Customer Reviews

The Essential Heart 3.0

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of all the Greatest hits compilations released by Heart over the last ten years or so, The Essential Heart 3.0 is finally the most comprehensive collection with the inclusion of a thrid disc. Although the third disc only has eight tracks, all of them really do belong on a title called The Essential Heart.

For the first time since being left of the band's 1980 Greatest Hits disc, "Strange Euphoria" and "Hit Single" have returned in CD format. Also, any past Heart collection should have at least included "Mistral Wind". This collection contains the live version for the 1980 Greatest Hits. (Personally, I would have liked to have seen the 2002 version from Alive In Seattle, but, having "Mistral Wind" in the set is important no matter what version. It is THE song Heart is all about; acoustic ballads to Zeppelin driven rockers.)

"Bebe Le Stange" was on the band's 1998 Greatest Hits and left off the first Essential release for some odd reason. Same for "Strong, Strong Wind". Both tracks are available here. Another concert crowd pleaser, "City's Burning", has also been included. Rounding out the set are "Sylvan Song" and "Dream Of The Archer", also songs worthy of inclusion on an Essential Heart release (again, I would have personally prefered the newer version from The Road Home).

I rated the collection four stars because I think disc three could have been better. There are still a few obious omissions of songs that were singles or that should be included in their own right ("Magazine", "Without You", "Wait For An Answer", "The Perfect Goodbye", "Oldest Story In The World", "Make Me", "Alomst Paradise" sung by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson from Footloose, "The Best Man In The World" by Ann Wilson from The Golden Child, "All For Love" by Nancy Wilson from Singles). Another nice touch would have been to include some of the live tracks from Alive In Seattle, particularly the Heart originals ("Sister Wild Rose", "Heaven", "Two Faces Of Eve", "Break The Rock"). I'm not really fond of the paper board packaging. I'd much prefer my musical treasures to be protected in plastic jewel cases. (Yes, I fully expect to be around another 100 years! LOL)

As a collecion of essential Heart music, The Essential Heart 3.0 gets nothing but top marks. Perhaps a future essential release will take some of my suggestions to Heart, pun intended. ;-)

I love this album, it includes practically every "Heart" song that I enjoy listening to. I had the Essential Heart album with just the 2 discs and it was one of my most played cds. I am a huge "Heart" fan, and I think Ann Wilson has one of the best if not the best rock voices ever for a female singer. I traded my "Essential Heart cd for a copy of the "3.0 version" at a local CD shop, because it had an additional CD with it. It had songs that I felt should have been included in the first place, such as the live version of "Mistral Wind" and "Bebe Le Strange from 'Heart Greatest/Live' and "City's Burning" from the almost impossible to find on CD 'Private Audition' album. There are a few songs that I would've put on there, that wasn't, such as "Sweet Darlin' either version live or studio. Treat Me Well (Nancy song) from 'Little Queen'. "Bright Light Girl" from 'Private Audition' just to name a few. But, for the average person that wants a pretty well defining artist album, 'The Essential Heart 3.0' album is a great one. Oh yes, when I got my copy of 'Essential Heart 3.0 from my local CD shop home, it was missing a disc, I took it back and my "Essential Heart (2 cd) album was sold. So, I ordered a copy of the "3.0" cd from "Amazon.com" I love the album. - J. Huff

Wow. Heart is one of the seminal bands of the 70's and 80's. They are a truly timeless and classic band. Annie's vocals are great. Nancy's guitar work is awesome as well. These are songs that NEVER grow old. Listen once, listen a billion times, great each time. Some of these songs I've never heard, but that's all right. Heart is one of those bands you know from note one. Put this is, crank the stereo up as loud as it'll go (if not louder) and enjoy one of the best bands...Ever.

This is one of the cds i use the most I especialy think that the song kick it out is very rockin. This band has been rockin for over 30 years and yet their songs never get old no matter how many time you play them. With such classics as crazy on you, magic man, and barracuda.Both of hearts number ones are included in this very essential collections. it's a must must have if you want some awsome hard rock n roll

THE ESSENTIAL 3.0 HEART is the best anthology that has come out so far of the music of the band Heart. It takes you from their early years as a folk- and country-influenced hard rock group, through their 80s pop-metal era. The only problem is that it doesn't include any material from ALIVE IN SEATTLE or JUPITER'S DARLING. Still, this collection is the best way to get the band's 80s/early 90s hits in one place together with their 70s/early 80s classics.

For some shoppers, this might just be a repackaging, with a few extras thrown in to get us to buy the same product again. But, for me, the upgrade is totally worth it. The added songs on the bonus disc sound GREAT, and for my money, the package is totally worth the "price of admission" just for the remastered sound on the live track, "Mistral Wind". When I think back to seeing Heart in concert in the early 80's, on the Bebe Le Strange tour, this song is the one that I always remember. While the original album version, from Dog and Butterfly, was good, this live version, take from that early 80's tour, is truly impressive. The band has never sounded better, and this track proves it. Add in "Citys Burning", from the woefully misunderstood Private Audition album, and the bonuses make this a great purchase.

very great CD very good selection of songs. some bonus songs as well. Very impressed any heart fan would love this CD. Fantastic collection of Ann and nancy photos.