The 70's gave the Wilson Sisters a chance to demonstrate their talents and they surely did. Not only could they write some of the nicest ballads I have ever heard (Dreamboat Annie, Love Alive), but they could belt out some of great rock tunes too. All of which have become rock classics (Magic Man, Crazy on You, Barracuda).
If you have followed Heart the way I have, you will know that there were 2 journeys for this band. The fab 70's where they played the way they wanted to play, and recorded songs they wanted to record. However, record companies in the 80's weren't so accepting or generous and groups had to conform to 'standards'. My first impression of Heart's 1985 album "Heart" was "omigod, they have died". Gone were the great rock and folks songs. Here we had big hairdo's, big power ballads and synthesizer city. But that's what the 80's were about. Heart still received hit after hit (What about Love, Never, Alone) and the 80's albums kept coming. I was disappointed with the change that Heart adopted, by understand it so much better now. Alot of the 80's stuff wasn't their choice. Interesting to note, that none of the 80's hits that Heart sang, were actually written by Heart. This pleased me because I just felt that Anne or Nancy couldn't write such crappy songs (eg. All I Want to Do is Make Love to You).
The Wilson sisters, have said, in one way or another, that they are glad the 80's have passed, and that they can return to what they really do best ie. folk and rock.
What 'Essential' does, is give an impressive look at the career of this great band. Disc 1 is obviously my favourite as it features most of the 70's classics (with some strange omissions) while Disc 2 features those 80's power ballads, and some early 90's stuff which sees them Heart returning to the true Heart.
That reviewer who said this is HEART's debut album has no idea. Do not pay any attention to his review.
I urge new Heart listeners to buy "Dreamboat Annie" and "Little Queen".
I have one message for Heart - Please tour Australia !!!