Tesla's bluesy soulful sound is deeply rooted in organic 1970s rock and roll, even though they emerged in the mid-80s. Their 1986 platinum debut album Mechanical Resonance produced Top 40 hits like Modern Day Cowboy and Little Suzi. The double-platinum 1989 release The Great Radio Controversy featured Heavens Trail (No Way Out) and Love Song among its tracks. In 1990, they released their biggest single to date, a cover of Five Man Electrical Bands Signs.