My Amazon Reviews: Heart "Dog & Butterfly"

Critical Heart  
4 Out of 5 Stars

"Dog and Butterfly" was Ann and Nancy Wilson's big statement album; proof that they not only rocked as hard as the big boys, but could be as artistically satisfying. The original album was divided into a "Dog" side and a "Butterfly" side, with the rockers on side D and the softer material on side B. It's easily the best of the Heart albums prior to the 80's big hair makeover.

They were playing around with ideas, which meant that a little bit of funk snuck in on "Hijinx" and the hit, "Straight On." They still could pound out that Zepplin Sisters act with "Cook With Fire," and "High Time." It is however, side two where the sisters really shine. The title track and "Mistral Wind" are bona fide classics, with "Mistral Wind" again bridging that Led Zepplin divide between heavy rock and poignant ballads.

"Dog And Butterfly" was also the last Heart album to showcase the original band. Guitarist Roger Fisher left after this album, and his rock guitar really did give Heart a large part of its voice. Proof of that is in the bonus additional track of "Heartless" live, its his lead guitar that gives the song its fire (and for more evidence, just think of the opening 20 seconds of "Barracuda"). Together, this line-up of Heart produced many classic songs, and on "Dog and Butterfly," Heart's best album.