You've GOT to be kidding! Hearts is the single edit, NOT the
Daniel W. Kelly | Long Island, NY United States | 06/10/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"There isn't much more to say than that. I've been waiting for YEARS for this album to be released on CD to have the full length album version of Hearts--the single edit has been available on numerous CDs in the past. HOW do you issue the ALBUM and put the SINGLE edit on of the biggest track on here instead of the full length version???"
A welcome release
Friendlycard | Norfolk, UK | 04/03/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you've heard Jefferson Starship's "Miracles" (from the 'Red Octopus' album) then you've heard Marty Balin, a truly outstanding vocalist and a major contributor to the band.
'Balin' is one of two solo albums released (on vinyl) in the early 1980s. Hitherto, it had only been available in CD form on a hard-to-find Japanese issue. By far the best-known (and, for me, also the best) track on this album is 'Hearts', a single so successful that it even appeared in Spanish. The remainder of the album consists of ballads (which Balin performs better than anyone else, in my opinion) and rockier numbers (which are perhaps not his forte).
The other solo album ('Lucky') was even better than this one but, very surprisingly, has never appeared on CD even in Japan. Of his later albums, the best (but hardest to find) is 'Balince', a marvellous 'best-of' collection including previously-unreleased material. 'Better Generation' is a good album (don't be put off by the cover), though 'Freedom Flight' is rather disappointing. I cannot really recommend 'Greatest Hits', as it's a re-recording (in 1999) of his back catalogue rather than a collection of the originals.
So 'Balin' is a very welcome return, which will be particularly enjoyed by those who like Starship of the 'Red Octopus'/'Earth' period. But let's hope that 'Lucky' - a really five-star album - eventually makes it to CD as well. Four stars for this one, just because 'Lucky' is so much better."
Real Artist...Real songs.."Hearts" A true Classic...
Eddie Ganz | New Jersey,USA | 02/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember when this song came out...It just hit me like a ton of bricks.Great lyrics...Great hook and melody.The album is very smoothe...You know this is what its all about its the reason i love the music of the 70s & 80s not to say that there aren't some talented singer/songwriters today...but todays music seems to be missing something...Most of the time i feel its lacking originality...Oh well...pick up this cd its timeless,from a time i regret to say is gone forvever but when ever i hear these tunes I'm transported right back...Enjoy!"
Great to see this back on CD
Robert G. Daugherty | Los Angeles, CA | 02/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I picked up a Japanese pressing of this from Ebay several months ago. As far as I know, this is the first time this album has been released on CD in the US. It's long overdue.
What I can't understand is why they didn't release Balin's 2nd album "Lucky" at the same time! It's NEVER been released on CD--in any country....And, it's a better album.
Still, glad to see this released....I really hope that Collector's Choice follows this release up with the 2nd album at some point (the sooner the better)."