Countdown
This review applies to all their works up to (and including) Greatest Hits Live (1980). The second to last album featuring the sounds and style that made them icons to their original fan base, Bebe le Strange is a worthy addition to any iPod. .
"Baby's so strange!" But I like it!
They had already made a name for themselves in folksy, bluesy-rock a la Led Zeppelin, but the new decade ushered in a "new wave" of musical trends. "Bebe le Strange", released in 1980, shows Heart at a crossroads. In this album Heart struggles to adapt to new tastes while still staying true to their artistic vision. The result is an album at times brilliant and at times spotty, as Heart forsakes the folk-rock of their previous albums to pursue a new sound.
"Bebe le Strange" is a catchy tune about groupies (from the groupies' perspective!), featuring the Wilson sisters' superb vocal harmonies and an exciting post-chorus rockout section. It's my favorite track from this CD.
"Down on Me" couldn't be any bluesier, recalling "Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zeppelin. It showcases Heart's musicality in a way that no other track on this CD does.
"Silver Wheels" is a rather puzzling track - it's an acoustic guitar solo sandwiched between a heavy blues track and a fast-paced rock track. In their previous albums Heart displayed much proficiency at transitioning between moods using a short track like this, but this time it just falls flat. It would have made more sense to put it near the end of the album or cut it entirely (it's not nearly as good as some of their previous guitar solos).
"Break" is an exciting song (in the liner notes, Nancy writes "it's the FASTEST track we've ever recorded!"), about disillusionment with the rock'n'roll lifestyle. It's no "The Wall", but it's refreshing to hear some social commentary from Heart every once in awhile. I prefer the live version included at the end of this CD.
"Rockin' Heaven Down" - what a powerful image in that title! This is a fun little track, switching between epic and silly at a moment's notice. The featured audio clip captures this transition (twice!).
For some reason, my local radio station loves playing "Even it Up". It's not the greatest song on the album, but it features an interesting horn section and it grows on you after awhile. It's about a relationship, but it can also be interpreted politically. For some reason I always picture "Even it Up" being played through loudspeakers as a Democratic candidate strides onto stage, smiling and waving at his/her supporters. I wonder if it's ever been used in this way, or if I'm just imagining things. . .
"Strange Night" (the second occurrence of "Strange" in a title on this album) is indeed a strange little track, but I really like it. Its pounding rhythm section, lively guitar, and conversational lyrics reflect the feeling of being out in town on a strange night, in a blur of fast cars and streetlights with tipsy women giggling in the backseat.
"Raised on You" seems rather rough, and it could have been made a much better song than it was. The echoed "whatever" at the end of the chorus gives it the air of a timeless hit, but the rambling piano in the backing track just kills it (won't that wacky piano man hold back a little and let the damn lady SING?). This track epitomizes the uncertainty of Heart's direction as a band during this time period.
"Pilot" is just filler, plain and simple, and "Sweet Darlin'" isn't far from it, either. A rather disappointing end to this album.
But wait! It's not over! Two additional tracks are included in this CD edition, "Jackleg Man" and "Break (live)". "Jackleg Man" isn't that great; Ann Wilson's vocal is powerful but way too unvaried throughout the track, and the backing track is just boring. "Break (live)" is thrilling, but the lead guitar could have been mic'd a little better.
"Bebe le Strange" is a pretty uneven album, but their standout tracks hold their own against anything they've recorded then or since. Check out "Passionworks" for an album in the same style with a bit more focus.
baby, baby, baby...
. . I'd never say no to you!
This collection of songs is the pinnacle for the band. Just genius all the way through. The production was experimental and raw. The writing was very honest and unaffected. Billion dollar garage band stuff.
I think this album foreshadowed alot of stuff that didn't come about `till 20 yrs later (approx) Grunge rock WAY before grunge. . . . . All these years later though, I have more perspective-it seems when I listen to it now to nod both forward AND back in time. The writing was soooo cognizant. There are some awkward moments, but they work. . . all so verite. . . Retro titles; seeming rip-offs such as 'Down On Me'. . . . . then the song happens and. . . jeez. If someone made that song now they would be reaching forward.
This is the album where you hear the Wilson sisters grow up. All of the sudden the concerns were realler. The stakes were higher. You can hear the joy and frustration and confidence and fear in their voices.
Ive always been a huge fan, but when I listen back, THIS is the Heart album.
"You were the only one who saved me from myself. . . "
Thanks.
.
Heart
As far as I know different producer worked on this album but you won't realize it. I'm in love with those girls' voices. It's pretty good.
Classic Heart!
I was glad to once again add it to my collection. While this album was not met with critical acclaim, it still ranks as one of my all time favorite Heart albums. I think I still have the vinyl!.
You can see a complete list of all Heart discography, or go back to the Heart tabs
|
