Pablo Cruise - Worlds Away (1978)

(U.S 1973–1986, 1996–present)

Formed in 1973 in San Francisco, the band chose the name Pablo Cruise because "Pablo represents an honest, real, down-to-earth individual; and Cruise depicts his fun-loving and easygoing attitude towards life."

The band struggled to find success with their first couple of  albums, but their third album, 1977's 'A Place in the Sun', helped them break through, reaching #19 on the Billboard album chart and producing the band's first three charting songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including their first Top 10 hit, "Whatcha Gonna Do?," which reached #6 (and #1 in Canada).

Worlds Away was their follow-up album, with it's pure late '70s pop rock. It's a little harder than what I would consider "soft rock," but definitely well within what we would now call yacht rock. Along with the band members, they had help from Steve Porcaro (keyboards) and Mike Porcaro (bass) from Toto. At least one of the Porcaro brothers had a hand in many albums around this time.

The album was their highest-charting, going to #6 on the Billboard album chart and eventually going platinum in the U.S. It also spawned their second Top 10 hit, "Love Will Find a Way" (also #6), as well as another Top 25 hit ("Don't Want to Live Without It" #21) and another song that barely missed the Top 40 ("I Go to Rio" #46). The title track, "Worlds Away" was not released as single, but remains a favorite among many fans of the band today.

Before the album was recorded, original bassist Bud Cockrell left the band and was replaced by former Santana member Bruce Day as new band member, but according to their Producer - Bill Schnee, it is Mike Porcaro who did the bass in the studio.

 As with many bands, they went through some lineup changes over the following several years, and while they had a couple more Top 20 songs, they never captured the magic of Worlds Away. Then, as the popularity of yacht rock waned and the popularity of new wave and synth pop rose, they tried to change their sound to adapt, but it didn't work. They broke up in 1984, tried to reunite in 1985, but couldn't get a record deal and broke up again.

In 2005 a reunited Pablo Cruise picked up where they left off and today the band performs all over the U.S. and Canada and they’re enjoying it more than ever….Since getting back together, they have released two live CD’s and a DVD all through Sony Music documenting their exceptional live shows. “One of the great things about playing shows after all these years is that the core band, David, Steve and myself are still here and lovin’ it, says Cory! 

David Jenkins & Bruce Day on stage

Going out and playing shows these days gives us the opportunity to not only pay tribute to our timeless repertoire, it gives us a chance to see old friends and fans from back in the day, as well as, gaining a whole new audience!” Today Pablo Cruise is bringing more energy and excitement to the stage than ever before. The band has never sounded better!

Pablo Cruise Today

Album Reviews
Just like the name implies, Pablo Cruise glides like a warm breeze. Alongside other bands that blew out of the chrysalis of early light and easy radio, Pablo Cruise swayed natural and cool, evoking a rock unit transplanted in Bermuda, entertaining by the pool. "Love Will Find a Way" (probably no connection to the Yes song) grooves like Player in a Hawaiian shirt with a deep, dark tan. This stylish summer single effortlessly scaled to the top of the charts. 

Follow-up "Don't Wanna Live Without It" is another crafty cocktail. Then Worlds Away hits adult contemporary cruise control until the whole crew packs up to "Go to Rio" (a perfect cover closer). Pablo Cruise adheres to corporate rock rules, and wrote groovy music for smooth sailing (taken from allmusic.com)

Pablo Cruise are easily recognisable and distinctive from other 70s bands involved in the 'West Coast' pop rock sound. I think most people like myself would have become interested in the band after hearing "Love will find a Way" on the radio. It's a great song and has all the Pablo Cruise blueprint features - keyboard anchored, a tinge of RnB beat, powerful harmonies and the deep Tom Jonesish voiced singer(s).

Often there's a Latin element within their music (eg. I go to Rio) and a coastal vibe and the album plays right through after the solid opener "Worlds Away". Speaking of the the opening track "Worlds Away", it is really upbeat and cheerful and should have been a single, but somehow got overlooked. Side one closes with the powerful ballad "Runnin' (Away)" which features some wonderful keyboard runs and beautiful vocal harmonies. 

Why this incredible band did not break through after this I do not know. Great harmonies, musicianship and melodies. This is one of my all time favourite albums that I listened to 'repeatedly' during my Uni Days and helped to motivate me during my study sessions and dream about being far away on a warm, sunny tropical island.

This post consists of FLACS ripped from my trusty vinyl and artwork for both vinyl and CD media. No bonus tracks this time, but you won't be disappointed with what this album has to offer and 'excels'  as it stands.

Tracklisting:

01  Worlds Away  3:50

02  Love Will Find A Way  4:16

03  Family Man  5:02

04  Runnin’  6:34

05  Don’t Want To Live Without It  4:41

06  You’re Out To Lose  3:31

07  Always Be Together  5:03

08  Sailing To Paradise  3:37

09  I Go To Río  4:20

The Band:

David Jenkins - Guitar, Lead & Background Vocals

Cory Lerios - Keyboards and Background Vocals

Stephen Price - Drums and percussion

Bruce Day - Bass, Lead & Background Vocals

Also on Bass - Mike Porcaro

Synthesizers programmed and performed by James Newton Howard, Steve Porcaro and Cory Lerios

Pablo Cruise Link (220Mb)