Search - Heart :: The Road Home

Heart, the opening of a third chapter

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 07/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1995 was an annus horribilis. I was unemployed from July and sank into a deep depression. When I saw that Heart had come out with The Road Home, I saw the titles and said to myself, "Big deal, yet another live album!" and never gave it a second thought. Besides, my initial reaction, now since corrected, of course, of 1993's Desire Walks On, was still etched in me. 2003 is looking to be another annus horribilis, but this time, a renewed interest in the Wilson sisters, thanks in large part to Eric Andrews--take a bow :), is trying to fend off my dark demons. Anyway, I just heard The Road Home for the first time this year and was totally blown away at the stripped down renditions of the songs, taken from acoustic concerts recorded 12-16 August 1994 at the Backstage in Seattle, representing a new phase in Heart after the arena rock reputation they achieved in the mid-1980's.The tempo for "Dreamboat Annie", despite being the Fantasy Child version, mirrors the original version, but then it has that lovely string section and flute in the Reprise version.I've always wanted to hear "Dog And Butterfly" live and that's next. But the string section of the Seattle Symphony, including a nice oboe, really melted me.The first new song is the bluesy "(Up On) Cherry Blossom Road", which due to the mandolin, I can imagine appearing on Little Queen. John Paul Jones of Led Zep, produced this album and does mandolin here. Ann introduces him as they launch into "Back To Avalon", which has the same engaging energy as the original despite the lack of electric guitars.The most noticeably difference in Heart's scaled back music are their renditions of their two #1s and #2, "Alone", "These Dreams", and "All I Wanna Do..." In fact, when I heard the opening acoustic notes opening "Alone", I half-expected "Stairway To Heaven"--well, sort of. No Ron Nevison synths here, only an oboe and mandolin. And it's sad violins and a viola that provide the opening notes for "These Dreams." And "All I Wanna Do..." becomes a piano ballad.I've heard the original version of "Love Hurts" by Nazareth and Joan Jett's cover, but Ann Wilson does it with such intensity, accompanied by guitar and piano, I really believe it.Speaking of covers, they do heartfelt string-laden renditions of Elton John's "Seasons" and not out of place on the ballad side of their Dog & Butterfly album, and Joni Mitchell's "River." That cello and oboe on "River" adds to the melancholy of the song, with Ann still demonstrating the potent range of her voice at one point.Ann really belts it out on the bluesy classic "Crazy On You", slowed down in the initial minute and a half, before things get more rousing during the remainder of the song. Speaking of classics, their rendition of chugging electric guitar classic "Barracuda" still packs a wallop despite its acoustic format."Dream Of The Archer" from Little Queen sounds much like the original, due to the mandolin and acoustic Led Zep-stylings.The engaging title track, with its jangling mandolin, jamming guitar, and heavy drums, is looking to be a new Heart classic to be played on car radios on return homes from long trips.A real treat is the interview in the booklet where one can learn the story behind the songs performed on the set. I don't know how I would've reacted to this had I bought it upon its original release, but now that I have it, expect to put this on heavy rotation."

Heart still rocks, plugged or unplugged!

Jason Fabbri | Victoria, Australia | 08/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a longtime Heart fan, the idea of an acoustic album really took my interest. Especially as one can easily bookshelf them as either an 80's "hair band" or as a really heavy 70's arena rock band. The core (heart) of Heart is truly the talent of Ann and Nancy Wilson, and the acoustic setting for this album truly shows how their voices have improved with time, not needing to be hidden behind 80's production values or overly loud guitars.The main highlights of the album are the songs that are starkly different from their studio counterparts, especially their 80's stuff. "All I Wanna Do" is performed at a much slower pace, telling the story much more effectively, and giving the song a new lease of life. "These Dreams" is even more enchanting, once again performed a tad slower, giving each ethereal line of the song just that little bit more resonance. "Alone" is "so 1987" and to hear it stripped down like it is here, really sheds new light on the song."Barracuda" still rocks, plugged or unplugged!Finally, the sound quality of this album is superb, audiophiles will have NOTHING to complain about. Crisp, clean guitar sounds....wonderful bass....Obviously they took great care in making this release sound great!"

A Musical Trip Home To Some Of Their Best Work!

Daniel J. Hamlow | 07/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll admit it! I LOVE IT!!! I was so completely shocked at this version of Ann and Nancy Wilson in an "Unplugged" style format. I was really skeptical that I'd like the album but being a Heart fan for many years and the fact that I was given this album as a gift, I opted to give it a GOOD listen before passing judgement. So, after repeated listenings, I am so thankful now that I'm not sure I can effectively express it. Suffice it to say that when I am in the mood for Heart now, THIS IS THE FIRST ONE I REACH FOR!



I don't usually like live albums but this is an Exception To Every Rule! This is not just a re-hash of their catalogue done live. This is an intimate, well executed, and beautifully arranged re-visit to some old friends with some new twists and a few new friends, along the way. The inclusion of "Cherry Blossom Road" & "Seasons" is such a fine treat and both songs are welcome editions to Heart's already incredible catalogue.



I am in love with Heart all over again! Especially the new acoustic arrangements of "Alone" and "Crazy On You". I finally went to visit another friend and he had the video of this LP! WOW!! This is one of the best things to come out of Heart since the inception of their career! The fact that there is an exceptional line up of "friends" to help out on this offering, starting with John Paul Jones (of Led Zepplin fame) who sits in with them on this set of songs among others is a special treat too! Don't miss this beat of Heart!



Sit back, relax and enjoy."