Real Life - Heartland

All Music Guide

One of the strongest and most unappreciated albums of the new wave era, "Heartland" is an album so good, it launched a single that charted twice. The track is of of course the infectious "Send Me An Angel" and it's clear from Richard Zatorski's opening keyboard lick that this is an instant classic. It's unfortunately also pigeonholed Real Life into "one hit wonder" status, which is criminal. "Heartland" is a powerhouse of a synthpop record and one that should have garnered Australian guitarist/singer David Sterry's group the longevity of a Pet Shop Boys or New Order. "Catch Me I'm Falling" is the best track built on a beautiful descending chorus of "Catch me I'm falling/Down again/I know it's a dream/But just the same…" and frenetic choruses. Beware: The most commonly known version of this song is the "single remix" which starts with a vocoder aping the chorus the best version of the song begins with the irresistible guitar hook starting from scratch. And the rest of the collec...tion is nothing to dismiss. The title track is a stirring, brooding anthem, worthy of U2's powerful early new wave days, complete with wailing guitar solo. "Broken Again," "Breaking Point" and "Openhearted" are built on solid pop hooks, while the album's closer, "Burning Blue" is a melancholic summation of a great record. The fact that Real Life have been relegated to the status of "one hit wonders" is easily dismissed by one listen to this solid album. File under "shoulda been a classic." - Tomas Mureika, All Music Guide Read more Less