There’s Another Side

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "There’s Another Side" by RTZ from their 1991 album Return to Zero, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its melodic rock energy. This song, one of the standout tracks from the album, was praised for its catchy hooks and Brad Delp’s soaring vocals, which carry the signature polish of his work with Boston. According to a review on Rate Your Music, "There’s Another Side" is among the album’s opening trio of tracks that grab listeners with their tight songwriting and AOR sheen, making it a favorite for fans of melodic rock. While specific interviews about the song are scarce, Barry Goudreau mentioned in a 2013 interview with thirdstage.ca that the Return to Zero sessions were a creative high point, with the band aiming to craft songs that balanced accessibility with emotional depth—qualities that shine through in "There’s Another Side." The song’s lyrics, as noted on Genius, explore themes of reconciliation and perspective, with lines like “You say we’re through and you don’t wanna fight,” adding a relatable narrative to its radio-friendly sound.

Delving into the song’s production, "There’s Another Side" benefited from the expertise of producer Chris Lord-Alge, whose work gave the track its glossy, arena-ready finish. A post on the fan-driven Brad Delp Fan Club Facebook group recalls how RTZ’s live performances of the song during their 1991-1992 tour showcased Delp’s vocal range, often leaving audiences in awe. Though no direct quotes from the band about this specific track have surfaced recently on platforms like Barry Goudreau’s X account, Goudreau has shared nostalgic posts about the Return to Zero era, hinting at the camaraderie and passion that fueled the album. Fans on the RTZ Fan Page have also shared stories of discovering the song on rock radio stations, with one user noting its airplay alongside hits like "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," which peaked at #26 on U.S. charts.

RTZ, short for Return to Zero, was born out of a collaboration between Boston alumni Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau in 1989. As detailed on BarryGoudreau.com, the seeds for RTZ were planted after Goudreau left Boston, but he and Delp remained close, with Delp contributing to Goudreau’s 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. By 1989, Delp was on hiatus from Boston and eager to dive back into songwriting. He reached out to Goudreau, and together they formed RTZ, bringing in keyboardist Brian Maes (also from Orion the Hunter’s touring band), drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald. Maes and Stefanelli had previously worked with producer Nick Lowe in England, while Archibald’s band New Man had released an album on Epic, giving the lineup a seasoned edge. Their chemistry landed them a deal with Giant Records, and Return to Zero was released in 1991, with "There’s Another Side" among its highlights.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After extensive touring and a successful single, RTZ felt neglected by Giant Records and sought to part ways, as noted on thirdstage.ca. During this transition, Delp rejoined Boston for their Walk On tour, leading to RTZ’s dissolution, as the remaining members believed Delp’s voice was irreplaceable. Despite this, leftover recordings from the Return to Zero sessions were later released as the 1998 album Lost and the 2004-2005 releases Lost and Found and Lost in America under Brian Maes’ Briola Records. For fans eager to connect, RTZ’s official presence is tied to Barry Goudreau’s website, though the band’s social media is limited. Barry Goudreau maintains an active X account, occasionally sharing RTZ-related memories, and a Facebook page. No official Instagram for RTZ exists, but fans can join vibrant communities like the RTZ Fan Page or the Brad Delp Fan Club on Facebook to share their love for "There’s Another Side" and RTZ’s legacy.