Vocalist Ann WIlson is back and better than ever with her new album Fierce Bliss! She has been smashing boundaries and knocking down walls for women in rock for the last five decades, since the formation of Heart in 1973. The 8-time Platinum, 35 million-plus selling Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has surely made a name for herself as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Period. During an (almost) half century-long career, Wilson has come to know all entities of the music industry: fame, fortune, hardships, etc., which has led her to release her wisdom into this soul touching album.
This catalyst of Fierce Bliss (released on Silver Lining Music), was legendary veteran ‘artist’s lawyer’ Brian Rohan, of whom Wilson met in the summer of 2020. Rohan introduced her to [famed Nashville session guitarist] Tom Bukovac and Tony Lucido at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio sessions. “[Also] at Sound Stage in Nashville, Kenny Wayne Shepherd came in and played on a couple songs. He was a whole other influence coming in. He just played his butt off, and with the gospel singers and everything else coming together, the whole project just started to grow.” Bassist Tony Lucido, Drummer Sean T Lane, and Keyboardists Gordon Mote and Tim Lauer completed the backing band for this heartfelt album. Wilson stated that “With the help of Warren Haynes from Gov’t Mule, I ‘rounded out the record [with] eleven cool songs that I really liked.’” To top it all off, the cover art was completed by legendary Yes cover sleeve designer, Roger Dean.
I had the pleasure of listening to masterpiece album, my favorite tracks are as follows:
“Greed”: Displaying a powerful video with an even bigger message, ‘Greed’ is the first single off of this album. Wilson explains the inspiration behind this tune “I think people who claim to have made every decision from a root of pure idealism, and never done anything dark or greedy, are lying. I think everybody who ventures into especially the music industry hoping for a career with big success, ends up making these Faustian bargains at some point even if only briefly.”
Opening with an eerie introduction, sounding a bit 90s rock this tune is surely to get you in an empowering feel. There is a silky smooth production with strings and keys. At the 2:07 mark there is a keyboard solo that is reminiscent of the 1970s. The vocals are something that long time fans of Wilson will adore, as she sounds just as great as ever! There is also a music video out now that everyone should check out!
“Black Wing”: Opening with keys and Wilson’s soft charismatic vocals, this will be sure to make you sway. The electric feature has a darker undertone that may remind listeners of Wilson’s Seattle, WA roots and the origin of Grunge. At 3:21 features a turning point within the song with an instrumental section. A heavy bass groove that the listener feels deep within their soul. A tasty guitar solo floats overtop with keyboards glistening in the distance. The listener will be able to paint a picture of a natural water stream flowing in the meadow.
“Bridge of Sighs”: Wilson pulls off an amazing cover of Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs.” It features the same percussive groove as “Black Wing.” Blues lovers will totally eat this track up, as the electric guitar glides along with Wilson’s vocals. This track opens with a much mellower feel than the other songs on this album, but do not be fooled, as there is a climax to the vocals and Ann completely blows us away with her powerful voice. This tune fades away with guitar and keys.
“Love of My Life”: This tune features Vince Gill on guest vocals of this popular Queen song. This is a wonderful slow ballad with such touching lyrics. It features powerful vocals accompanied with keyboard, guitar, and percussion. The guitar solo is performed with a string backing track. This song fades out with the keyboard.
“Missionary Man”: This is my personal favorite track off of this album, as it features rock assets that fans of Heart’s self-titled album and Bad Animals will enjoy, including a shredful guitar solo. The upbeat percussive beat will be sure to get you rockin! The spicy guitar solo played by Kenny Wayne Shepherd accompanied with a powerful gospel chorus is a wonderful asset that will get you smiling.
“Gladiator”: Lovers of Heart’s 1970s roots will totally dig this tune as Wilson’s mystic vocals float over the instrumentals. This minor tonality mode will attract musicians. The crescendo around 3:30 will make listeners do a double take. While this song has a more mellow beginning, the guitar solo is very melodic with a lovely dash of wide vibrato accompanied with a 70s heavy bass low end.
“Angel Blue’s”: Opening with keys that will remind the listener of Boston. This tune surely lives up its name as it blues through and through and will be felt in 2. The guitar solo is a perfect mix of perfection, but captured in its organic state. You can “feel the passion burning” as Wilson’s raw emotion speaks through her vocals. Listeners and fellow musicians alike will appreciate Wilson’s exposed lyrics about her past and moving forth in her future.
Fierce Bliss captures qualities that long time fans will love, and also attract a new, younger generation of fans. Wilson explains that “I’ve heard from a lot of younger musicians and listeners too who have thanked me for staying around and for just keeping upright.” Soon she will be hitting the road with her band to support the release of Fierce Bliss. Make sure to pick up your copy of the album and support Ann Wilson on tour at the following dates:
MAY 4 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
MAY 5 – Napa, CA – The Uptown Theatre
MAY 7 – Pala, CA – Pala Casino Spa & Resort
MAY 9/10 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
MAY 13 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena (with Journey)
MAY 16 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Videotron (with Journey)
MAY 24 – Tulsa, OK – The Church Studio
JUNE 8 – Nashville, IN – Brown Country Music Centre
JUNE 11 – Peachtree City, GA – Fred Amphitheater
JUNE 13/14 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
JUN 16 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
JUN 17 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Parker Playhouse
JUNE 24 – Joliet, IL – ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium
JUNE 25 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
JUNE 30 – Detroit, MI – Jazz Cafe Music Hall
JULY 1 – Cincinnati, OH – Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
JULY 3 – Woodstock, IL – McHenry County Fairgrounds
JULY 21 – Beverly, MA – The Cabot
JULY 23 – Webster, MA – Indian Ranch
JULY 26 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
JULY 27 – Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre
JULY 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata
JULY 30 – Floyd, VA – FloydFest
AUG 31 – Costa Mesa, CA – The Pacific Amphitheatre
SEPT 2 – Puyallup, WA – Washington State Fair
Written by I’m Music Magazine Journalist Angelica Bohurjak
