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Music Review: Heart ëƵ ëƵBeautiful BrokenëƵ

By Clint Rhodes crhodes@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read
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There are probably a lot of us out there who wish we could have a do-over or two from the ëƵ80s. On HeartëƵs 16th album, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members get a second shot at recording a handful of tracks previously released on 1980ëƵs ëƵBebe le Strange,ëƵ 1982ëƵs ëƵPrivate AuditionëƵ and 1983ëƵs ëƵPassionworks.ëƵ

Fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, Heart has been a favorite of mine since purchasing a copy of ëƵDreamboat Annie,ëƵ which produced the hits ëƵMagic ManëƵ and ëƵCrazy on YouëƵ more than 40 years ago.

Originally a bonus track on 2012ëƵs ëƵFanatic,ëƵ the title track is a rough-and-tumble treat fueled with a special guest appearance by MetallicaëƵs James Hetfield.

ëƵSuch a drama queen/A hot mess/Underneath her temper, underneath her dress/Like a raw flame/She got a secret mind/Getting your attention each and every time,ëƵ sings Ann.

As is the case with most Heart performances, hot drama indeed.

In addition to the back catalog redos, ëƵBeautiful BrokenëƵ features three new arrangements.

On ëƵTwo,ëƵ a piano-led ballad written by R&B artist Ne-Yo, Nancy gets a shot to demonstrate her vocal talents while the weighty guitar riffs delivered by her on ëƵHeavenëƵ and ëƵI JumpëƵ accentuate AnnëƵs muscular vocals, giving the tracks a throwback style.

ëƵSweet Darlin'ëƵ spotlightëƵs one of AnnëƵs best singing performances of the album as lush strings tenderly orchestrate the numberëƵs mood and message.

Heart fanatics will certainly savor the new album as they patiently wait for more original material to come.

With over 35 million albums sold, IëƵve always regretted not catching one of heartëƵs electrifying live performances.

The opportunity presents itself again when Heart rolls into Pittsburgh on July 21 with Cheap Trick and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Now thatëƵs what I call a real Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show.

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