Artist: TAKARA
Album: ETERNITY - THE BEST 93-98 (CD)

Release date: 2004
Media type: CD

Takara was originally formed in August of 1987. After a few months rehearsals Takara made their debut in October with a show in Hollywood. With this show came the start of Takara's career. Takara proceeded to play many more shows throughout 1987-88. In November of 1988 Takara went into the studio to record their first demo with producer Jeff Scott Soto. As Takara entered the studio it became apparent that the current singer of Takara was not ready to record. In order to finish the new Takara demo, Jeff Soto was asked to help out, and sing on the demo. Thus then began a very long and prosperous relationship between Takara and Jeff Scott Soto. In 1990 Takara again with Jeff Soto producing, and singing went back into the studio to record what would then become their debut CD "Eternal Faith" Takara recorded ten new songs for this soon to be CD. Between Neal Grusky's guitar work, and Jeff's vocals it seemed like a perfect match. In 1992 Takara regrouped and added new members that would be a part of the Takara debut CD " Eternal Faith". Takara line was now complete with Jeff Soto on vocals, Neal Grusky on Guitar, Bob Duda on Drums and Gary Schutt on Bass. In August of 1993 Takara was rewarded for all their hard work and sacrifice. Zero corporation(Japan) and Now and Then records(Europe) offered Takara a deal to release their first CD "Eternal Faith". "Eternal Faith" was released in December 1993 to a very receptive audience. This new CD entered the Burrn Charts at #16, and European charts at #8. With songs like "Spotlight", Two Hearts", "Restless Heart", "Colors Fade", and "Passions of the Heart" is was easy to see why "Eternal Faith" had such a strong impact for a debut album. Takara's new CD went onto to sell 15,000 worldwide. These were very impressive numbers for a band that didn't even tour Japan or Europe. Takara received much acclaim for this CD in the magazines, and radio. After a short break the band began work on what was to become their 2nd CD "Taste of Heaven". With the excitement created from their 1st Cd "Eternal Faith" many fans eagerly awaited this new follow up 2nd release from Takara. Right before rehearsals began for "Taste of Heaven" Bassist Carl Demarco joined Takara. With this lineup together Neal,Jeff, Carl, and Bob set out to pick up where "Eternal Faith" left off, and produce an album that takes Takara fans to new heights. Takara once again had to not only come up with a great CD, but avoid the sophomore jinx that had so commonly plagued many other bands after a excellent debut CD. After a short break Takara returned to the studio to record their long awaited 2nd CD "Taste of Heaven". This time around the band had some very special surprises in store for their fans. This time around the band enlisted Bob Daisly on bass, from Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, etc. The band felt his guest performances on two songs, and his direction from all his years of experience would be important to the outcome of this new CD. Also, The band provided two acoustic bonus tracks, "Restless Heart" and "Your Love.". Once again Takara proved that it was here to stay. With songs like "When Darkness Falls ", "December", "Days of Dawn", "Your Love", and "Lonely Shade of Blue" who could deny this was a band to be reckoned with. "Taste of Heaven" was released in May of 1995. Magazine and radio play attention was quickly focusing their eyes on this new and exciting band that had emerged from nowhere creating one hit after another. Zero corporation (Japan) and Long Island records (Europe) released this standout CD and never looked back. Upon its release "Taste of Heaven" was selling so well that Long Island records brought Takara to Germany for a promo tour. After one week in Germany Takara returned home to find that their new CD had broken into the Billboard chart for Japan and hit #96! Quite an accomplishment for a non Japanese band.

TRACKLIST:

1. Spotlight
2. Two Hearts Together
3. Restless Heart
4. Fallen Angel
5. Colors Fade
6. When Darkness Falls
7. Days Of Dawn
8. Your Love
9. December
10. Last Mistake
11. Lonely Shade Of Blue
12. Take You Down
13. Your Love Tonight
14. Don't Wanna Be Alone
15. Blind In Paradise
16. Say You'll Stay
17. Restless Heart (Acoustic)
18. Your Love (Acoustic)