Overview
Phenomena is the debut studio album by the English rock project Phenomena, released on 21 June 1985 through Bronze Records. Conceived and produced by songwriter‑producer Tom Galley, the record functions as a loose concept album centered on various supernatural and paranormal phenomena.
Recording and Production
- Recorded: 1983–1985
- Producer / Mixer: Tom Galley (production, mixing) with Jon Jacobs (mixing, engineering) and Paul Robbins & Dan Priest (engineering).
Musical Style
The album blends hard rock with Album‑Oriented Rock (AOR), featuring melodic guitar work, prominent keyboards, and powerful vocal performances.
Track Listing (total length 37:34)
Side One
- “Kiss of Fire” – Tom Galley, Richard Bailey – 4:57
- “Still the Night” – Glenn Hughes, Pat Thrall, Paul Delph – 3:25
- “Dance with the Devil” – T. Galley, Mel Galley, Bailey – 4:43 (single, released 14 June 1985)
- “Phoenix Rising” – T. Galley, M. Galley, Bailey – 4:45
Side Two
- “Believe” – T. Galley, Bailey – 5:53
- “Who’s Watching You” – T. Galley, M. Galley – 3:40
- “Hell on Wings” – T. Galley, M. Galley, Bailey – 3:54
- “Twilight Zone” – T. Galley, Bailey – 4:13
- “Phenomena” – T. Galley, Paul Robbins – 2:04
Personnel
Core Musicians
- Glenn Hughes – lead vocals (tracks 1–8), bass guitar (tracks 2, 6)
- Mel Galley – guitars (tracks 2‑4, 6‑8), backing vocals (track 6)
- John Thomas – guitars (tracks 1‑3, 5‑8)
- Neil Murray – bass guitar (tracks 1, 3‑5, 7‑8)
- Cozy Powell – drums (tracks 1, 3‑5, 7‑8)
- Ted McKenna – drums (tracks 2, 6)
- Richard Bailey – keyboards (most tracks)
Additional Musicians include Alison McGinnis (backing vocals), Pete Green (backing vocals), Paul Robbins (backing/choral arrangements), Neil Willars (boy vocal soloist), Midland Boys Singers (choir), and Ric Sanders (fiddle on “Still the Night”).
Commercial Performance
| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 52 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) | 30 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) | 30 |
| UK Albums Chart | 63 |
Reception
Critical response was generally favorable. AllMusic awarded the album four and a half stars, noting its solid hard‑rock foundation and cohesive concept. Kerrang! also gave a strong rating, praising the collaborative roster of prominent rock musicians.
Related Media
A science‑fiction horror film inspired by the album’s concept was scripted, with artwork produced, but the project never progressed beyond development.
Legacy
Phenomena established the Phenomena brand as a supergroup collaboration model, leading to a sequel album, Phenomena II: Dream Runner, released in 1987. The debut remains a collectible item among fans of 1980s British hard rock and AOR.