With Highlands, White Heart has taken its music to new heights. Forging a sound that is truly distinctive, this veteran group has continued to stretch and grow. From the opening strains of "You Can See the World From Here" to the closer, "The Flame Passes On," the group presents an album that is varied in sound and texture, but is cohesive. This probably is partly due to the fact that it is the first album in four or five years without any personnel changes between recordings. As a result, the influences of the different members have gelled, allowing the group to present a strong, blended sound.
Lead singer Rhic Florian (who continues what has become a tradition of spelling his name differently on every album) is in fine voice. He continues to be one of the best in this genre, able to vocally present the mood of each song well. The group uses keyboardist Mark Gersmehl's voice as a textural contrast to Florian's, to an even greater extent than in the past, making the vocals one of the strongest elements of this album.
Not to say that the musicianship isn't top-notch-guitarists Brian Wooten and Billy Smiley, bassist Anthony Sallee and drummer Jon Knox turn in wonderful performances. Wooten's lead guitar work embellishes songs, without overwhelming them. Sallee and Knox have really meshed as a rhythm unit.
Lyrically, the album goes beyond Tales of Wonder in talking about how people need to explore their faith, and utilize it in their lives. Some of the best cuts are the rocking "Excuse Me, Forgive Me," the beautiful "Heaven of My Heart," and "The Cry," which has a great vocal harmony beginning, and turns into a mid-tempo rocker.
Full of great songs, this album is definitely one of-if not the-best in the White Heart catalog.
More from White Heart
1995Inside
1990Souvenirs
1994Nothing but the Best - Radio Classics
1994Nothing but the Best - Rock Classics
