Caution to the Wind

The song "Caution to the Wind" by Tangier from their 1991 album Stranded is a standout track that captures the band’s bluesy hard rock essence, drawing from influences like Free, Cream, and Led Zeppelin. Co-written by guitarist Doug Gordon and Jim Peterik of Survivor, the song features beautiful 12-string guitar work and key changes that create a dynamic, uplifting vibe, as noted by reviewers on SonicHits. Its intricate composition, with slide guitars and a howling Hammond organ, sets it apart from the typical late ‘80s hair metal sound, showcasing Tangier’s roots in classic rock and blues. While specific interviews or social media posts about the song are scarce, its inclusion on the Stranded album, which was praised for standing “head and shoulders above” many contemporaries, highlights its significance in the band’s catalog.

Despite its quality, "Caution to the Wind" and the Stranded album faced challenges breaking through due to the oversaturated hair metal scene of the late ‘80s, as mentioned in a SonicHits review. The song’s production, heavier than their previous work on Four Winds, reflects the band’s evolution with new vocalist Mike LeCompt, whose gruff, soulful delivery added a fresh edge. Fans on platforms like Last.fm have celebrated Tangier’s ability to avoid the “pretense or makeup” of their peers, focusing instead on authentic, blues-based rock, with "Caution to the Wind" exemplifying this approach. The song’s lack of mainstream airplay didn’t diminish its appeal among dedicated listeners, who appreciated its nod to influences like Bad Company and Johnny Winter.

Tangier formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1984, founded by songwriter and guitarist Doug Gordon. The band cut their teeth in the local club scene alongside acts like Cinderella, who later helped Tangier gain exposure by having them open during their second major tour. Their debut self-titled album in 1985, featuring Bill Mattson on vocals, Gordon and Rocco Mazzella on guitars, Mike Kost on bass, and Mark Hopkins on drums, achieved minor local success but didn’t break nationally. Gordon, determined to refine the band’s sound, disbanded the original lineup and reformed Tangier with Mattson and drummer Adam F. Ferraioli, though Ferraioli soon left to join Britny Fox. By the time of their 1989 album Four Winds, with new members like Garry Nutt on bass and Bobby Bender on drums, Tangier secured a major label deal and leaned into a bluesier hard rock style.

The band’s journey continued with lineup changes for Stranded in 1991, where Mike LeCompt replaced Mattson, bringing a heavier, more soulful vocal presence. Despite critical praise, Tangier struggled against the tide of grunge and the decline of hair metal, leading to their breakup in 1992. Gordon, LeCompt, and Nutt remained active in music, with LeCompt performing in the Philadelphia area and Nutt touring with artists like Chubby Checker. Tangier’s legacy endures among fans of late ‘80s rock, celebrated for their authentic sound and influences rooted in blues and Southern rock, as detailed on sites like Sleaze Roxx.

Fans can connect with Tangier’s legacy through their official website, TangierBand.com, dedicated to keeping the band’s memory alive. While Tangier does not maintain active official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or X, fans can find discussions and tributes on platforms like Facebook groups for hard rock and hair metal enthusiasts, though no specific Tangier fan group was identified. Fan-driven sites like Sleaze Roxx and Rate Your Music offer detailed discographies and community reviews, fostering appreciation for Tangier’s work, including "Caution to the Wind."