Turn This Love Around

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt track "Turn This Love Around" by RTZ from their album Lost, a song that resonates with the Zoo Freaks for its emotive lyrics and classic AOR sound. While specific interviews or social media posts directly about this song are scarce, the album Lost, released on September 28, 1998, by MTM Records, was built from leftover recordings from the band’s early 1990s sessions. According to information from Wikipedia, these tracks were initially shelved after RTZ parted ways with Giant Records, but guitarist Barry Goudreau’s persistence led to their eventual release. The song’s polished production and soaring melodies, characteristic of RTZ’s style, reflect the band’s aim to recapture the magic of their debut album, Return to Zero, which had spawned the hit "Until Your Love Comes Back Around."

Another tidbit about Lost comes from Last.fm, which notes that the album included a track called "Dangerous," originally exclusive to the Japanese release. While "Turn This Love Around" itself isn’t singled out in available sources, its inclusion on Lost ties it to the band’s bittersweet history, as the album marked a continuation of RTZ’s work after the departure of lead singer Brad Delp, who left to rejoin Boston. Fans on platforms like RTZ’s Facebook page often share nostalgia for the band’s melodic rock era, with some posts praising the emotional depth of tracks from Lost, likely including "Turn This Love Around."

RTZ’s origins trace back to 1989, when Boston band members Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau sought a new creative outlet. As detailed on AllMusic, Delp was on hiatus from Boston and eager to write again, while Goudreau, who had left Boston earlier, had stayed in touch with Delp, contributing to each other’s solo projects. Their collaboration birthed RTZ, with the duo recruiting keyboardist Brian Maes, drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald. Maes and Stefanelli had worked with producer Nick Lowe, and Archibald’s band New Man had released an album on Epic, bringing a wealth of experience to the lineup. By 1991, RTZ secured a deal with Giant Records, releasing their debut album Return to Zero, which featured the Top 30 hit "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," penned by Maes.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After touring extensively for their debut, RTZ felt neglected by Giant Records and requested a release from their contract, as noted on thirdstage.ca. Delp’s decision to return to Boston during this period led to the band’s temporary dissolution, as the remaining members believed replacing him was impossible. Despite this, Goudreau revived RTZ years later for Lost and subsequent releases like Lost and Found in 2004. The band even reunited in 2007, with former Boston drummer Sib Hashian, to release a single, "Rockin’ Away," celebrating Boston’s 30th anniversary, and later performed at a 2008 tribute concert for Delp after his passing, as mentioned on Wikipedia.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into RTZ’s world, the band’s official website, barrygoudreau.com/rtz, offers a hub for discography and updates. Their Facebook page remains active with fan interactions, though their Instagram presence is minimal, mostly tagged by fans using #rtzband. On X, searches for RTZ yield sporadic fan posts, but no official band account is prominent. Fans can also connect via the RTZ - Return To Zero Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories and rare tracks. Additionally, thirdstage.ca, a fan site dedicated to Boston and related acts, provides detailed RTZ history and discography, making it a treasure trove for devoted listeners.