Album Information Section
Album Title: Brigade
Artist: Heart
Original Release Date: March 26, 1990
Label: Unknown Label
Genres: Rock, Hard Rock, Pop Rock
Track Listing
- 1. Wild Child (4:30)
- 2. All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You (5:11)
- 3. Secret (4:14)
- 4. Tall, Dark Handsome Stranger (4:04)
- 5. I Didn’t Want to Need You (4:10)
- 6. The Night (4:53)
- 7. Fallen From Grace (4:07)
- 8. Under the Sky (2:53)
- 9. Cruel Nights (4:04)
- 10. Stranded (3:59)
- 11. Call of the Wild (4:06)
- 12. I Want Your World to Turn (4:36)
- 13. I Love You (3:51)
Recording Information
The album “Brigade” was recorded at the prestigious Bearsville Studios located in Woodstock, New York. The recording sessions took place primarily during 1989, a period that saw Heart transitioning both musically and thematically. The album was produced by the band alongside renowned producer and engineer Mike Flicker, who had worked with Heart on previous projects, ensuring a consistent sound that fans had come to expect.
During the recording of “Brigade,” Heart employed a variety of notable recording techniques, including layering harmonies and utilizing both traditional and modern instrumentation. The use of analog equipment alongside digital recording techniques was a hallmark of this era, and it contributed to the polished yet organic sound of the album. A particularly interesting production note is the inclusion of string arrangements on several tracks, which added a lush quality to the band’s hard rock foundation.
Band Context
At the time of the “Brigade” release, Heart was experiencing a significant phase in their career. The duo of Ann and Nancy Wilson had established themselves as rock icons since their debut in the 1970s, but the late 1980s and early 1990s represented a pivotal moment for the band. Following the success of their previous album, “Bad Animals,” the Wilson sisters were looking to further explore their musical range while maintaining their hard rock roots.
The lineup during the recording of “Brigade” consisted of Ann Wilson (lead vocals, guitar), Nancy Wilson (guitar, backing vocals), and a talented supporting cast that included Howard Leese (guitar, keyboards), Denny Carmassi (drums), and Mark Andes (bass). This period was marked by a resurgence in their popularity, but it also came with challenges, including internal band dynamics and the pressures of maintaining commercial success.
Significant events during this time included a series of high-profile tours and appearances that helped solidify their status in the rock genre. However, the band’s journey was not without its struggles, and the pressures of the music industry began to weigh heavily on the Wilson sisters as they sought to navigate their artistic direction.
Track Commentary
Other standout tracks include “Secret,” which combines a haunting melody with introspective lyrics, and “I Didn’t Want to Need You,” a song that highlights the band’s ability to blend rock with pop sensibilities. The thematic content of “Brigade” often revolves around love, desire, and empowerment, reflecting the personal experiences of the Wilson sisters and their journey through the music industry.
The critical reception of “Brigade” was generally positive, with many praising its production quality and the band’s performance. While it may not have reached the iconic status of some of their earlier works, the album is regarded as a solid entry in Heart’s discography, showcasing their ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the early 1990s. The legacy of “Brigade” continues to be felt, as its tracks remain a staple in the band’s live performances and resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
