In The Shade Of The Sun

Yo, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning a gem today with In The Shade Of The Sun by Saraya from their 1991 album When The Blackbird Sings. This track is a standout, blending heartfelt lyrics with a dramatic build that crescendos into one of Tony "Bruno" Rey’s stinging guitar solos, often hailed as a pinnacle of the late hair metal era. Fans on platforms like Reddit have been vibing to it, with some looping it endlessly for its emotional depth. The song’s lyrics, like “One love upon the shore / What need have you to care anymore?” evoke a reflective, almost spiritual tone, which some interpret as a call to let go of past burdens. In a 2019 interview on Focus on Metal, Sandi Saraya shared that the album’s darker, more mature sound came from personal struggles and a desire to push beyond their debut’s polish, making this track a raw, soulful reflection of that growth.

Another cool tidbit comes from the album’s production, helmed by Peter Collins, known for his work with Queensryche and Rush. According to a feature on Get Ready to ROCK!, In The Shade Of The Sun was crafted to let Sandi’s vocals—compared to Chrissie Hynde and Ann Wilson—shine alongside the band’s evolving guitar-driven sound. Fans have noted on SonicHits that the track’s atmospheric quality feels like a journey, with Sandi’s raspy yet smooth delivery carrying an almost cinematic weight. A YouTube commenter on a subtitled version of the song called Sandi’s voice “celestial,” and it’s easy to see why—this track’s emotional pull is timeless, perfect for our Zoo Crew vibe.

Now, let’s rewind to how Saraya got rolling. Formed in New Jersey in 1987, the band was sparked by vocalist Sandi Saraya and keyboardist Gregg Munier, initially performing under the name Alsace Lorraine. As detailed on Wikipedia, the duo chased stardom in Los Angeles, renaming themselves Saraya to center Sandi as the band’s magnetic frontwoman. After a tough, broke stint in L.A., they returned to Jersey, where they met mentor Sandy Lizner, who connected them with management and PolyGram Records. The lineup solidified with guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey (ex-Danger Danger), bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1989, scoring minor hits like Love Has Taken Its Toll. By the time When The Blackbird Sings hit in 1991, the band leaned harder into guitar-driven hard rock, though internal shifts, like Munier’s departure due to the heavier sound, marked their evolution.

For those wanting to dive deeper, Saraya’s official presence is sparse, but you can catch updates on Sandi’s work via her Facebook page, where she occasionally shares music and personal reflections. There’s no official Instagram or X account for the band, but Tony Rey stays active on Instagram, posting about his production work with artists like Rihanna and Joan Jett. Fan communities are alive and well—check out the Saraya Fan Group on Facebook for nostalgic discussions and rare photos. For more fan-driven content, SonicHits has a trove of lyrics and fan comments. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those vibes high and let In The Shade Of The Sun carry you—stay tuned for more from the Zoo Crew!