I Can't Look Away

The song "I Can't Look Away" from Trevor Rabin's 1989 album of the same name carries a deeply personal resonance for the artist. In a 1989 interview with Dan Neer, Rabin shared that the title track was inspired by his reflections on surviving his wild youth, a sentiment echoed in his later comments about the song "Big Mistakes" from his 2023 album Rio, where he marveled at being alive after his reckless younger years. The song’s introspective lyrics and soaring guitar work showcase Rabin’s ability to blend emotional storytelling with arena-rock energy, a hallmark of the album that he described in a 2004 interview as his best solo work. Fans on ProgArchives have noted the track’s powerful guitar solos and its place as a highlight of Rabin’s solo career, with one reviewer recalling the thrill of hearing it live at the album’s Boston release party in 1989, where Rabin himself noticed their enthusiasm for the music.

Another layer of intrigue surrounds the production of "I Can't Look Away." Rabin worked with renowned producer Bob Ezrin, known for his work with Pink Floyd and Alice Cooper, but their collaboration wasn’t without its challenges. In the Dan Neer interview, Rabin explained that there was initial tension as both he and Ezrin navigated their roles, given Rabin’s hands-on approach to engineering and production. Ezrin eventually found his place as a “coach,” providing crucial input that shaped the album’s polished sound, as Rabin noted in the album’s press release. The track also features contributions from Yes drummer Alan White, though his drumming is somewhat overshadowed by programmed drum machines, a stylistic choice that sparked mixed reactions among fans on Rabinesque, a blog dedicated to Rabin’s work.

Trevor Rabin’s journey to becoming a celebrated musician began in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was born into a musical family on January 13, 1954. His father was a concertmaster for the Johannesburg Symphony, and his mother was a skilled pianist, fostering Rabin’s early passion for music. He started playing piano and guitar as a child, quickly developing into a prodigious talent. By his teens, Rabin was already a session musician, working with various artists in South Africa. In 1972, he joined the rock band Rabbitt, which became a sensation in South Africa, earning accolades like the SARI Award for their album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night. Rabin’s first solo album, Beginnings, was released in 1977, recorded in just six weeks, showcasing his multifaceted skills as a guitarist, vocalist, and producer.

Seeking a broader audience, Rabin moved to London in 1978, where he signed with Chrysalis Records and reissued his debut album as Trevor Rabin. His time in London included producing for artists like Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, but it was his relocation to Los Angeles in 1981 that catapulted him to global fame. There, he joined the progressive rock band Yes, contributing to their 1983 album 90125 and co-writing the chart-topping hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” Rabin’s tenure with Yes from 1983 to 1995 redefined their sound, blending prog-rock with pop sensibilities, and earned him a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2017. His solo career and film scoring work, including blockbusters like Armageddon and Remember the Titans, further cemented his versatility.

Fans can connect with Trevor Rabin through his official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Dedicated fan communities thrive online, including the Trevor Rabin Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share updates and memories. The blog Rabinesque offers in-depth commentary on Rabin’s discography, while ProgArchives hosts fan reviews and discussions, making it a hub for “Zoo Freaks” to dive deeper into Rabin’s legacy.