|
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great heartland pop/rock., February 7, 2004
In 1986, Bruce Hornsby somehow managed to mix southern rock, pop/rock, country, and soft rock into one, with great results. If you've only heard the 3 hits, don't stop there. Some of the best tracks are the non-hits.1. On the Western Skyline -- The perfect album opener with a mid tempo, happy yet restrained pop beat, and lyrics about trying to find love. Even though it wasn't a hit, believe me that it was good enough to be. 2. Every Little Kiss -- The lesser known hit here also happens to be my favorite. Starting with a quiet piano and soon becoming a somewhat rocking, happy pop tune with a slight country sound. Another tune about love and missing it. 3. Mandolin Rain -- A slightly uptempo, very pleasant romantic ballad. Despite its more soft rock sound (even at the time) it's still not wimpy and boring. If I enjoyed it back in 1986/87 at 5 years old, it can't be total adult contemporary, right? 4. The Long Race -- Yet another underrated masterpiece. The southern/country sound returns here with a fun pop/rocker about winning, well, the long race (of life). 5. The Way it is -- This is the still fairly popular song here. I never liked it as much as the others, for whaever reason, but it's still great. A medium pop tune with clever yet serious lyrics, dealing with social issues. 6. Down the Road Tonight -- Even though Bruce is softer than many artists associated with the power ballad genre, it could be the PB of this album. A more lighthearted (possibly autobiographical) look at being younger, meeting a girl and falling in love. A melodic mix of lite southern rock and a pop ballad, which I'm absolutely amazed didn't become a hit. 7. The Wild Frontier -- Probably the most 'rocking' song as well as the most country influenced, which is good but not great. 8. The River Runs Low -- The softest tune. An underrated piano based, sensitive yet melodic ballad, which also is hit worthy. 9. Red Plains -- Piano and guitar based. Similar to 'Wild Frontier' but a bit darker. Not so much that it offsets the happier songs, though. A great way to end the album. If you like the lighter and more 'down home' side of artists like John Cougar Mellencamp or Tom Petty, as well as 80's pop/rock, you'll probably like this. Also, for a somewhat heavier, more 'arena rock' version of this album, try 38 Special's mid 80's release "Strength in Numbers."
|