Cuts Like a Knife

A Canadian everyman whose no-nonsense style mirrored his decidedly stripped-down take on heartland rock, Bryan Adams broke through the early MTV era’s clutter with Cuts Like a Knife. The title track’s power pop–tinged chorus and stomping beat turned it into one of Adams’ signature songs; the soaring guitar line of “This Time” adds a triumphant edge to its hopeful lyrics. “Straight from the Heart” is a simply stated love song that lets Adams display his raspy bellow’s sensitive side.