Album Review: Jimi Jamison - 1998 Live Hits (2025, Frontiers Music)

Written: 11th December 2025

Vocalist Jimi Jamison needs no introduction to any fan of AOR or Classic Rock. From his time in Target and Cobra to fronting Survivor (more than once) and his solo career, he was an extremely popular singer with an instantly recognisable voice until his untimely death in 2014. 1998 Live Hits is a soul-stirring look back to a pivotal point in Jimi Jamison’s post-Survivor career. Recordings from three shows (Little Rock, AR; Nashville, TN; and Bettendorf, IA) make up this thirteen track live album which includes iconic hits, deeper cuts, solo work and an interesting cover version.

The album kicks off with a rousing version of Burning Heart from the excellent Rocky IV soundtrack. It is a song that anyone who is a fan of classic eighties rock will be familiar with and it has appeared on dozens of rock compilations. Nevertheless, there is a pride in the delivery here and from the outset, Jamison and his band sound like they are having the time of their life; jubilance and passion ooze from each performance which comes through in resplendent fashion.

Jamison was always proud of his time in Survivor and his first album with them – Vital Signs – is well represented with four songs, all of which are firm favourites with fans. The band more than pays justice to the vibrant euphoria of High On You, the slow glory of The Search Is Over and the steady build of I Can’t Hold Back. I See You In Everyone almost reaches eight minutes long, allowing the musicians to stretch their muscles during a riveting expanded central instrumental section.

One of my favourite Survivor tracks has always been Rebel Son and the version here is grittier, stripping away some of the gloss of the studio version. It makes for a captivating rendition. Two other tracks from the same Survivor album – When Seconds Count – are also featured here: Oceans (pulsating and verdant in this guise) and Is This Love, the latter adding a fiery thunder with a sizzling guitar solo.

Inevitably, Baywatch theme tune I’m Always Here is given an outing and it is almost impossible to listen without a smile as Jamison gives everything to the track that delivered his biggest solo hit. This part of his career is also showcased through one of the heaviest tracks on the album, Rock Hard, complete with some mesmeric bass work from Jeff Adams, a drum solo from Pete Mendillo and an extended solo from Chris Adamson. It is pleasing to see some of Jamison’s own work from the nineties included.

Bringing a completely different atmosphere to the album is a moody and expressive performance of The Doors’ Riders On The Storm on which guitarist Wes Henley joins the band. Jamison once again allows the track length to be expanded and each member of the band has the opportunity to shine - especially keyboardist Hal Butler. The album ends with Survivor’s Too Hot To Sleep from the album of the same name and their biggest hit Eye of the Tiger -  of course, not originally sung by Jamison but performed by him live many times on tours in the mid to late eighties.

Photo: Courtesy of Debbie Jamison

For fans of melodic rock, 1998 Live Hits stands as a masterclass in why Jimi Jamison remains one of the most celebrated voices in AOR history. Supported by a seasoned band whose synergy is undeniable, the performances feel vibrant and authentic. Jeff Adams and Hal Butler provide a foundation of groove and harmonies that are fluid and commanding while Chris Adamson’s guitar textures and Pete Mendillo’s crisp driving rhythms add dynamic flair.

It is easy to look back with a sense of warm recollection, yet the quality of the material shines through with clarity. Obviously, some details are rooted in the tropes of the eighties but here they lend character and charm. The track listing is superb, spanning anthems, deep cuts and surprises and while this style of rock speaks most strongly to devoted genre enthusiasts, the sheer craft and enthusiasm on display makes it impossible to ignore. Jamison was a consummate performer and this live album is a fitting testament to his enduring legacy and a reminder of how much he is missed.

1998 Live Hits is released on 12th December 2025