Great Millennium Album From Jefferson Starship

WINDOWS OF HEAVEN is Jefferson Starship's album to herald the millennium, and it's a great one. There are a couple of Marty Balin ballads- "Ways Of Love" and "Later On"- but they pale next to the other songs, which have roots in science fiction, politics, and the human condition. Much of the album seems to have a message about how we have neglected the environment, other people, and ourselves, and how all of that needs to change. If the songs seem a bit preachy and heavy-handed, at least it should shatter the complacency of the listener and inspire him/her to do something about the conditions affecting them. This is a great return for JS after numerous albums of commercial pap.

Jefferson Starship Flies Once Again

This 1999 comeback album from Jefferson Starship took me by surprise. I had heard about its release back in '99 and was fairly skeptical about it. I finally picked up late last year and was very pleasantly surprised after listening to it.

This is very much a new band..not a return to the 1970's and most certainly not the band of the 1980's. Paul Kantner has once again reinvented the Starship into a fresh and energetic band for these new modern times. Joining him is longtime musical comrade Marty Balin, singer Diana Mangano, guitarist Mark "Slick" Aguilar, drummer Prairie Prince, keyboardist T. Lavitz and bassist Jack Casady...yes that Jack Casady. Grace Slick even makes a guest appearence on one song.

The songs themselves are full of energy, in which seven of them are written by Kantner and three by Balin. If I had one word to describe this album...electric. There's a wonderful rush of energy to these songs, and a great sense of freedom to the lyrics. Standout songs include The Light, Borderland, Let Me Fly, Shadowlands and See The Light. Kantner doesn't pull any punches in his songwriting and Balin still sounds terrific. Diana Mangano is a real find. She may not be Grace, but is still a wonderful and expressive singer. Mark Aguilar is a splendid lead guitarist and Prairie Prince (longtime drummer for The Tubes) adds a great kick to this new Starship. Jack Casady is Jack Casady..nuff said.

This was an album that was sorely overlooked upon its release, but if you've seen it and hedged upon getting it...think again..you'll be in for something new here. They also still sound great in concert..just having seen them live for the first time earlier this year. Kudos to Paul Kantner for relaunching the Starship once again. Keep on flying!

OK, but put Diana up front and I'll give it 5 stars

The truly awesome vocalist that is Diana Mangano, if given the chance, could really elevate the band to heights never before witnessed here on Earth. Please nuture this wonderful vessel of beauty, charm and talent the next effort out, or respectfully give her the freedom to express her creativity...and guys, please stop singing - you should back HER up, not the other way around!