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intereact!Nanci Griffith
Retail Price (not our price): $13.98
Release Date: 2005-02-01
Manufacturer: New Door Records
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...
| Disc 1 |
Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
1) Amazon.com
On her first studio album since 2001's Clock Without Hands, Nanci Griffith hearkens back to her best early albums, particularly the Jim Rooney-produced work of the '80s. Whereas her '90s music veered off into arch or uncomfortable pairings with lofty-minded producers and members of U2 and R.E.M., here she takes stock and strives for, as the title of the leadoff track says, a "Simple Life." Griffith was wise to assume the lead as her own producer (with Pat McInerney), scaling back to a more organic, folk-singer approach ("Last Train Home," a 2002 song which appears here, would have fit well on her first Philo albums) and reuniting with guest vocalists Mac McAnally ("Rise to the Occasion") and Jimmy Buffett ("I Love This Town"). While the material draws on a variety of influences, Hearts in Mind wraps its thoughts around two themes: Exploring the hopeful beauty of the romantic heart, and honoring soldiers and civilians lost in the wreckage of war ("Heart Of Indochine"; "Old Hanoi"; "Big Blue Ball of War"; and the exquisitely sad, Julie Gold-penned "Mountain of Sorrow," inspired by the events of 9/11). Throughout, Griffith stretches herself as an artist: "Beautiful," a tribute to her stepfather, marks a lively, clarinet-accented departure from her usual repertoire, while only her delivery lifts "When Ted Loved Sylvia," Le Ann Etheridge's intriguing take on the relationship between Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, above its lyrical shortcomings. The singer makes fine use of her lower register at times, and continues to push for a fuller voice than the feathery vocals that marred her freshman efforts. The end result is her most accessible album in years, one that deeply satisfies on both a musical and an emotional level. --Alanna NashRecommended Nanci Griffith DiscographyThe Last of the True BelieversOther Voices, Other RoomsOne Fair Summer EveningOnce in a Very Blue MoonOther Voices, Too (A Trip Back to Bountiful)The Complete MCA Studio Recordings
Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5
1) A Balance of Hearts and Minds [Rating: 4 out of 5]
Nanci Griffith walks a find line on her politically oriented "Hearts in Mind." She is, like so many entertainers, struck by the events of and since 9/11, and she intertwines her songs about "every soldier and every civilian lost to the horrors of war" (the album's dedication) with songs about the joy of ongoing life. Instead of throwing the gauntlet of Iraq center stage, she colors with the memories of Viet Nam. It gets the point across during "Heart Of Indochine" in a subtle manner. As does the CD opener, "Simple Life.""I don't want your wars to take my children,I want a simple life while I am here."Julie Gold's "Mountain of Sorrow" is just as remarkably subtle, as Gold reflects on waking up in New York City September 11th, 2001 to knocking at her door of a grief stricken neighbor. "Easy come, easy go...anything but easy, though." Griffith delivers the line as she once did for Gold's call for peace, "From A Distance." (Funny how it's another song for peace written under another Bush Gulf conflict.)"Hearts in Mind" is balanced by several songs dealing with family and pride. "Beautiful" is Nanci's tribute to her grandfather and finds her indulging in some jazzy singing. Jimmy Buffet chimes in on the silly "I Love This Town" (why wasn't this a hit?) to add some levity, and old friend Mac MacAnally joins Nanci on "Rise To The Occasion." Both the serious and the cheery roll off the CD at an easy pace. If you are a fan of Nanci's or the likes of Patty Griffin, Casey Chambers of The Dixie Chicks, you'll find a lot to enjoy with Nanci's "Hearts In Mind."2) Should be 10 stars [Rating: 5 out of 5]
If you are old enough to remember the Vietnam War, in which I served, this CD will haunt you. Her songs and her voice make this my favorite CD by Nanci, and I have all of them. Terrific CD at a great price.3) Almost A Fiver. [Rating: 4 out of 5]
A Great Album, That Almost Comes To The Very Top. Still Very Good.4) Hearts in Mind [Rating: 5 out of 5]
This was probably not Nanci's very best, but I am very glad I bought it. She is a true artist.5) Mellow Vocals, Mediocre Songs [Rating: 3 out of 5]
It's a bit country, a bit folk and a bit of pop but the best thing going for it is the quality of the voice and the singing of the songs. The songs themselves are nothing to brag about. There is nothing wrong with them but they are to my mind "bulk items". By that I mean the songs used to flesh out the single hit on an album. In this case, though, that is all there is.That being said, she is a good singer and has some fine singing guests. Her musicians are good too. Its just the songs that are wanting.