McAuley Schenker Group - Perfect Timing (1987)

McAuley Schenker Group - Perfect Timing - Release Year 1987


Tracklist, Album Covers, Info and Fun Facts

"Gimme Your Love" (Rocky Newton, Robin McAuley) - 4:52
"Here Today—Gone Tomorrow" (Michael Schenker, McAuley) - 4:38
"Don't Stop Me Now" (Schenker, McAuley) - 3:56
"No Time for Losers" (Schenker, McAuley) - 4:13
"Follow the Night" (Schenker, McAuley) - 4:39
"Get Out" (Schenker, McAuley) - 4:07
"Love Is Not a Game" (Newton, McAuley, Alan Nelson) - 4:12
"Time" (Schenker, McAuley, Newton) - 4:00
"I Don't Wanna Lose" (Schenker, McAuley) - 4:15
"Rock 'Til You're Crazy" (Schenker, McAuley) - 4:05
2000 Japanese remaster bonus tracks
"Gimme Your Love" (Edit) (Newton, McAuley) - 4:25
"Follow the Night" (Edit) (Schenker, McAuley) - 4:21

“Perfect Timing” is the debut album by the McAuley Schenker Group, released in 1987. Combining melodic hard rock with powerful vocals and virtuosic guitar work, the album marked a successful collaboration between vocalist Robin McAuley and guitarist Michael Schenker.

The record blends catchy hooks with arena-ready rock anthems, establishing the band as a strong force in the late ‘80s rock scene.

Tracklist of “Perfect Timing”

1️⃣ Nightmare

2️⃣ Writing on the Wall

3️⃣ I’m Gonna Make You Mine

4️⃣ Perfect Timing

5️⃣ Love Slave

6️⃣ Get Away

7️⃣ Too Much to Heart

8️⃣ Follow the Night

9️⃣ Atmosphere

🔟 Dynamite

Fun Facts & Trivia

🎸 Guitar Virtuosity

Michael Schenker’s signature soaring guitar solos define the album’s melodic yet heavy sound, praised by fans and critics alike.

🎤 Vocal Power

Robin McAuley’s vocal range and emotive delivery helped the band carve out a unique identity distinct from Schenker’s prior work with UFO and Scorpions.

🔥 Hit Singles

“Gimme Your Love” and “Anytime” (though from later albums) became staples, while “Writing on the Wall” was a fan favorite from this debut.

🎶 Melodic Hard Rock

The album is a classic example of ‘80s melodic hard rock, with polished production and catchy choruses tailored for radio and MTV.

Cultural Legacy

“Perfect Timing” introduced the McAuley Schenker Group’s sound, influencing ‘80s rock fans and guitar enthusiasts. It remains a beloved album for its blend of melody and shred, keeping the spirit of classic hard rock alive during a shifting musical era.

Keywords

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Perfect Timing is the 5th full-length studio album recorded by the various M.S.G. lineups and the first album by the McAuley Schenker Group. It was the first collaboration between Michael Schenker and Robin McAuley (ex-Grand Prix and Far Corporation), resulting in Schenker's first top 100 US hit with the song "Gimme Your Love."

At this point, the band featured an eclectic mix of musicians in terms of nationalities. McAuley hails from Ireland originally, while Schenker and drummer Bodo Schopf are both from Germany. American guitarist Mitch Perry (aka Mitch Brownstein from the band The Kydz) had originally played in bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan's band, Talas (and had later joined the revamped Australian/American version of the band Heaven), while bassist Rocky Newton and guest keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Steve Mann were British and had previously been members of the band Lionheart. Mann would officially join the band for MSG's next album, replacing Perry.

McAuley Schenker Group – Perfect Timing (1987): Melodic Rock at Its Peak

Introduction

Released in 1987, Perfect Timing is the debut studio album by the McAuley Schenker Group (MSG), a collaboration between Robin McAuley and former Scorpions guitarist Michael Schenker. The album showcases catchy hooks, soaring guitar solos, and polished 1980s melodic rock production, establishing MSG as a formidable force in hard rock.

Focus Keywords: McAuley Schenker Group Perfect Timing, MSG debut album, Perfect Timing 1987, 1980s melodic rock albums

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McAuley Schenker Group Biography

Formation and Early Years

After leaving Scorpions briefly and having an established solo career, guitarist Michael Schenker teamed up with Irish vocalist Robin McAuley in 1986. Together, they formed the McAuley Schenker Group, adding:

• Rocky Newton – bass

• Bodo Schopf – drums

• Steve Mann – keyboards and guitar

The band aimed to combine European hard rock precision with American melodic sensibilities, appealing to both European and US markets.

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About Perfect Timing (1987)

Album Overview

Perfect Timing was released via RCA Records and produced by Frank Filipetti and MSG. The album’s sound blends melodic hard rock, AOR (Album-Oriented Rock), and virtuosic guitar solos, reflecting the height of 1980s rock production.

Key tracks include:

• “Gimme Your Love”

• “Ready or Not”

• “Save Yourself”

• “Love Is Not a Game”

The album features anthemic choruses, tight rhythm sections, and Michael Schenker’s signature guitar work, making it both radio-friendly and guitar-centric.

Musical Style and Themes

Perfect Timing is defined by:

• Technical, melodic guitar solos

• Powerful, soaring vocals by Robin McAuley

• Themes of love, determination, and personal struggles

• Clean 1980s production with layered guitars and keyboards

The album epitomizes the melodic rock/AOR style of the mid-to-late 1980s, appealing to fans of hard rock and arena-ready anthems.

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Fun Facts & Trivia

Interesting Details About the Album

• “Gimme Your Love” was the lead single, gaining heavy rotation on rock radio stations.

• Michael Schenker’s guitar tone and phrasing on the album are considered some of his finest solo work outside of UFO and Scorpions.

• The band intentionally crafted songs to appeal to both European and American markets, blending heavy riffs with melodic hooks.

• Robin McAuley joined the band after Schenker heard his vocal work in other projects, creating a synergistic frontman-guitarist partnership.

• The album cover features a sleek, futuristic design, typical of mid-80s rock aesthetics.

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Commercial Performance and Legacy

Perfect Timing achieved moderate commercial success, charting in Europe and generating a loyal fanbase in North America. The album solidified MSG’s reputation as a leading melodic hard rock act, paving the way for their follow-up album, Save Yourself (1989).

It remains a classic of 1980s melodic rock, particularly appreciated by fans of guitar virtuosity and arena-ready choruses.

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Top Grossing / Influential MSG Albums

1. Perfect Timing (1987) – Debut and cult classic

2. Save Yourself (1989) – European success

3. MSG (McAuley Schenker Group, 1991) – Solid fanbase

4. Nightmare: The Acoustic M.S.G. (1992) – Fan favorite

5. Unplugged Live (1992) – Showcase of vocal and guitar talent

While Perfect Timing was MSG’s commercial debut, it remains essential for understanding Michael Schenker’s post-UFO career.

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Why Perfect Timing Still Matters

Melodic Rock Mastery

The album demonstrates perfect synergy between guitar virtuosity and melodic vocals, capturing the essence of 1980s arena rock.

Influence on 80s Hard Rock

Perfect Timing influenced melodic hard rock and AOR bands, emphasizing polished production, catchy hooks, and guitar-driven songs.

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Final Thoughts

Perfect Timing (1987) is more than a debut—it is a statement of melodic rock excellence. With Michael Schenker’s iconic guitar work, Robin McAuley’s soaring vocals, and strong songwriting, the album remains a must-listen for fans of 1980s hard rock and melodic metal.

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Meta Description

Discover Perfect Timing (1987), the debut album by McAuley Schenker Group. Explore its melodic rock sound, guitar virtuosity, fun facts, and 1980s legacy.

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• MSG debut album

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• 1980s melodic rock albums

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McAuley Schenker Group (M.S.G.) Full Discography