Autograph – Send Her To Me & Cloud 10 (FnA Records 2025)

🎸 Band: Autograph
💿 Album: Send Her To Me & Cloud 10 (Double Feature)
🏷 Label: FnA Records
📅 Release Year: 2025
🕰 Content: Demos, Outtakes, and Unreleased Material from the early to mid 80s

🔥 Background & History

Autograph, baby! It all started back in the early 80s with five seasoned players from the L.A. scene just jamming and writing songs together on the weekends — no pressure, just pure rock & roll fire. These guys weren’t strangers either. Steve Plunkett (vocals/guitar) was doing his thing with Silver Condor (Columbia Records), Keni Richards (drums) was banging the skins in The Coup (A&M Records), Steve Lynch (lead guitar) and Steve Isham (keyboards) were playing with Holly Penfield (Dreamland Records), and Randy Rand (bass) was tearing it up with Lita Ford. So yeah… seasoned and stacked!

Fast forward to 1983, and the gang — still not calling themselves Autograph yet — laid down some killer demos (a bunch of which are on this very release). The sound? Raw, exciting, and full of that early glam/pop metal punch. One of those tapes ended up in the hands of none other than legendary producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones), who liked it so much he offered to record them for free. You know you’re onto something when Andy Johns jumps in for the ride!

The big break came when Keni’s buddy David Lee Roth heard those demos and invited the band to open for Van Halen in Jacksonville, Florida on January 19, 1984. The guys packed up the Winnebago, hit the road, and somewhere along the way, they decided on the name Autograph. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Their debut album Sign In Please dropped in late 1984 — it was a slow burn at first, but man, did it catch fire. Their sophomore effort That’s the Stuff followed in ’85 and then came Loud and Clear in ’87 — probably their most technically sharp album to date. During their heyday, Autograph toured with some of the biggest names out there: Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Heart, Aerosmith, Dio, Bryan Adams, and Whitesnake. Not too shabby, right?

Now, in 2025, FnA Records has cracked open the vaults to bring us two discs full of rare demos, outtakes, and unreleased gems from the early to mid-80s in one killer package: Send Her To Me and Cloud 10. If you're a fan of Autograph, or just a lover of that sweet 80s melodic glam metal sound — this release is a freakin’ goldmine.

These aren’t some dusty old cassette rips either — the sound quality is shockingly good, and it all comes wrapped up in a beautifully put-together 16-page booklet featuring behind-the-scenes info and amazing vintage photos from legendary rock photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss. You’ve definitely seen his work before — most famously the cover of Loud and Clear — and now he’s back, adding that iconic flair to this release.

Mark himself says, “From the first time I shot them in ‘85 to the last time I saw them on Monsters of Rock Cruise in 2023, Autograph has always delivered. The sound never changed. The energy never faded.” We tip our hats to both Mark and FnA for bringing this one to life!

These songs truly capture the magic of a band just before they exploded — raw, real, and rocking. Guitarist Steve Lynch put it best: “There’s no way to describe the bond you build in a band like this. It defies logic, and it leaves you exhausted and exhilarated all at once.” (From his book Confessions of a Rock Guitarist)

And of course — as FnA always does — they’ve packed this release with plenty of fan-friendly buying options. Single CDs, double CD packs, signed fan bundles, vinyl (limited to just 50 units!), plus shirts, hoodies, hats, jackets, and all kinds of cool swag. For die-hards and collectors alike — this is the motherload.

🔥 Main Review & Track Highlights

Just WOW! As soon as I heard the opening riff of the first track “All Night Long” from the Send Her To Me disc, I knew I was in for a real treat! And let me tell you right off the bat — the sound quality on this release is seriously impressive. For a collection of demos and unreleased outtakes, this thing is crisp, loud, and it kicks ass in all the right ways.

“All Night Long” is a great opener and a perfect taste of what's to come. It’s got that unmistakable ‘80s flair — riffy, glammy, and dripping with that hard rock swagger we love so much. The vocals? Pure vintage Autograph. And the short but sweet guitar solo? Straight to heaven!

Next up, we’re hit with “Heart Attack,” and woof, what a ripper. One hell of a guitar solo in this one — it’s fiery, fast, and makes your heart skip a beat. Sure, the vocal delivery is great, but the guitar takes center stage here and shreds it to pieces.

Then we arrive at the title track, “Send Her to Me.” It starts off a little rough around the edges, but don't let that fool you — this one catches fire quick. The chorus is a sing-along stunner, and the solo is yet another standout moment. This song is classic Autograph — confident, melodic, and infectious.

But one of the biggest “oh shit!” moments for me came with “Turn Up The Tape Machine (Radio)” — and yes, you’re absolutely right if you think it sounds familiar. This one eventually evolved into “Turn Up The Radio,” arguably the band’s most iconic track. All the hallmarks are here — the killer riff, the ultra-melodic solo, the massive vocal hooks. This early version might be rougher, but it still SLAPS.

The disc keeps firing on all cylinders with songs like “In the Night” and “My Attitude,” the latter being a true hard rock gem. It’s got a fiery groove, catchy lyrics, and another one of those red-hot solos that just lights up your speakers.

“Sanctuary” and “Dead End Street” are solid mid-album bangers, but track 9, “All I’m Gonna Take,” is where I really lost it — in the best way. This song grabbed me from the very first riff. It’s got a serious AOR touch, amazing vocals, a perfect chorus, and that solo? Just wow. It’s one of the most complete, well-crafted songs on either disc.

The first CD wraps up with “Trading Secrets,” “You Make Me Bleed,” and “Simple Arithmetic.” While “Trading Secrets” and “Simple Arithmetic” are noticeably rougher demo tracks (circa 1983), they’re still cool to have — little windows into the band's creative roots. But “You Make Me Bleed”? Chef’s kiss. This ballad is emotionally rich, beautifully performed, and has some serious pedigree — originally written by Autograph’s Steve Plunkett and Steve Isham, it later appeared on Sic Vikki’s 1993 album Kiss Me in French. Both versions rock, but it’s a treat to hear it in this original form.

Now, on to Disc 2 — Cloud 10 — and let me tell you, they do not miss a beat.

The album kicks off with “Cloud 10” — an absolute BANGER with an AOR shine that works to perfection. Keyboards, guitar, vocals — it’s all there, and it hits hard.

Then boom — “Nineteen and Non-Stop” kicks down the door with a chorus that demands your attention and a bassline that bops right through your brain. Non-Stop greatness. Another absolute highlight, and yeah, I totally see what I did there with that song title. 😉

Tracks like “Angela” and “I’ve Got You” keep the fire burning, and “I’ve Got You” even features one of the best solos on this disc — pure ear candy.

But oh man… then comes “Angel in Black.” This song hit me like a train. I first discovered it on Bangalore Choir’s masterpiece debut On Target (1992), but to hear this version by Autograph, penned by Steve Plunkett? Just incredible. It's a punchy, classic-style hard rock track with stunning vocals and a short but heavenly solo. I cranked this one LOUD — no regrets.

The ride doesn’t stop there. “When I’m Gone,” “Sweet Temptation,” “One Way Dead End Street,” “Deep End,” and “Every Little Word” keep the momentum soaring. “Every Little Word” in particular is a total sing-along anthem — try NOT smiling during that one. I dare you.

But then… “Friday.” Oh hell yes. This track is perfection. If you love the 80s, if you live for that neon-drenched, big hair, arena-rock vibe — this song is your jam. Killer vocals, ripping guitars, and sweet, sweet keys — it’s all here in full force. And let's be real... Who doesn't like Fridays!?

And the closer? A live version of “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend Isn’t Me” — complete with a face-melting 4-minute guitar solo at the end. Now, I know extended solos aren’t for everyone, but this one? It sings, it screams, it bleeds. Absolutely brilliant.

🤘 Final Thoughts

After spinning both CDs a few times, I’m honestly shocked at how consistently good this release is. Sure, there are a couple rough demo moments here and there, but nothing that takes away from the experience. FnA Records and Autograph really knocked it out of the park with this one — I know some cuts and tracks have appeared on other compilations and bootlegs and what have you through the years but they gave these tracks the love and care they deserved, and now they finally see the light of day in the best possible way.

Final Score: A strong 9/10

🎯 Must Hear Tracks:
You Make Me Bleed, Angel In Black, Friday, Nineteen and Non-Stop, All Night Long, Turn Up The Tape Machine (Radio), All I’m Gonna Take