HEART
"Jupiter's
Darling" (Sovereign Artists; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It's not often that we get the opportunity to use the word "beautiful" to describe a CD here at Rough Edge, but "beautiful" is the word that best fits the new album by Heart, their first in nearly ten years.
Don't let the connotations of the word "beautiful" steer you away, however. "Jupiter's Darling" often rocks hard, easily as hard as the band's biggest hits, "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You." Like the best Heart albums of the past, "Jupiter's Darling" is fairly balanced between fast rockers, medium tempo'd tunes and slow, sweet ballads. The main difference between this CD and the more recent Heart releases is that the heavier songs hearken back to the band's earlier days of arena rock. Personally, that's when I think Heart is at their best.
That doesn't discount the slower tracks here. The guitar work throughout "Jupiter's Darling" is absolutely irresistible. The acoustic fretwork is dynamic and, again, beautiful, as are the vocals of the Siren-like Ann and Nancy Wilson.
The production is as close to perfect as you can get, with each note standing out on its own, bright and crystal clear.
I can't imagine anyone who liked Heart's "Dog and Butterfly" disliking "Jupiter's Darling." It's a return to form by the veteran band and a sign that they still have much to offer.
Heart: Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Craig Bartock, Darian Sahanaja, Mike Inez, Ben Smith.
For more information, check out www.heart-music.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Jun 2010 02:26:42 -0500.
