An almost-heavenly remaster
Tom | Toronto | 06/07/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Heaven on Earth" was Belinda Carlisle's peak on the pop charts. Her 1986 "Belinda" album did well enough, but HOE brought her to the top of the charts. The album had a run of great singles: "Heaven is a Place on Earth", "I Get Weak" and "Circle in the Sand", accompanied by stylish videos that were played endlessly on MTV. HOE has been remastered, and with this Special Edition, I was surprised at how well the album has aged.
I always brushed HOE off as a pleasant pop album with some great singles, while the rest of it was fluff. But the whole album is a solid listen. Carlisle, like Madonna and Kylie Minogue, has one of the best pop voices, and her summery, feel-good pop is at its best here. The remaster includes extended and remixed versions of the singles, although I was disappointed that the remix of "I Feel Free" is not included. And, although the special edition comes with an entertaining concert from 1988, I wish this edition had included the videos for the singles, since they were a key part of the success of HOE.
But, if you love '80s pop, this remaster is a must-buy."
Her finest hour.
bobby morrow | United Kingdom | 05/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This UK special edition CD/DVD set is really worth owning if you're a fan of Ms Carlisle's. It's extremely cheap (at least here in England) and features a 60 minute concert DVD from 1988 which I'd never seen. It's a big fave amongst Belinda's fans, though, and I can see why. She's in great voice throughout and though perhaps it's not the most dynamic looking show ever, Belinda looks great, healthy, trim and really enjoying herself. She's wonderful at hair tossing, too!
The album itself is very good and with on-form writers like Diane Warren and Rick Nowels providing a chunk of the material it's commerciality was never going to be in doubt. The album has been remastered, it sounds a little 'warmer', perhaps, but the original sounded pretty good anyway so there was never going to be a massive improvement.
The packaging is nice with a (slightly flimsy) 6 panel digipak sleeve and a slim but informative booklet with an essay on Belinda and credits for the CD and DVD. No lyrics, though.
So, if you want a fresh look at a late 80's classic, pick up 'Heaven On Earth'. And if you're a Belinda novice, get 'Runaway Horses', HOE's follow up, next. It's by the same team and is very nearly as good.
"
Great 80's pop album!!!
M. Gravel | Michigan, USA | 06/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love Belinda Carlisle-her voice is great, smooth and easy to listen to. Her singing and songs are not real deep and gritty but very breezy and catchy.
This is a must buy for fans with the inclusion of the live performance from the 80's(which I seen at Pine Knob-Clarkston,Michigan in 1988).
Looking forward to her new cd early next year until then enjoy!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1