Summary
“Don’t Turn Away” is a punchy slice of mid‑80s melodic rock from British guitarist, singer, and songwriter Robin George, released in 1985 on Bronze Records (catalogue no. BRONZE BROX 195).

Issued as a 12-inch single, this record captures George right in his sweet spot: big chorused guitars, hooky choruses, and that glossy yet gutsy sound that defined UK AOR and hard rock in the mid‑80s.

If you’re into that moment where rock started flirting shamelessly with pop – think big hair, bigger hooks, and even bigger snare drums – this is exactly the kind of record that makes collecting 80s vinyl so much fun.

About the Artist
Robin George might not be a household name like some of his contemporaries, but among guitar nerds, AOR collectors, and Bronze Records devotees, he’s something of a cult hero.

From the Midlands to the majors
Born in Wolverhampton, George cut his teeth in the British rock scene just as the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) was shaking up the clubs. While many bands went heavier, George gravitated to the more melodic, song‑driven side of rock.

Session ace and collaborator
Before and around his solo work, he played and wrote with some very serious names – including Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) and former Uriah Heep frontman David Byron. That gives you a good idea of the circles he moved in: guitar-driven, melodic, but always with strong songcraft.

Heartline and Dangerous Music
By the mid‑80s, he’d stepped into the spotlight:

His single “Heartline” chalked up chart action and MTV/TV exposure.
His 1985 album “Dangerous Music” became a cult favourite in melodic rock circles, and “Don’t Turn Away” is firmly tied to this creative peak.
Why this era matters
“Don’t Turn Away” lands at the moment when Robin George had:

A record deal with Bronze, home to acts like Motörhead, Uriah Heep, and Girlschool
A fully formed sound: anthemic rock with pop sensibilities, and guitar work that was flash but never self‑indulgent
So while he never quite broke into the mega‑league, the mid‑80s Robin George catalogue is exactly the kind of thing vinyl collectors hunt down: underrated, well‑crafted, and very much of its time in the best way.

About the Record
“Don’t Turn Away” (12″ – BRONZE BROX 195) isn’t a sprawling concept album. It’s a focused, radio‑ready statement, pressed on vinyl for listeners who wanted more depth and punch than the standard 7‑inch single.

Style & Genre
Core sound: Melodic hard rock / AOR
Vibe:
Rock enough for the jean‑jacket crowd. Polished enough for the mainstream radio listener
Key ingredients:
Lush, chorused guitars. Big, reverby drums. Hook‑driven vocal lines. Tight arrangements with a pop sense of economy. You can hear the tug‑of‑war between rock credibility and pop accessibility – a defining tension of 80s rock.

This album is an extended mix.

Place in Robin George’s Discography
“Don’t Turn Away” sits in the Dangerous Music era, which many fans and collectors consider Robin George’s definitive period.

It showcases the songwriting focus that separated him from pure guitar-shredders.
It complements tracks like “Heartline” by leaning into emotional, melodic territory while retaining that 80s rock punch.
For collectors, this 12″ is a snapshot of George at full commercial potential: confident, polished, and ready for bigger stages.
Cultural & Industry Context (1985)
1985 was crowded with big rock records. Against that backdrop:

“Don’t Turn Away” fits the British answer to US AOR (think Journey, Foreigner, Survivor – but with a UK edge).
Bronze Records was nearing the end of its run, and releases like this show the label still betting on guitar‑driven, melodic rock.
While it didn’t blow the charts wide open, the single fed into the cult reputation of both Robin George and Dangerous Music among collectors and specialist rock press in later years.

About the Cover
While exact artwork details vary by pressing, original Bronze BROX 195 editions typically hit that instantly recognisable mid‑80s rock single aesthetic:

Artist‑forward design
Expect Robin George himself or a stylised logo to take centre stage. This was the era of building recognisable rock brands – you wanted the face and the name to stick in your head as soon as you flipped through the racks.

80s visual vocabulary
Think:

Clean but dramatic photography. Bold, high‑contrast colours or lighting.Angular or italicised typography that suggests movement and urgency – visually echoing the “don’t turn away” plea.
Tying art to the theme
The cover design typically mirrors the song’s emotional DNA:

Titles like “Don’t Turn Away” evoke tension, hesitation, and emotional drama.
The artwork often leans into that – a pose, a glance, a framing that hints at distance, confrontation, or a turning point.
On a record store wall or in a crate, it looks unmistakably 1985 – the kind of cover that instantly tells you: “This is melodic rock, there are big choruses here, and the guitar player means business.”

About the Lyrics & Music
Themes & Lyrics
“Don’t Turn Away” is built around a theme that rock and pop have never really let go of:

“Stay. Don’t walk out. We can fix this.”

Typical thematic threads you’ll hear:

Emotional plea – Someone’s on the verge of leaving; the narrator is doing everything they can to stop that door from closing.
Vulnerability in a rock context – It’s not macho posturing; it’s openly emotional, which lines up with a lot of mid‑80s AOR.
Turning points – The lyrics sit at that edge moment in a relationship when decisions really matter.
This gives the song a cinematic quality: you can almost see a montage of 80s movie scenes – rainy streets, late‑night arguments, someone staring out of a window, deciding whether to stay or go.

The Music
Musically, “Don’t Turn Away” is pure Robin George in full 1985 mode:

Guitars

Clean, chiming parts in the verses
Layered, chorused rhythm guitars in the chorus, adding width and drama
A lead break that’s tuneful rather than show‑offy – you remember the melody of the solo, not just the technique.
Vocals

Strong, melodic lead vocal with a slight rasp that keeps things grounded and not too slick.
Backing vocals likely thicken the chorus – a staple trick of the era to give that arena‑ready feel even on a studio track.
Rhythm section

Steady, mid‑tempo pulse – right in that radio‑friendly rock zone.
Drums with 80s production fingerprints: clear, punchy, and probably with some reverb on the snare.
Bass keeps it simple, supporting the chord progression and locking in with the kick rather than trying to steal the show.
Production
While specific equipment details are rarely documented for this single, you can reasonably expect:

Analogue multitrack tape recording. Heavy use of rack effects (chorus, delay, reverb). A balanced mix where guitar and vocals share the spotlight.
On a good turntable, the 12-inch format tends to give you:

More groove real estate per track. Better dynamics and bass extension than a crowded 7-inch.A wider, more open soundstage for those chorus guitars and big drums. Which is exactly how a track like “Don’t Turn Away” should be heard.

Conclusion
“Don’t Turn Away” (Bronze BROX 195, 1985) is a small record with big 80s energy.

It captures Robin George at his most accessible and fully realised. It nails that sweet spot where hard rock crunch meets pop sensibility. It’s a perfect snapshot of mid‑80s British melodic rock, from sound to artwork.

For:

Collectors of 80s rock and AOR. Bronze Records completists. Guitar fans who love tone and melody more than endless shredding…this 12-inch is a very worthy addition to the shelf – and one of those records that tends to spark the “who is this, and why don’t I own more?” reaction when you put it on for friends.

Other Recommendations
If “Don’t Turn Away” hits the right notes for you, here’s where to go next:

More Robin George
Dangerous Music (1985, LP)
The flagship album from this era. If “Don’t Turn Away” is your entry point, Dangerous Music is the full movie. Expect:

More melodic rock anthems. Strong guitar work.Similar production aesthetic and emotional tone.

Heartline (12″ single)
Another key track from this period and often regarded as his signature song. If you like the emotional pull and hooks of “Don’t Turn Away,” “Heartline” is almost mandatory listening.

Any compilation or reissue focusing on mid‑80s Robin George
These often collect single mixes, extended versions, and related tracks from the same creative window.

Similar Artists & Records
If you like the sound and feel of “Don’t Turn Away,” you may also enjoy:

Gary Moore – “Run for Cover” (1985)
Guitar‑led, melodic, and emotional – a great pairing with Robin George.

FM (UK) – early albums like “Indiscreet” (1986)
British AOR with big hooks and smooth vocals.

Phenomena (self‑titled, mid‑80s project)
A melodic rock “super‑project” with a polished, dramatic sound and some crossover personnel/scene overlaps.

Lone Star or other UK melodic/hard rock acts of the late 70s/early 80s
For a slightly earlier, less glossy take on melodic British rock that paved the way for artists like Robin George.

Pair “Don’t Turn Away” with a solid mid‑80s rock LP or two, drop the needle, and you’ve got a ready‑made little time machine back to 1985 – big hair, big feelings, and guitars front and centre.