Rocktrospectiva: The Finest "Can't Fight Fate" Turns 35

Released on 31 October 1989, although some other recalled it was on 7 October "Can't Fight Fate" was the second studio album by American singer Taylor Dayne, the album continued her chart success spawning four massive singles "With Every Beat Of My Heart" No. 5, "I'll Be Your Shelter" No. 4, "Heart Of Stone" No. 12 and of course he brilliant and her most synonymous song "Love Will Lead Your Back" that peaked at No. 1

One of the most fantastic and truly gifted vocalist of the late 80's., early 90's, her powerful and incredibly soulful vocals would go on to help secure her as not only one of the ‘80s strongest voices, but also one of the strongest of all time for certain people. The artist went on to do something that most artists struggle with, she released an equally, or maybe better, follow-up album. Like its predecessor, Can’t Fight Fate also delivered ten strong tracks, this time with the likes of the legendary hitmaker Dianne Warre.

On "Can’t Fight Fate" the artist gently tried to move away from the dance tracks from their Tell It To My Heart days. You can find a much more adult contemporary feel about this album, certain tracks from this album had supposedly been offered to Dayne’s peers at the time, perhaps Tina Turner or Whitney Houston, but were ultimately turned down. So they looked forward to Dayne and she not only gained some incredible songs, but she now had the music and production to sink that enormous voice into. 

Although the album is set in the adult contemporary genre, notable tracks like "I’ll Be Your Shelter" sit firmly in the pop arena, but with Warren"s artistry, they paved the way for Dayne’s vocals to remain unrestricted. The album's lead single "With Every Beat of My Heart" appeared as if it was designed to capitalize on the formula that had so clearly worked prior, and it did, confirming that Dayne was anything but a one hit wonder with a big voice.

The track "Heart of Stone." showcases the strength and soul in Dayne's vocals, and what about the feeling on "Love Will Lead You Back" one of the most heartbreaking power ballads ever released, "You Can't Fight Fate," also penned by Warren, and "Ain’t No Good" continue with this adult contemporary feel, heading into rock territory, something that worked wonders with Dayne’s voice. The dance floor was not forgotten either so she included "Up All Night," now this is a pure club classic.

Critics noticed and declared the album was lush and dramatic, especially for the power ballads, but the rock tracks here were the real killers, delivering a true rock star sound, the album is considered one of the most diverse and exciting dance pop and rock album from that magical and golden era in the late 80's/early 90's, unfortunately, she would not go on to achieve the same commercial success that both of these albums, in particular Can’t Fight Fate, went on to achieve. Even the phenomenal balladry that Dayne delivered on “Love Will Lead You Back” was not enough to see the singer secure the same commercial success she had become accustomed to, maybe because the times and sounds changed in the years to come, nevertheless, this is Dayne’s finest work to date. 

 

Can't Fight Fate Track List:  

 

1. With Every Beat Of My Heart

2. I'll Be Your Shelter

3. Love Will Lead You Back

4. Heart Of Stone

5. You Can't Fight Fate

6. Up All Night

7. I Know The Feeling

8. Wait For Me

9. You Meant The World Of Me

10. Ain't No Good