After a great run of Heart records over the previous decade things ground to a halt for the band in 2016 after they completed their North American tour, and whilst both sisters use the term ‘hiatus’ it was clear that the reasons behind the break were serious enough to potentially keep them apart for some time. During the hiatus Ann has put put a couple of well-received EP’s and an album ‘Immortal’ which sported ten covers and no original music.
Now Nancy is following suit with 12 tracks – a majority of originals and a few covers (2 extra tracks if you buy the Japanese release) in what you might say is her first real solo album, presuming that you don’t count her instrumental album of lullabies ‘Baby Guitars’ from 2009 or her album 2016 with Julie Bergan ‘Undercover Guitar’ or her film scores over the years.
Opening with the title track ‘You and Me’ a finger picked light delicate tribute to her mother, we get a real taste of the album – the guitar to the fore but without the histrionics. There are other sides too of course but largely the vibe is laid back. What follows is a warm and faithful cover of ‘Springsteen’s ‘The Rising that will hit the spot for many, it’s not a song I cared for in its original form, but it suits the mood here. Far better for me at least is the lilting ‘I’ll Find You’ another original.
The second cover ‘Daughter’ the Pearl Jam song is actually quite wonderful, stripped away as it is letting the lyrics come to the fore, it quite moved me the first time and for me you can’t ask for more from a cover of an already great song. Taylor Hawkins and Duff McKagen drop by for the original rock and roller ‘Party at the Angel Ballroom’ before another cover – this time Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘The Boxer’ sees Sammy Hagar dropping in to lend a hand. Half way in I’m suitably impressed.
Another original ‘Walk Away’ comes washing in to explore the landscape of break-ups and reconnections, and features a wonderfully threaded lead that along with the orchestration makes it one of my highlights. ‘The Inbetween’ that follows is lighter and comes in on the back of swelling keys that just make you feel good. There are other songs here dedicated to the sadly departed – the first ‘The Dragon’ is an ode to Layne Staley, and comes after an inspired version of The Cranberries ‘Dreams’ with Liv Warfield (never a big Cranberries fan myself but it fits here). ‘The Dragon’ itself is simply strummed and one of the most powerful originals here that gently descends into de-tuned chaos.
We close out with ‘We Meet Again’ which carries n that theme of loss and connection that threads through this record, it’s beautiful in its simplicity and positive energy. Closing instrumental ‘4 Edward’ that wraps things up here is a of course dedicated to Eddie Van Halen, it’s beautiful.
I’m loving this.
8/10
