Music review: Ann Wilson – 鈥楩ierce Bliss鈥�
Ann Wilson鈥檚 new solo release features heavy doses of classic Heart with her commanding voice fully embracing the spotlight.
鈥淔ierce Bliss鈥� finds the Heart lead singer delivering a delightful set of original arrangements and some very special cover performances that range from straightforward rockers to passionate power ballads.
鈥淕reed鈥� is a fiery original number that opens the album and demonstrates that the 71-year-old singer still has the same golden pipes today as first heard on vintage Heart tracks like 鈥淓ven It Up鈥� and 鈥淏arracuda.鈥� 鈥淕reed is empty/Greed is lonely/Constant craving/For one thing only,鈥� declares Wilson as she vividly details a society that desires excess and instant satisfaction.
鈥淏lack Wing鈥� follows the stirring first track with a softer reflective mood inspired by the isolation of the pandemic with Wilson earnestly seeking signs of hope and normalcy as she requests, 鈥淏ring me news of the world of insanity/Bring me back my impossible dream.鈥�
The pressure of staying successful in the music business is outlined by Wilson from personal experience on 鈥淎 Moment in Heaven鈥� when she sings, 鈥淩each back down into the well/Recreate the magic spell.鈥�
When it comes to interpreting other artists, Wilson is spectacular at adding her own musical style to four memorable covers.
Two glorious voices come together when Vince Gill joins Wilson for a moving rendition of undying passion on Queen鈥檚 鈥淟ove of My Life.鈥�
Equally impressive is a striking cover of Jeff Buckley鈥檚 鈥淔orget Her.鈥� Wilson masterfully relays the pain and heartache of trying to shake the memory of lost love and the damage caused by the departure.
Wilson channels the marvelous Annie Lennox on a rousing cover of 鈥淢issionary Man鈥� with the assistance of a gospel choir for added emphasis to drive home the song鈥檚 true meaning.
The album鈥檚 standout moment comes on 鈥淏ridge of Sighs鈥� with Kenny Wayne Shepherd delivering an incredible guitar performance. Both Wilson and Shepherd capture the original passion of this Robin Trower classic from 1974.
The set comfortably closes with an acoustic country flavoring on 鈥淎s the World Turns,鈥� demonstrating Wilson鈥檚 versatility and the desire to keep pushing forward.
Fans of Yes should recognize the beautiful album cover designed by famed artist Roger Dean. Indeed, Wilson鈥檚 latest effort is a treat for both the eyes and ears.