Release Date: October
9, 2015
Label: Rounder
A
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Ann Wilson is well known for her stellar voice and
textured songs, primarily from her time with Heart. This year a much awaited
solo EP has hit the shelves with a mix of original and cover songs. Focusing on
blues and rock, she brings back to life many timeless classics and adds one of
her own.
“Fool
No More” is the original piece on the album. Electric guitar riffs are met with
percussive kisses and sweltering vocals that make you long for a tall glass of
ice water. Raw and twisting, the emotive lyrics stir the soul with images of
dreams and empty hours spent in leisure and aimless pursuits. The guitar
growls, twisting and flicking like the tail on a cat, pensive and full of
beautiful menace.
Ray
Charles would have been proud to hear Wilson’s rendition of his song “The
Danger Zone.” A muzzy bit of vocalization winds around the listener, with
breathless anticipation. A light blues feel with keyboard antics and a back
bayou sense of rhythm, this piece has a tinny effect that warbles with each
utterance.
“For
What It’s Worth” is a jovial piece with vibrant drums and hip twisting action.
A cover for the Buffalo Springfield classic, this song is hopping. Wilson rips
through the lyrics and raises them back up to dizzying heights, embracing the
essence of the time the song was written. Textured guitar playing licks over
you and there is just no way to sit still while you absorb the magic.
“Ain’t
No Way” is a resurrection of Aretha Franklin’s song. Earthy and full of the
frustrations of life, the piece is blended with multi-instrumentation and
Wilson’s stellar vocals. Reaching deep or skimming the surface, she makes the
song her own, belting out the heartfelt emotions of women everywhere as they
negotiate matters of the heart with the men in their lives. At times sharp, and
often poignant the song is one of my favorites on the album.
From
being part of Heart to her new solo EP, Wilson sings with purpose and conviction,
laying claim to the songs she covers and even creating a new classic piece of
her own with “Fool No More.” This EP is a must for any fan of Heart, The
Pretenders, Elle King, Joan Jett or Blondie. Some voices just stick with you
and Ann Wilson-she’s got it. Great EP and I can’t wait to hear what’s next.
5/5
Stars
Tracks:
1. For What It’s Worth
2. Fool No More
3. Ain’t No Way
4. Danger Zone
Tracks:
1. For What It’s Worth
2. Fool No More
3. Ain’t No Way
4. Danger Zone
Key Tracks: Fool No More, Danger Zone, Ain’t
No Way, For What It’s Worth
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
October 27, 2015
Review
Provided By Write A Music Review