Balin

Marty Balin | Format: Vinyl

Product Details

• Vinyl
• Original Release Date: 1981
• Label: EMI
• ASIN: B000FVC3G8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #639,465 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Marty Balin; Hearts, You Left Your Mark on Me, Lydia, Atlanta Lady, Spotlight, I Do Believe In You, Elvis and Marilyn, Tell Me More

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A welcome release, April 3, 2008

By 

Friendlycard (Norfolk, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Balin (Audio CD)

If you've heard Jefferson Starship's "Miracles" (from the 'Red Octopus' album) then you've heard Marty Balin, a truly outstanding vocalist and a major contributor to the band.

'Balin' is one of two solo albums released (on vinyl) in the early 1980s. Hitherto, it had only been available in CD form on a hard-to-find Japanese issue. By far the best-known (and, for me, also the best) track on this album is 'Hearts', a single so successful that it even appeared in Spanish. The remainder of the album consists of ballads (which Balin performs better than anyone else, in my opinion) and rockier numbers (which are perhaps not his forte).

The other solo album ('Lucky') was even better than this one but, very surprisingly, has never appeared on CD even in Japan. Of his later albums, the best (but hardest to find) is 'Balince', a marvellous 'best-of' collection including previously-unreleased material. 'Better Generation' is a good album (don't be put off by the cover), though 'Freedom Flight' is rather disappointing. I cannot really recommend 'Greatest Hits', as it's a re-recording (in 1999) of his back catalogue rather than a collection of the originals.

So 'Balin' is a very welcome return, which will be particularly enjoyed by those who like Starship of the 'Red Octopus'/'Earth' period. But let's hope that 'Lucky' - a really five-star album - eventually makes it to CD as well. Four stars for this one, just because 'Lucky' is so much better.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars You've GOT to be kidding! Hearts is the single edit, NOT the album length!, June 9, 2008

By 

Daniel W. Kelly (NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Balin (Audio CD)

There isn't much more to say than that. I've been waiting for YEARS for this album to be released on CD to have the full length album version of Hearts--the single edit has been available on numerous CDs in the past. HOW do you issue the ALBUM and put the SINGLE edit on of the biggest track on here instead of the full length version???

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Artist...Real songs.."Hearts" A true Classic..., February 14, 2008

By 

Eddie Ganz "Eddie Ganz" (New Jersey,USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Balin (Audio CD)

I remember when this song came out...It just hit me like a ton of bricks.Great lyrics...Great hook and melody.The album is very smoothe...You know this is what its all about its the reason i love the music of the 70s & 80s not to say that there aren't some talented singer/songwriters today...but todays music seems to be missing something...Most of the time i feel its lacking originality...Oh well...pick up this cd its timeless,from a time i regret to say is gone forvever but when ever i hear these tunes I'm transported right back...Enjoy!