Jupiter’s Darling
In the decade since their last studio outing, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson have apparently done some soulsearching and meditating on what made Heart such a great band in the first place. At their peak, they were a powerful, obsessively compelling rock band that could knock off hit singles and consistently fine albums that appealed to album rock radio junkies and studious types. Jupiters Darling is the result of that reflection. It’s easily the band’s finest moment in over 20 years. Ann and Nancy have gotten their confidence back as bandleaders; the obvious control they exert over these proceedings is one of the album’s chief strengths. Guitarist Craig Bartock (who coproduced with Nancy and collaborated as a songwriter on most of these tracks), bassist Mike Inez, drummer Ben Smith, and Darian Sahanaja on keyboards are all wound deep into the Wilsons’ sonic tapestry that combines tough, edgy, riffbased guitar rock with textures and motifs from Eastern music, the blues, and psychedelia,
November 19 2008 09:33 pm | heart
3 Responses to “Jupiter’s Darling”
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mlzeman on 20 Nov 2008 at 2:42 am #
This CD was WELL WORTH the wait- it is TRULY some of this band's BEST WORK EVER. In my opinion, this is Heart's BEST album since 1980's Bebe Le Strange, which has always been my personal favorite. In a much welcome 180 degree departure from their overly formulaic, "marketing machine" sound during the mid to late 1980's, this album brings us back to what Heart is TRULY about (and should be about)- in your face, straight ahead, passion rich rock-n-roll, complimented by some soulful, melodic, heartfelt ballads to complete that perfect musical mix. This album's enormous versatility, with a little something that will appeal to everyone, is a prime illustration of exactly WHY this band is SO GOOD. If you're looking for some of those famous, powerpacked, Heart-fueled rockers, they are here in glorious abundance, with "Make Me", "Oldest Story in the World", "Perfect Goodbye", "Move On", and "Vainglorious" being particular standouts. For something a bit more subdued, check out the playful "Things", sung by Nancy or the beautiful, melodic, "No Other Love". The down home, funky, harmonica laden "Down the Nile" is an undeniable good time, and then there is what is TRULY one of the best and most beautiful songs to EVER grace ANY Heart album, the hauntingly powerful "Lost Angel", a song where both lyrics and melody come together to create something that's so dangerously close to musical perfection it's downright SCARY. In short, there is nothing on this CD NOT to like, no matter which way your musical tastes tend to run. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE- you WILL regret it, I promise you!
Pro : Heart back to their roots on one of their finest albums ever!
Con : None that I could find…
rocko93ml on 20 Nov 2008 at 3:31 am #
It's been 11 years since Heart has released a studio album, and this is certainly the way to come back! Songs like "The Perfect Goodbye" and "Make Me" are some of the album's strongest points. You can tell a lot of thought went into this album and it's not just a throw-together like many artists' comeback albums are. This is a piece to add to any high quality collection! My Rating:96/100
Pro : Ann's Bullit-Proof Voice, Great Lyrics and Contemporary Feel
Con : Ann's vocals aren't showcased as well as on classic like "Alone" and "What about Love"
paulangles on 20 Nov 2008 at 3:41 am #
After more than a decade, Heart is back with Jupiters Darling, one of their best albums ever. If all the rap and hip hop you hear has made you forget what it means to flat-out rock, you've got to hear this record.
Pro : One of the musical rock albums in years
Con : Only 16 tracks