|
Spirit Dancer - BlackHawk | |
|
Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
In late 1993 a band mixing harmonies with solid songwriting burst on to the country music scene. With a multitude of hits over the next seven years, BlackHawk thus became one of the most successful bands of the nineties.
When founding member Van Stephenson was diagnosed with Melanoma, or skin cancer, he decided to leave the band. Shortly thereafter BlackHawk recorded their Greatest Hits. Featuring every hit the band had ever had, the album also featured a poignant ballad written by Van about his struggles with his disease. "Ships Of Heaven" became Van's last testament for he died shortly thereafter.
Deciding to forge ahead, BlackHawk added the background members, Randy Threet on bass and high harmony (taking Van's third part), Mike Radovsky on drums, and Chris Anderson on guitar, as full time band members. They could've just been a duo but Henry Paul (lead vocals and guitar/mandolin) and Dave Robbins (vocals and piano) decided that BlackHawk has always been more than just a trio or duo.
What is immediately apparent upon one spin of Spirit Dancer, the group's first release for new label Columbia Records, is the fact that while Van is truly missed, as is evidenced by the title track and other faith based songs, the group sounds just as good as they did when Van was there. Somewhere, I think Van is smiling in approval.
"One Love" opens up the album and really finds the band feeling the loss of their friend. The last song they played for Van before he passed, he called it their "Hit" and the song with it's uplifting message of "One you, one me, one god up above, one love." It ultimately was sung at his funeral. However, this song isn't somber by any stretch and should be a hit if radio gives it the chance it deserves.
The first single from the album was the great working man's anthem "Days Of America" released around the time of 09/11/01, the song isn't about the tragedy at all but about the common men who rise above the toughest times, like the group in the Pittsburg steel mill portrayed in the song.
"Spirit Dancer" is their tribute to Van. Just one listen to the lyrics of "Our hearts weren't ready to let him go / so this is our way to let him know / that we miss him and our love for him will never die." To the untrained ear, the opening sounds of the song sound like their African rhythm chants but are in fact Cherokee sayings which translate into "I Love You." While it's personal, it has quickly become my favorite track on a wonderful record.
"I Will" is the current single that some radio stations are playing. The same song appeared on Billy Ray Cyrus' 2000 release Southern Rain. A power ballad of the highest order, this song is about true love and everything that one person will do for their special someone.
Sounding as if it came off a Scarecrow era John "Cougar" Mellancamp record, "Gloryland" is kinda the country version of Bryan Adams' 80's hit, "Summer of '69." The song talks about how a group of friends dream while in high school only to realize that everything changes as you go through life. While some may not compromise their values, a lot do in order to achieve some things. This is one of those songs that soars and would make a fine single.
"Leavin' The Land Of The Broken Hearted" sounds like it's off of a Phil Vassar record. While it's not written with or by Phil, this song is about a couple who took chances while others didn't and haven't lived to regret it. The song says that the couple's going to stay together no matter what happens. It's easy to see this song being Black Hawk's theme song on how to persevere through a tragedy such as losing your band member to tragedy.
BlackHawk has created their most personal record yet some how it also is their most accessable. It is solid from start to finish and that makes this record one that every country fan should own.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Blackhawk's Official Website.
Album cover, used with permission of Sony Nashville.
Click on the button below to find the best price for this CD and purchase it from a retailer on the Internet.
