We are in 1983, Lou Reed, just detoxed from alcohol and, especially, heroin, crafts an album with sweet tones and definitely more inspired than other albums of the '70s, "Rock'n'Roll Heart" above all.
The album opens with the title track, a song with loving tones and a pleasant instrumental accompaniment that doesn't suffer too much from the '80s sound. Next is the ironic "Don't talk to me about work", the almost harmless "Make up my mind", and the shocking "Martial Law". It's then the turn of the strong rock of "The Last Shot", the rock with Velvet-like reminiscences "Turn Out The Light" (one of the best pieces on the album), and the fun rock of "Pow Wow".
Lou's voice is inspired and it's very well heard in the romantic ballad "Betrayed", followed by the powerful "Bottoming Out" and the long but interesting "Home of the Brave". The album closes with the romantic and sweet "Rooftop Garden".
It's not a fantastic album, but placed in the '80s context, it is definitely a little jewel that old Lou managed to craft and produce with the art of the finest goldsmith.
"The exquisite craftsmanship of the tracks and arrangements will not make anyone regret purchasing such a well-packaged product."
"Fernando Saunders, in my opinion one of the best interpreters of this essential instrument."