One of Rock-n-Roll’s powerful voices, Ann Wilson is a name everyone knows. Becoming a Rock icon as the lead singer for Heart, Wilson’s voice has rung through the decades on Heart hits that include 1975’s “Magic Man,” 1976’s “Crazy on You,” but also 1985’s “What About Love” and 1990’s “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You.” Merely a sampling of some of the most recognized tunes her voice has dominated, justifiably, Wilson and Heart became Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in 2013.
Dubbed one of the best Rock bands ever, in more recent times, Wilson has branched outside of Heart amidst a hiatus. Not a negative thing, in that time she released a solo cover album called Immortal in 2018, but also Fierce Bliss in 2022. Fierce Bliss, the latest, is a mix of both covers and originals… but it has been many years since Wilson has put together an entire album of self-written songs. In fact, one would have to go back to early Heart days in the 1970s where Wilson had solely written lyrics to songs. Well, the time seemed right to do it again, and in 2023 Wilson returns with an album entirely written by her along with her new band Tripsitter.
In case some are wondering what Tripsitter is, that would be the name of Ann Wilson’s newest project which features herself, alongside Tony Lucido (bass), Ryan Wariner (guitars), Sean T Lane (drums), and Paul Moak (guitars and keyboards). Adding to it all, Tom Bukovac (guitars) is also a primary contributor. Together they unite for the new album Another Door which was released on September 15, 2023 through LouJon Records. A relatively quick follow up to Wilson’s Fierce Bliss, those who are familiar with that album, will be quite surprised by what they hear from Another Door. Why? Because this new album is vastly different, and that makes it extremely compelling.
Made up of eleven tracks, as mentioned, these are all originals, and it marks the first time ever in Wilson’s career where she is sole lyricist. This within itself should strike intrigue. With much of the Heart hits of the ‘80s written by outsiders, it leaves you to wonder, does Wilson still have the chops to write herself? The answer is a resonating yes… and you will hear that on Another Door. A woman who has experienced a lot, Wilson has thoughts to convey, thus harnessing them into the songs that make up this new album. All very sincere and raw, you can feel the anguish, but also triumph of Wilson throughout this collection.
With so much to consume, the overall sound of Another Door is quite moody. So, if you are expecting straight ahead Rock-n-Roll, that is not what you will find here. Instead, you will be introduced to sometimes dark, often very introspective songs that are well-composed and atmospheric. This is evident with the lead track, “Tripsitter.” A great way to launch the album, it is a song that may take you back; it is mellow, atmospheric, and quite different from anything Wilson has ever done.
Following, other standouts include “This Is Now,” “Stranger in a Strange Land, “Still,” and the very telling, personal “Little Things.” There are also the Hard Rock heavy “Rain of Hell,” “Waiting for Magic,” but also the stellar “Rusty Robots.” These two styles mix and match really well together, the more laid-back tunes are dispersed evenly from start to finish.
In all honesty, Ann Wilson & Tripsitter are a very surprising wrinkle in her story. The music is thoughtful, unique, and expands on everything she has done before. With that, Another Door is a really enjoyable listening experience where you can soak in fantastic instrumentation, plus Wilson’s voice… which sounds as strong as ever. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this new chapter in the Ann Wilson story 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment