CINDERELLA

(UNITED STATES)

HEARTBREAK STATION

(1990)
LABEL:

VERTIGO

GENRE:

HARD ROCK

TAGS:
Bluesy, Easy-Listening, Folk, High-pitched vocals
"Cinderella seems to have reached the fullness of its art, continuing to integrate new elements that enrich its identity without ever distorting it."
LOLOCELTIC (11.05.2015)  
5/5
(0) opinions (0) comment(s)
While significantly evolving their music, Cinderella managed to impose a strong identity in just 2 albums, each certified double-platinum (2 million copies sold in 1 year). Integrating various Blues and Folk elements into their Hard-Rock, and despite the glam look of their debut, the quartet has managed to set itself apart from the Californian scene and its excesses of all kinds. And while others might have found themselves embarrassed by the pressure inherent in a third opus, the Philadelphia combo is as determined as ever to assume its artistic independence under the guidance of Tom Kiefer, who is increasingly assuming the leadership role. Maintaining a 2-year rhythm between album releases, Cinderella's "Heartbreak Station" features an enigmatic cover, with its Western-style font and members posing on the terrace of an old wooden cabin.

True to their authenticity, the band take on this visual with what is ultimately the logical follow-up to "Long Cold Winter". Indeed, after the strong integration of Blues, it's Country that intrudes on the Americans' racy Hard-Rock, without disfiguring it despite a few obvious touches. A touch of slide on the energetic intro 'The More Things Change', which also features a horn section, and a very Western introduction on 'Dead Man's Road', whose spirit is reminiscent of mentor Bon Jovi's 'Wanted Dead Or Alive', without falling into plagiarism, thanks to its greater power, or a soothing ballad like twilight on the Great Plains with 'Winds Of Change' with its Stonian melancholy, everything is distilled here with finesse. Only 'One For Rock And Roll', with its euphoric chorus, plunges definitively into fresh, catchy folk-country.

For this is one of the many talents of Tom Keifer and his band: to know how to evolve without ambiguity but with enough restraint not to completely disorientate their audience. This is how we find the shadow of Aerosmith on a funky and unstoppable 'Love's Got Me Doin' Time', or how Jay Davidson's saxophone invites itself for a duel with the guitar on the solo of 'Shelter Me', an energetic diatribe against censorship. We also find ourselves thinking of the Black Crowes on 'Make Your Own Way', enriched with female backing vocals and a few notes of organ for a rousing result, while 'Electric Love' is hypnotic, varying intensities in a slightly psychedelic atmosphere, proving once again in passing Tom Keifer's talent on vocals, as he does not remain locked in the high register for which he is renowned. The vocalist's class is also evident on the superb, emotionally-charged eponymous ballad with its bewitching chorus. And while it would be a good idea not to be boring by waxing lyrical on each track, it would be even more inappropriate to forget to mention the direct, catchy 'Sick For The Cure' or the simple, haunting riff of 'Love Gone Bad'. 

In 11 tracks, Cinderella seems to have reached the fullness of its art, continuing to integrate new elements that enrich its identity without ever altering it. This is proof of a strength of character coupled with a seemingly limitless talent. So it's hard to say where and how the ongoing mutation of this band, so skilfully combining sincerity, energy and melody, will end.
- Official website

TRACK LISTING:
01. The More Things Change - 4:22
02. Love's Got Me Doin' Time - 5:19
03. Shelter Me - 4:47
04. Heartbreak Station - 4:28
05. Sick For The Cure - 3:59
06. One For Rock And Roll - 4:29
07. Dead Man's Road - 6:38
08. Make Your Own Way - 4:15
09. Electric Love - 5:23
10. Love Gone Bad - 4:20
11. Winds Of Change - 5:34

LINEUP:
Eric Brittingham: Basse
Fred Coury: Batterie
Jeff LaBar: Guitares
Tom Keifer: Chant / Guitares / Claviers
Bashiri Johnson: Batterie / Invité
Brian O'neal: Claviers / Invité
Jay Davidson: Invité / Saxophone
Ken Hensley: Invité
Rick Criniti: Claviers / Invité
Rod Roddy: Claviers / Invité
   
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READERS
4.8/5 (5 view(s))
STAFF:
4.7/5 (3 view(s))
MY RATING
 
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