Although she’s released two albums in 2007’s Hope & Glory and 2018’s Immortal, this is the first solo album from Ann Wilson where she’s included her own material. Immortal focused on obscure covers, many with a political edge that focused on the state of the world at the time. Fierce Bliss finds Wilson in a better place, oozing a calm serenity that has avoided her for so long. One of rock music’s finest voices is in scintillating form. Together with a stellar supporting cast, Wilson has crafted 11 songs, including three covers in an album described as ‘classic rock comfort food of the finest ingredients’.
Fierce Bliss came about after a meeting between Wilson and the veteran ‘artist’s lawyer Brian Rohan, who recommended other musicians who were to collaborate with the Heart singer. Meeting the likes of Nashville session guitarist Tom Bukovac and Tony Lucido inspired her. As she says, “it was like a big door opening”.
First single “Greed” gets things underway with a classic riff and hook, and Wilson’s deep. Soulful voice immediately grabbing the attention. A song about one of the basest human desires, it’s Wilson in angry mode as she takes a swipe at those who claim never to have done anything dark or greedy. “Black Wings” is dark and brooding, featuring Andy Stoller on bass, guitarist Tyler Boley and Dan Walker on keys.
The arrival of Kenny Wayne Shepherd for a perfect cover of Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs” allows both Wilson and him to shine. Wilson’s performance is magnificent, capturing the essence of the song whilst Shepherd delivers a masterful, virtuoso style. It’s a breath-taking song, one of my all-time favourites and this version brings depth and passion in abundance. The other covers may not shine as much for me, but they are no less full of emotion. Queen’s “Love of My Life” features a duet with Vince Gill, and the duo brings it to life with a respectful and sensitively balanced version. The Eurythmics “Missionary Man” is a faithful cover, but the addition of Shepherd’s guitar work and The Rev Nathan Young Singers on backing vocals gives the track an appropriately evangelical flavour.
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Govt Mule’s Warren Hayes features on two songs, the first being “Gladiator”, which also benefits from Danny Louis’ keyboard skills, Jorgen Carlsson on bass and drummer Matt Abts. It’s a delicate song, with Zeppelin-esque vibe and one of Wilson’s finest vocal performances, showcasing the full range of her power and control. The same musicians return on penultimate song “Angel’s Blues”, with thick Hammond organ, smouldering lead breaks from Haynes and a smoking vocal combining in perfect harmony. Like all the tracks on this album, the craft that has gone into this song is fabulous. It’s polished but retains the necessary grit, and the genuine investment of those involved cannot be overlooked.
“A Moment in Heaven” is cleverly composed, with a groove and hook that lingers for days, “Forget Her” changes style and tempo to a semi-ballad, but this not one of the saccharine coated songs that symbolised Heart in the late 80s. This is a passionate, emotive song with some excellent musicianship supporting Wilson’s storytelling. That just leaves album closer “As the World Turns”, with its country feel, to conclude an album that works on every level. Wilson’s vocals are astonishing, and as she approaches her 72nd birthday, it seems that she may at long last be at peace.
This is an album to savour, enjoy and play again and again.
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Fierce Bliss is out on 29th April
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