While Heart fans salivate over the soon coming reissues of Heart’s back catalog, they are treated to a rarity these days…a BRAND NEW Heart album! Red Velvet Car is the band’s first release in quite awhile and they haven’t missed a step, as a matter of fact, I think they picked up the pace a little. While Ann and Nancy Wilson certainly have nothing left to prove, you wouldn’t guess that from listening to Red Velvet Car.
The album opens with the groovy and smooth acoustic sound of “There You Go” and quite honestly it seems obvious that that will be the direction the album heads in. And that’s what makes the smack upside the head titled “WTF” so amazing. Seemingly out of nowhere the band comes rockin’ full “Barracuda” ahead and they sound better than they have in a really, really long time. “Wheels” is the only other full on rocker here but both songs perfectly balance with the acoustic side. The title track and “Safronias Mark” deep back into their rich acoustic history a bit deeper, telling stories as only Ann Wilson can. “Hey You” is a great little Folk-ish ballad that I didn’t like at first but after seeing them perform it live it has become my favorite track on the album.
Overall, Heart isn’t two chicks in their early twenties living the Rock and Roll dream anymore and this album is a firm reminder of that. Heart ARE the Rock and Roll dream and have rarely sounded better than they do on Red Velvet Car. The album is extremely well-rounded, offering the best of everything these sisters have contributed over the last three decades. Heart fans will love this album but those new to the band should consider starting their collection with the self-titled album, Dreamboat Annie, and Red Velvet Car.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
