From their sophomore album "Wheels," until the wheels came off in
1994 with "Matters Of The Heart," "Restless Heart" was one of the most popular country groups around - charting with as much regularity as "Alabama" or "The Oakridge Boys." Only their first and last albums did not certify gold. The current album begins the Heart transplant as all the original members return, except pianist David Innis. This album has the first new music from them in over four years, along with most of their country classics.

The album is produced by Tim DuBois, who was instrumental in the formation of the original band, when he couldn't get anyone in Nashville to take a chance on his vision of country-pop. So he brought together John Dittrich, vocals/drums, lead vocalist Larry Stewart, guitarist Greg Jennings, bassist/vocalist Paul Greg, and Innis, and they clicked with the material. With a sound reminiscent of the Eagles, but rooted in country, the band became a crossover hit, more mainstream than many Nashville acts, but country enough to have six #1 country hits, and yet three top 50 pop hits.

The album opens with a new song, " No End To This Road," which sounds
like it could have been one of their hits from years past. It has a solid
beat, good lyrics and a tight sound. The album then takes us on a trip
through the years, starting with "Let The Heartache Ride" and  "Back To The Heartbreak Kid" from 1985.  The success of the band rests on the beautiful harmonies and pop-based sound, wrapped around traditional country lyrics, with just enough twanging guitars to satisfy most traditionalists, although they were never quite country enough to get beyond being nominated for CMA or Grammy country group of the year. Like most hybrids, when it came to award time they didn't have enough
fans in just one genre to chalk up awards, though they had plenty across
genres.

The first of their #1 hits, "That Rock Won't Roll," started a string
that kept them at the top of the country chart for next the three years.
This song is still one of my favorites, with a great hook, along with "Why
Does It Have To Be Wrong Or Right," which follows "I'll Still Be Loving You" a sweet ballad.

The last two songs to hit number one were also ballads, "Bluest Eyes In
Texas" and "A Tender Lie." Although they didn't hit #1 again "Restless
Heart" was still a top ten presence with one of their best songs, "Big
Dreams In A Small Town." This one reached number three, but to my mind one of their best songs, along with "That Rock Won't Roll."

There are 5 more cuts, including "Tell Me What You Dream," with guest
saxophonist Warren Hill, before closing with two more new cuts, "For Lack Of Better Words" and "Somebody's Gonna Get That Girl."  The former is another ballad with strong lyrics and another good hook, "So let's just say I love you/ For lack of better words." The latter cut is slightly honky-tonk and danceable, but not in the league of the rest of this album.

As a collection, this has all thier number one hits but "Wheels," and
outside of the final cut, is a terrific collection of hits that is highly
listenable. If they can recapture that magic again, you should see "Restless Heart" back on the charts soon.