Few artists have such a storied career as Cher and while her output has been received with varied levels of acclaim, her staying power ensured that Heart Of Stone was a monumental success; one that is easily amongst the greatest albums released in 1989.
As her nineteenth studio album, Heart Of Stone stands as a career-defining moment and is, arguably, her greatest musical achievement. As versatile as Cher is, however, the song selection is incomparable for there isn’t a B-side to be found. Featuring music that blends rock and pop, a healthy dose of 80s-era styles, and songs written by a who’s who of the music industry, Heart Of Stone is a quintessential album experience that combines these cues with Cher’s vocal distinctiveness.
Speaking of contributors, from both the songwriting and production perspectives, when you have the likes of Michael Bolton, Desmond Child, Diane Warren, Jon Bon Jovi, and Richie Sambora all contributing, magic was bound to follow. Naturally, with so many different influences, the album’s fluidity could have become disjointed, but Cher’s vocal control ensures that the album and chosen songs are nothing short of exceptional. Her deep, resonant voice is perfectly suited to the rock and ballad genres and she brings a unique blend of power and emotion to each track, ensuring that all songs have a lasting impact and a contemporary sound that remains relevant to modern listeners.
While the songs, and album as a whole, are largely timeless, the mastering of the record is beginning to show its age. Granted, Heart Of Stone has all the 80s cues you could ask for when considering this album from a perspective of nostalgia, but it really needs a remaster; that is unless you have tone controls on your modern music playback system. Yes, dear reader, Heart Of Stone has a flat transfer, an aspect that was somewhat common in an era when just about every music playback system had some sort of equaliser built in. In the modern era, however, DSP (Digital Signal Processing) drives how we hear the music we love. While it doesn’t require the fiddling that was associated with legacy setups, and is sometimes unmodifiable by the end user, it isn’t nearly as flexible, and subsequently as subjective, as tone control settings once were. All that is to say that as much as I adore Heart Of Stone, it needs a boost in the mid to low-end range of the audio spectrum to really come alive.
Of course, if you’d like to hear how an album of the late 80s sounds sans a remaster, then the lossless Apple Music stream provides a great example. To some, we may have come a long way. To others, we may have gone backwards as the loudness wars and inefficient hardware have forever changed how music is mastered and delivered. What is undeniable, however, is how exceptional this classic album is, so join me as I take a look at the songs that make up this legendary release.
If I Could Turn Back Time is a quintessential 80s power ballad that has become Cher’s trademark tune. Written by Diane Warren, the song features a catchy chorus and memorable melody. While laced with 80s pop-rock stylings, If I Could Turn Back Time remains relevant in the modern era as Cher's commanding vocal performance, combined with the song's polished production, makes it an enduring pop-rock anthem.
Just Like Jesse James is a lovely mid-tempo number that highlights Cher’s unique vocal style; a performance that’s both powerful and nuanced.
You Wouldn't Know Love was also recorded by Michael Bolton for his 1989 album, Soul Provider. As solid as Cher’s rendition is, however, it doesn’t compare to Bolton’s recording; especially when the composition of the two is identical and the core difference is down to the lead vocals. That said, had Bolton not recorded the tune he penned with Diane Warren, Cher’s would be exceptional as it blends her gritty passionate vocals with a touch of rock intensity.
Heart Of Stone is a beautiful ballad-styled tune that stands out as one of the best songs from the album and is, subsequently, the ideal title track as Cher’s deep emotive vocals, and the accompanying backing vocal element, are sensational to listen to. As a cover of the Bucks Fizz original recording, Heart Of Stone most certainly suits Cher’s vocal style and complements the original recording; a thoroughly enjoyable rendition of Andy Hill and Pete Sinfield’s penned classic.
Still In Love With You has a killer melody and the 80s written all over it. That’s a good thing, in case you were wondering, as songs like Still In Love With You remain timeless.
Love On A Rooftop is a hidden gem for Cher’s vocals are vibrant and engaging, perfectly capturing the song's sense of excitement and spontaneity.
Emotional Fire is a high-energy rocker with a powerful chorus and dynamic instrumentation. Cher's performance is fiery and intense, but it is Bonnie Tyler and Michael Bolton’s backing vocals that set this track on fire, along with the driving rhythm and strong guitar presence.
All Because Of You is a magnificent ballad featuring heartfelt lyrics and a strong melody. As is the case throughout the entire album, Cher's vocals are rich and expressive but on songs such as All Because Of You, they come alive with a level of sincerity that adds to the warm and inviting sound of the record.
Does Anybody Really Fall In Love Anymore? is one of the best songs from the album and one of the greatest songs Cher ever recorded. Co-written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, along with Diane Warren and Desmond Child, it has Bon Jovi’s style written all over it, but the lush production ensures that Cher’s vocal performance of this hidden gem is spectacular. This is, however, one song that I feel would benefit most from a remaster for as good as the current edition is, I wouldn’t mind betting that there’s an additional level of oomph that’s present on the original master recording.
Starting Over isn’t a standout, per se, but it’s a lovely tune that ensures the album experience remains cohesive and fluid. When the chorus enters the mix, the song picks up as Cher’s vocals are both strong and uplifting, thereby allowing the song’s intent of creating a sense of hope and renewal to shine through.
Kiss To Kiss slows the tempo a little as this captivatingly seductive mid-tempo number highlights Cher’s sultry vocal delivery.
After All (Love Theme From "Chances Are”) is a duet with Peter Cetera and it’s absolutely magnificent. Cher's and Cetera's voices blend beautifully, delivering a poignant and memorable performance that will see you contemplating the music you’ve just heard, while also feeling compelled to listen to the album again.
Cher’s career can be defined in numerous ways, but it’s fair to say that as it pertains to her musical endeavours, Heart Of Stone is a career highlight; one that showcases her adaptability and enduring talent. Its mix of rock anthems and heartfelt ballads showcases Cher at her very best, supported by stellar production and songwriting. Yes, a remaster would be appreciated, but whether you're a long-time fan or new to her music, Heart Of Stone offers a compelling listening experience that captures the essence of both Cher and the era.