Search - Hothouse Flowers :: Into Your Heart

Nice to have them back, a grand CD, now GO SEE THEM LIVE!!!

Barbara A. Hallowell | edge of the right side, center ,of that country th | 10/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First off, I admit it, I am a huge Flowers fan. I bought this CD as an import from Ireland the day it was released. What makes this Cd so special to me each member of the band wrote for this, with a very strong presence of the writing skills of Bass-mandolin-12 string guitar player Peter Ó Toole. Each song is a moment in time, a story. Each one breathes life. It is worth your money to buy this even just for the 2nd track "End of the Road" as far as I am concerned this is the best song about relationshhips ending, and trying to hold on, but knowing you have to let go. This song is amazing. Another standout track is "Magic Bracelets" a song written for, and inspired by the late Joe Higgs, reggae master, vocal teacher to Bob Marley, and from what I gather a closet Irishman. The opening track "Your Love Goes on" is a blistering bit of dancable funky. The Dublin Gospel Choir backs up on a few tracks including "Hallelujah", my only complaint is that they got produced out a bit, they could have brought the volume of the choir up a really good bit, it is nice but sounds to far away and wispy. Wispy is not a word I like to use to dscribe a gospel choir. Nice thought though. I wanted to hear the choir at full throttle and the female lead doing vocal soulful battle with Mr. Ó Maonlai, that would have been utterly perfect now wouldn't it have been?. I say buy this CD, and when the Flowers are in your area, GO SEE THEM LIVE. 'cause that is what it is all about. I love their music, but have yet to hear a CD that comes even close to the worst gig live. They were meant to be heard in person.

The best note on this CD is the last track "Sí Do Mhamo I" the final track on "Into Your Heart" it was recorded live at First Ave. in Minneapolis, and the electricity and excitement of a live gig comes through without being overly produced or tweedled with. I find myself playing this track over and over and over.

Why a 4 not a 5? Needs a couple more rocking tracks, needs to have been under-produced a good bit. OK enough of that! BUY IT! Then BUY TICKETS and go see them live!!!!! You will be changed."

Modern soul by outstanding musicians...

John Hollyfield | Seattle, WA USA | 03/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a longtime fan of Hothouse Flowers and was very pleased to learn that they're on tour in America in support of this album. However, as I really hadn't listened to any recordings since the outstanding "Songs from the Rain" in 1993, I didn't know what to expect. This CD stands equally alongside "People" and "Songs from the Rain" as my personal favorites. The songwriting and arrangements on "Into your Heart" are tops and Liam has really extended his vocal range, incorporating diverse singing styles. It all works and flows together very beautifully. In my opinion, this album is about connecting with the energy of life: love and soul. Give a listen to "Your Love Goes On", "Peace Tonight", "Feel Like Living", and "Santa Monica"."

Flowers blossom

Michael Travis | alaska | 06/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album took awhile to grow on me but when it did it sprouted into the most beautiful of flowers. Liam has blossomed as a singer especially on "Peace Tonight" I caught "the Flowers" on a tour in Columbus Ohio in 2003 and was mesmerized by them. Rock stars they are not. They return music to the people and bring the audience into the fold. This confused a bit of the crowd who are used to passively watching a performance. "The Flowers" invited their fans onstage for a sing along to "Don't GO' from "People" and clearly delighted in the antics of their fans on the mic and on the stage. Music as it should be as a celebration rather than a product."