This Could Be The Right One

The Unsung Spark: Unraveling "This Could Be the Right One" by April Wine

Picture this: it's the early 1980s, and the Canadian rock scene is buzzing with raw energy, but April Wine, the Halifax-born powerhouse, is navigating some choppy waters. Formed in the late '60s, they'd already notched hits like "Roller" and "Just Between You and Me," riding the waves of arena rock. But by 1981, frontman Myles Goodwyn felt the band needed a fresh jolt. Enter Animal Grace, their 1984 album, born from a deliberate pivot toward something more personal, less bombastic. "This Could Be the Right One," the album's lead single, emerged as Goodwyn's heartfelt ode to vulnerability in love—a departure from their usual anthemic fare, whispering promises of connection amid the era's synth-heavy gloss.

The Creative Spark and Recording Odyssey

Goodwyn penned the song during a reflective period, inspired by the quiet ache of fleeting romances in his own life. He later shared in interviews that it started as a simple guitar riff late one night in his Toronto apartment, evolving into lyrics that captured the thrill of "maybe this time." The band, including guitarist Brian Greenway and drummer Jerry Mercer, gathered in a Los Angeles studio in late 1983, aiming for a polished yet organic sound. Producer Mike Stone—fresh off work with Journey—pushed for layered harmonies and a crisp rhythm section, recording in just a few intense weeks. Anecdotes from the sessions paint a vivid picture: Goodwyn reportedly nailed the vocal take after a heated debate with Stone over tempo, insisting on a mid-tempo groove to let the emotion breathe. There was even a lighthearted mishap when Greenway's amp blew mid-solo, turning frustration into one of the track's most memorable fills. It was sweaty, collaborative magic, blending April Wine's bluesy roots with '80s production sheen.

Release, Rise, and Rocketing to the Charts

Dropped in March 1984 via Aquarius Records, "This Could Be the Right One" hit radio like a slow-burning fuse. It climbed to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cracked the Top 10 on rock charts, propelling Animal Grace to gold status in Canada. The music video, a staple of early MTV, featured the band in moody, fog-shrouded visuals that amplified its romantic longing—think leather jackets and longing glances under neon lights. Success wasn't overnight; initial airplay was modest until a DJ in Chicago championed it, sparking a cross-border wave. For April Wine, it marked a commercial peak, though internal tensions soon led to lineup shifts. Goodwyn reflected years later that the song's chart run felt like "catching lightning in a bottle," especially amid the band's grueling tour schedule.

Echoes of Impact: Cultural Ripples and Lasting Legacy

In the tapestry of '80s rock, this track stands as a subtle gem, bridging heartland rock's sincerity with pop accessibility. It resonated with a generation grappling with love in the shadow of Reagan-era optimism, offering a counterpoint to hair metal's excess. Culturally, it boosted April Wine's profile in the U.S., cementing their status as Canadian exports alongside Rush. Musically, its influence lingers in power ballads by acts like Bryan Adams, with that soaring chorus hook inspiring countless covers in dive bars and open mics. Fun fact: Goodwyn once revealed the song nearly got shelved after a demo leak, but fan buzz saved it—proving sometimes the right one finds you when you least expect. Today, it evokes nostalgia for vinyl spins and mixtape confessions, a reminder that even one-hit wonders can ignite enduring sparks.