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THE REVIEW
The '80s were challenging for those who surfed through the '70s, only a few managed to navigate without too much trouble, riding the synthetic wave and the teased hair. In 1982, Heart released a decent album, "Private Audition," but it was still firmly rooted in the previous decade. It did not receive positive reviews despite a great deal of success. In 1983, the Wilson sisters decided to change their approach to enter the '80s mainstream. The result is "Passionworks," an album that winks at AOR but doesn't fully embrace its sounds. Ann and Nancy are still a bit hesitant, but this doesn't discourage them from boldly introducing the Simmons into their sound. That muffled percussion sound dominates much of the work; the songs are well-constructed and sometimes exceptional, like the opening of side B with "Allies" (though not written by them), the start with "How Can I Refuse", or the ride of "Blue Guitar", with "Love Mistake" sung more delicately by Nancy. Steve Porcaro and David Paich collaborate; it’s not bad, after all, and flows pleasantly. However, these Heart, caught before the mid-decade breakthrough that would make them MTV stars, cannot quite reach those of the '70s. There’s a lot of skill and adaptability, little poetry, but unfortunately, the ephemeral decade par excellence also gave us albums with reduced specific weight.
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Summary by Bot
Heart's 1983 album Passionworks marks a cautious but skilled shift into the 1980s soundscape. The Wilson sisters adapt by incorporating 80s production elements without fully committing to AOR. While some songs stand out, the album lacks the impact of their 1970s work and foreshadows their later mainstream success.Tracklist Lyrics
01 How Can I Refuse (03:54)
wake me up with laughter
wrap me in your arms
this aint no morning after
never been so warm
it didn't take so long
for us to feel this way
can a good thing last
longer than a day?
where do we take it now
now that we caught fire?
will something greater grow
out of this desire?
should i drop my guard
at the risk of being used?
but the way you do those things to me
how can i refuse?
I could get addicted
to your energy
the way you take me over
pulling on me
our hearts beat together
our timing is the same
can i trust my feelings
save myself the pain?
Where do we take it now
now that we caught fire?
will something greater grow
out of this desire?
should i drop my guard
at the risk of being used?
but the way you do those things to me
how can i refuse?
We could share they mystery
spare ourselves the misery
discover it again every day
we could take love all the way
where do we take it now
now that we caught fire?
will something greater grow
out of this desire?
should i drop my guard
at the risk of being used?
but the way you do those things to me
how can i refuse?
06 Allies (04:41)
in troubled times
it's hard to get straight answers
between the lines
that border wrong or right
the homeland cries
it struggles with confusion
but this feelin' still remains
like shelter from the rain
we live of faith
in the hands of those who guide us
and tear the page
on the fear we left behind
we set the pace
for every born survivor
don't turn the other way
when i need to hear you say
allies with our backs against the wall
i will answer when you call
and take on the odds
for what we believe is true
allies in a world of too much choice
i only need your voice
to tell me you care
i'll be anywhere for you, allies
we search our hearts
to justify the reason
and draw the line
to meet somewhere halfway
if faith is blind
through darkness it will guide us
'cause the spirit still remains
with the keepers of the flame
allies with our backs against the wall
i will answer when you call
and take on the odds
for what we believe is true
in a world of too much choice
i only need your voice
to tell me you care
i'll be anywhere for you, allies
allies with our backs against the wall
i will answer when you call
and take on the odds
for what we believe is true
allies in a world of too much choice
i only need your voice
to tell me you care
i'll be anywhere for you, allies
Heart
American rock band fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. Rose in the ’70s with hard/folk rock, then dominated ’80s AOR with chart-topping power ballads and sleek production.04 Reviews
