"You know her music, you all did the shoulder shake from the video of LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD. But what many don't know is that Ms. Benatar has the pipes from being trained in opera.Opera to rock, how did that happen you might ask? Well, let's wait for VH1's Behind the music to find out.But this CD is what you have to call a treasure. It was never destined to be a smash hit. Pat Benatar singing the Blues? Who would have bought that? But damn it you need to give it a chance.In my mind, this is where Ms. Benatar decided to stretch her artistic wings and go out at it. The Blues is the father to rock and roll, and in Ms. Benatar's powerful voice you can hear why. She wraps herself in songs by BB King and more that you wouldn't expect. She is raw, heartfelt and passionate.I wish the label had pushed it more. Or even for VH1 to have been more of an influence then like it is now. Pat Benatar would have benfited from VH1's Storytellers show to perform songs from th is album in that setting. Truly an amazing album!"
Pat shows her diversity
Brad | CT | 10/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pat Benatar has always shown that she has a GREAT voice. Over the course of her career she has sung both rockers and ballads with equal passion and greatness. Well, this foray into the blues just leaves me further impressed with the woman as a performer. She sings ... on these blues classics.The closest thing to a hit on this album was "True Love"--which was also an awesome concert song when I saw her a few years ago. That, in fact, is what turned me on to this album. Note that this is an original song, as are two other tracks on this collection. But for sure, her covers of such fare as "Bloodshot Eyes", "Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss", and "I've Got Papers On You" all rock the house. Even her cover of "Please Come Home For Christmas", which closes the album, sounds real good here.Call my overall rating of this CD 4 3/4 stars, as it is just short of my favorite Pat material. Still, it is strongly recommended for anyone who loves Pat's amazing voice, cares about more than "the biggest hits", and likes to dip into the blues now and then. A very fun, enjoyable album."
Can't fault her for trying
William J. Eichelberger | Ft. Thomas, KY | 12/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although I'm sure this is Pat's worst selling album, it really doesn't deserve all of the bad press that it's garnered her. It had to take a big set of onions to put out something as unfashionable as this, but she pulls it off nicely. The problem was in the timing, as she was WAY ahead of the curve on this one. Had it been released several years later it would have been right at the crest of the popular wave, but then she would have been getting belted for hopping on a trend. No way for her to win on this one, but that doesn't mean you can't. Buy the album."
Don't Pass this one up!
David W. Darby | Davenport, IA United States | 03/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Forget what that BC guy said, this is the best thing Pat has ever done. She smolders on "Evening", and the title track flat out rocks the blues (I had the good fortune to see her live at an outdoor concert in 1999, and that song brought the house down!). "So Long" is a wistful, bluesy tune reminicsant of an old 60's love ballad (probably is). From start to finish, this just a really fun CD. Makes you feel like youre in one of those old 50's night clubs, with Pat sitting there on the piano, like Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys". Darn near everyone I've ever played this for immediately ran out and bought a copy for themselves. For another really good album, with a more alternative, and textured slant, check out Pat's "Inamoratta" CD. To me, these are Pat Benatar's best two pieces of work. Forget that stuff she did in the 80's, this is Awesome stuff!"
An admirable venture
Pieter | Johannesburg | 06/11/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"True Love is a heartfelt blues album, or as Benatar described it herself, "jump blues." Most of the songs are by legendary figures like B.B. King (Playin' The Cost To Be The Boss and I've Got Papers On You), Albert King (I Get Evil), T-Bone Walker (Evening) and Wynonie Harris (Bloodshot Eyes). Since most of these were written by men, a few lyrical twists and adaptations had to be made, but it works well enough. Neil Geraldo co-wrote I Feel Lucky and The Good Life, while the title track - a real Moody Blues-type number - was written by Benatar and Geraldo. A vigorous sound pervades the album and Benatar's dynamic, clear voice does justice to the songs. An admirable venture."