Echoes of Longing: Zebra’s Power Ballad, “Tell Me What You Want,” A Cry From the Heart
A raw plea for emotional honesty, “Tell Me What You Want” captures the aching vulnerability of a relationship hanging in the balance. In the early 1980s, the landscape of rock was shifting, morphing from the theatrical grandeur of prog into the more streamlined, radio-friendly sounds of AOR and hard rock. Amidst this sonic evolution emerged Zebra, a trio from Long Island, New York, known for their technically proficient musicianship and soaring harmonies. Their song, “Tell Me What You Want,” released in 1983 as part of their self-titled debut album, resonated deeply with listeners, climbing to number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While it may not have reached the dizzying heights of some of their contemporaries, its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotional honesty and the sheer power of its performance.
The story behind “Tell Me What You Want” is one of classic rock band struggle and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Zebra, comprised of Randy Jackson (no, not that Randy Jackson), Felix Hanemann, and Guy Gelso, had been honing their craft for years in the New York club scene, building a loyal following with their technically complex yet accessible songs. Their self-titled debut album was a culmination of their years of hard work, and “Tell Me What You Want” was a standout track, showcasing Jackson’s powerful vocals and the band’s tight instrumental interplay.
The song’s meaning is a universal one, a lament for the unspoken tensions and emotional distance that can creep into any relationship. It’s a plea for clarity, a desperate attempt to break through the walls of silence and understand the true desires of a loved one. “Tell me what you want, tell me what you need,” Jackson implores, his voice filled with a palpable sense of longing and frustration. It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost in the complexities of love and communication.
For those of us who remember the era, Zebra represented a bridge between the progressive rock of the 70s and the burgeoning AOR scene. Their music was characterized by intricate arrangements, soaring melodies, and a level of musicianship that was simply undeniable. “Tell Me What You Want” is a testament to their talent, a song that transcends its time and continues to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. The song’s power ballad structure, with its slow build and explosive chorus, is a classic example of the genre, but it’s the sincerity of the performance that truly sets it apart.
In an age when many rock bands were chasing fleeting trends, Zebra stayed true to their musical vision. They were a band that valued substance over style, and their music reflected that commitment. “Tell Me What You Want” is a reminder of a time when rock music could be both powerful and vulnerable, a time when bands weren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Listening to it now, decades later, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, a time when music was more than just a soundtrack – it was a lifeline, a way to connect with the deepest emotions within ourselves. It’s a song that speaks to the enduring power of rock and roll, a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-crafted melody and a heartfelt lyric.