From Amazon.com
Not one of her best
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Not one of Nanci's best, but the fan will want to have it in their collection. Caution...never attend one of her live concerts unless you like to hear her liberal drivel. Why entertainers think they are so intelligent about things other than music is beyond me.
A Balance of Hearts and Minds
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: 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."
Should be 10 stars
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: 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.
Almost A Fiver.
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: A Great Album, That Almost Comes To The Very Top. Still Very Good.
Hearts in Mind
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This was probably not Nanci's very best, but I am very glad I bought it. She is a true artist.
Purchases
1 Simple Life
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