Jupiters Darling

This album is amazing and true to heart

Three decades into their careers, Ann & Nancy Wilson released one of their best albums but unforunately "Jupiter's Darling" didn't get the radio attention it would have, had it been released in the late 70's or mid-90's (those are the eras this album reminds me of and that is in no way to say it's dated or derivative). "Fallen Ones," "I'm Fine" and "Oldest Story in the World" rank with the band's hardest-rocking ballads, while "No Other Love" and "Led to One" prove the Seattle sisters' acoustic introspection is just as effective as when they let the amplifiers rip. "Move On" and "Down the Nile" both find the band exploring new sonic territories while still maintaining their core sound. There really isn't a single weak cut on "Jupiter's Darling," and anyone who missed it the first time around owes it to themselves to check out this album. For first time listeners it will sound excitingly brand-new and wonderfully familiar.

This album marks the legendary band's complete return to their roots, with all songs written by the band, except for one cover song. This is not to say it sounds dated, but that it sounds like the true Heart, as if they had progressed in the 80s did not exist. It is quite unfortunate that the small label it was released on went under and the album did not get any of the promotion it deserved. I have been to several concerts, where even diehard fans did not know it existed. In fact, this is one of my top three favorite albums by the band. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of their 70s work, with all songs written or cowritten by the living legends, Ann & Nancy Wilson. This and the two subsequent albums, RED VELVET CAR & FANATIC, make a perfect trilogy, similar to their first three albums (Magazine excluded, think DREAMBOAT ANNIE, LITTLE QUEEN, & DOG & BUTTERFLY).