HEART – Fanatic

Label: Legacy

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Rating: 7/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

I have to be completely honest.  I don’t think Heart has put out an album worth jumping up and down about since Desire Walks On in 1993.  Jupiter’s Darling in 2004 was totally lost on me and Red Velvet Car in 2010 had some decent tracks, but again nothing I would have put in my regular listening pile.  That being said, I really got a little excited when I heard the title track from their latest release; enough so that I ran out and purchased a copy.

“Fanatic” hits the speakers with a very cool groove created by the rhythm section and earthy vibe fromNancy’s distorted guitars.  Let’s not discount Ann’s lead vocals, which shine on this, and almost every other track.  The groove continues on the next track, “Dear Old America,” as does the guitar tone – no flashy solos here – just solid playing on the breakdown and bridge.

Another funky tune is the mid-tempo track “Skin And Bones.”  This song, along with others on this disc, is very different for theWilsonsisters, but I like the change.  These tunes have character.  “A Million Miles” is another song that I really dig.  The rock takes a rest for a few songs, but pokes its head back out on “59 Crunch.”  Again, this track has a different vibe for Heart, but I think the experimentation works well for them.  One of my favorites here is bonus track “Beautiful Broken.”  This is classic Heart, from its guitars, pounding drums, the strings, and especially Ann’s vocals.

I didn’t love the slow stuff here.  I would have much rather had an EP of the rockers that brought a little of the glory back to these rock angels.

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Category: CD Reviews