Michael Stanley Band - Heartland

Today (September 8th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Heartland, the fifth studio album from the Michael Stanley Band. The 1980 release, the band's first on the EMI America label, spent thirty-two weeks total on the US Billboard album chart, peaking at number 86.


Side one opens with "I'll Never Need Anyone More (That I Need You Tonight)", a clear and honest admittance of attraction.

"Lover", the second single, reached number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This mid-tempo, mid-western rocker has a subtle sax riff on the chorus.

"Don't Stop the Music" is up next. This track changes up its tempo through-out, giving a very different and distinctive sound. I think the technique here works in the song's favor.

The first single from the album was "He Can't Love You", which went to number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The high-energy track, about a man who confesses
his love for a woman who is with another, includes a memorable saxophone section by the E. Street Band's own Clarence Clemons.

I like the percussion opening to "Working Again"; it really sets the mood perfectly for this one.

Side two begins with "All I Ever Wanted", a song where a guy convinces the one he loves to keep her radio tuned in until his dedication to her is played. Who remembers those days?

"Say Goodbye" tells the tale of a guy who chooses to leave behind someone who loves him.

Next up is "Hearts on Fire", a song that seemed very familiar to me. I have to wonder if one of the local rock stations played it as part of block of music quite a bit back in the early 80's. For a non-single deep-cut, it certainly brings back memories.

"Voodoo" has a great guitar groove to it.

The B-side to the first single was "Carolyn". Here a guy begs for a chance to become close to certain cute gal.

The closing track "Save a Little Piece For Me" was also the B-side to the second single.

I knew of the singles from Heartland back in the 80's, but it was until a few years ago when I first heard the entire album. I soon added it and two other 80's offerings from the Michael Stanley Band to my digital library.

For more from the Michael Stanley Band, click here.