a powerful, sing-along rocker that showcases Laine’s youthful exuberance and vocal prowess. Fans and reviewers alike have praised its catchy melodies and big hooks, with one blogger noting it’s the kind of song that makes you want to “sing over and over” due to its infectious energy. The track, part of the 1990 Elektra release produced by the legendary Bruce Fairbairn, helped establish Laine as a rising star in the melodic rock scene. Its anthemic quality has made it a favorite among Zoo Freaks, perfectly suiting the high-energy vibe of THE ZOO radio station.

Interestingly, the album Stick It In Your Ear, which includes "We Are the Young," was reissued in 2011 with four bonus tracks, one of which, “After the Rain,” was highlighted by fans as a potential standout had it been on the original release. The album’s production, with Fairbairn at the helm, drew comparisons to Bon Jovi, but Laine’s unique voice and songwriting gave it a distinct edge. In a 2024 interview with LouderSound, Laine reflected on the pressure to follow up such a strong debut, stating he always aimed to write his best without compromising, a mindset that resonates in the raw passion of "We Are the Young." The song’s enduring appeal is evident in fan discussions on platforms like 80smetalman’s Blog, where it’s hailed as a “must-hear” for its phenomenal impact.

Paul Laine, born on October 12, 1967, in Vancouver, Canada, had an unconventional start to his music career. Leaving home at just 13, he was playing in bars before he turned 18, honing his skills as a singer, guitarist, and keyboardist in Vancouver’s rock scene. His persistence paid off when a demo caught the attention of Canadian VJ Terry David Mulligan, leading to a management deal and eventually a contract with Elektra Records in 1989. That same year, Laine formed a band with guitarist Kenny Chaos, drummer Pat Steward, bassist Scott Brown, and keyboardist Paul Gogo, recording Stick It In Your Ear. His determination was evident when he secured Bruce Fairbairn as producer, a move that elevated the album’s quality and led to singles like "We Are the Young" and "Dorianna" gaining traction in Canada.

Laine’s early musical epiphany came at a Vancouver music festival in the early 1980s, where he saw the Seattle metal band Rail open for The Beach Boys. In a LouderSound interview, he recalled being blown away by Rail’s Van Halen-like energy, saying, “It was the first time I smoked pot and saw a naked girl. The next day I bought a guitar and swore to do this for a living.” This moment sparked his lifelong passion for music, leading to a career spanning over 25 years, including a decade fronting Danger Danger, and later forming bands like Shugaazer, Darkhorse, and The Defiants. In 2024, Laine joined the Canadian Music Hall of Fame group Trooper as their lead singer, cementing his legacy in rock.

For fans looking to connect with Paul Laine, his official presence is active across several platforms. His official website, paullaine.com, offers updates on his music and projects. You can follow him on Facebook for news and tour announcements, and on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. While Laine maintains a presence on X, he’s less active there, but fans can still find updates. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, joining fan communities like the Paul Laine Fan Club on Facebook provides a space to share love for his music, discuss tracks like "We Are the Young," and connect with other melodic rock enthusiasts. Additionally, sites like MelodicRock.com frequently feature Laine’s work, offering a hub for fans to explore his discography and upcoming shows.