The Animals – Ark (1983) | Full Album Guide, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction
Ark (1983) represents a later phase in The Animals’ evolution, featuring Eric Burdon with a new lineup rather than the original members. This album captures a band trying to adapt to the 1980s rock scene while still holding onto some of their blues-rock roots.
With a more modern production style, synthesizers, and polished arrangements, Ark reflects the era’s trends, offering a blend of rock, blues, and pop influences.
Album Overview
- Artist: Eric Burdon & The Animals
- Album: Ark
- Release Year: 1983
- Genre: Rock / Blues Rock / Pop Rock
- Label: TELDEC (Europe) / MCA Records (US)
- Producer: Eric Burdon, Tony Meehan
Tracklist (Original Release)
- Story of Bo Diddley
- Ark
- That’s All I Am to You
- Sweet Blood Call
- Devil’s Answer
- Shake It Up
- Mystery Train
- Gonna Send You Back to Georgia
- Till the Rivers Run Dry
- Eye on the Sky
Album Credits
- Eric Burdon – Lead Vocals
- John Sterling – Guitar
- Tony Braunagel – Drums
- Steve Goldstein – Keyboards
- Pat Davey – Bass
Producers: Eric Burdon, Tony Meehan
Labels: TELDEC (Europe), MCA Records (US)
Musical Style & Direction
Ark blends multiple elements, reflecting both classic Animals influences and 1980s production:
- Strong blues-rock foundation with modern synth textures
- Polished, radio-friendly arrangements compared to the raw 60s sound
- Eric Burdon’s voice remains the defining element, tying the album to the band’s history
Historical Context
Released in 1983, Ark came during a time when:
- Classic rock artists were experimenting with modern production techniques
- Eric Burdon was actively touring and recording under the Animals name with new members
- The album aimed to reintroduce the Animals’ sound to a new generation
Fun Facts & Trivia
- “Story of Bo Diddley” is a tribute to the influential rock and roll pioneer
- The album’s title track, Ark, reflects themes of journey and survival, tying into the band’s legacy
- Eric Burdon co-produced the album, maintaining creative control
- Includes a mix of original songs and reinterpretations of classic blues-rock ideas
Did You Know?
- This lineup of The Animals was largely different from the original 1960s members
- Ark was not widely released in the UK, making certain pressings rare collector items
- Eric Burdon continued performing hits from the 60s alongside new material from this album
- The album demonstrates the band’s effort to adapt to changing musical landscapes of the early 1980s
Final Thoughts
Ark (1983) is an intriguing entry in The Animals’ discography, showing Eric Burdon’s adaptability and dedication to evolving the band’s sound. While it differs from the classic 1960s style, it provides a blend of blues-rock roots and modern 80s production, appealing to fans of both eras.
