4.5 stars - Heart's major label debut is a classic

Little Queen (1977.) Heart's second album.



The Seattle-based rock band Heart, fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, found minimal luck in obtaining a record deal. Because of this, the group was forced to release their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, on an Canadian indie label called Mushroon. Fortunately, things took a turn for the better once they had released that album. The band got signed by a major label. The band had some recordings that they wanted to issue as their major label debut, but the record company persuaded them not to, and instead to record a new album (those recordings would be released as the Magazine LP, through the Mushroom label as the group's third album.) How does Little Queen, the band's major label debut, measure up? Read on for my review.



To put it in the simplest terms possible, this was an excellent major label debut for Heart. Although the band was somewhat disappointed that they weren't able to release what would become Magazine as their major label debut, I am personally glad that it happened the way it did - I think this LP gave many people a better first impression of the band than that album would have. While less accessible an album than Dreamboat Annie (in my opinion), it still rocks. Two huge hits came from this album - the classic hard rocker Barracuda, and the short-but-sweet pop rocker Kick It Out. Much like Dreamboat Annie before it, though, this album doesn't just rely on hits. There are plenty of songs on this album that, while never popular ones, are still excellent. There are plenty of rockers, as well as slower, more folksy-based numbers, which beautifully demonstrate the folk rock roots of the Wilson sisters. Whether you want rockers or slower tracks, you're bound to find something you'll like on this LP. Although the common opinion of fans is that the band's debut, Dreamboat Annie, is their best album, there's no denying that it was their major label debut, Little Queen, that brought them into the musical mainstream. I'm not going to say that this album is better than Dreamboat Annie, because that just wouldn't be true. However, I DO feel that this album was more vital to the band's success - if not for this major label debut, there's a chance people might not have even known about Dreamboat Annie! Final verdict? This album rules.



Heart's major label albums got reissued recently. The reissues have remastered sound, expanded liner notes, and even some bonus tracks. For bonus tracks on Little Queen, you get a demo track, along with a live cover of the Led Zeppelin classic, Stairway To Heaven. It's a masterpiece of an album even without bonus tracks, but they're the icing on the cake.



Should you buy Little Queen? In short, the answer is yes. There's no such thing as a bad Heart album, and this one is no exception. If you're new to the band you'd probably be better off getting a hits compilation, but if you want to get albums (and I recommend that over a compilation), start with Dreamboat Annie. Heart rules, and you can see why on this album.

Heart: Little Queen (1977)

Heart was ready for their second album. In early 1977, Heart began recording their second album, in which they appropriately titled, "Magazine". After finishing the album, Heart left their record label, Mushroom Records, and signed with Portrait Records. But Mushroom Records filed a lawsuit against the band, where Heart was ordered not to release the album.



In May of 1977, Heart released their second album, "Little Queen", their first album with Portrait Records. "Little Queen" handed the band even more success than that of "Dreamboat Annie". This album sold over 1,000,000 copies and produced four hit singles. This is definitely a worthy follow-up to their incredible debut.



BARRACUDA

The first single from the album. This song is amongst their best and beyond. That Led Zepplin-like riff is enough to make any fan crazy. This song is the reason why Led Zepplin, who is Heart's biggest influence, calls Heart, "Little Led Zepplin".



LOVE ALIVE

The fourth & final single to the album. One of the best songs on this album.



SYLVAN SONG

Instrumental song.



DREAM OF THE ARCHER

Not bad.



KICK IT OUT

The third single from the album. Not quite what I had expected, but worth listening to.



LITTLE QUEEN

The second single from the album, and the album's title track. Hard rock all the way and I love it.



TREAT ME WELL

We all know that Ann Wilson is the lead vocalist in the band. But her younger sister, the beautiful & blonde Nancy Wilson, stepped up as the lead vocalist for this song. I listen to it once and then start it over again.



SAY HELLO

Not bad.



CRY TO ME

Not bad.



GO ON CRY

Okay.



This is another one of Heart's greatest albums. The album is so amazing that I actually own two copies of it. I have one copy on CD and a second copy on vinyl. Definitely another one of their best albums. Buy the album and you'll be convinced.



Heart seemed saddened when they were ordered not to release "Magazine" as their second album. But in March of 1978, Heart was given the permission to release "Magazine" as their third album, but under the condition if they release the album through Mushroom Records. Heart agreed to release it through their previous label, while they were still under the direction of Portrait Records.

Little Queen

Heart's second release certainly has its moments kicking off with the magnificent Barracuda, but it's a rather mixed affair, although the quality of this band lifts it above any other contenders in this field.



'Sylvan Song/ Dream of the Archer showcases Ann Wilson's wonderful voice and there is some excellent mandolin playing by sister Nancy and Roger Fisher. I also really like the upbeat 'Say Hello' and 'Cry to Me' is top flight showing just how good their melodies can be.



Heart consolidated their reputation on this release and it can sound very Led Zep, but with their own distinctive stamp. The only let down are the more rocking numbers such as the title track and 'kick it out' which don't have the appeal of tracks like 'Magic Man' or 'Crazy On You' from Dreamboat Annie.



This is a good disc and worth investing in, but is not as strong as their debut or the very good Private Audition released later in their career.