Search - Blackhawk :: Sky's the Limit

'Blackhawk's fourth album soars ( 4.5 stars )

Fireball | Toronto | 09/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have no idea what happened with their awesome third album, "Love And Gravity", as radio got lazy with giving the singles 'Hole In My Heart' and 'Postmarked Birmingham' good airplay. Their fourth album, 'The Sky's The Limit' is a bit better than their third. Lots of solid material, with the trio writing some, yet not enough, as there's too many of other writers songs on here instead. 'Your Own Little Corner Of My Heart' is a song with a little thunder, a little speed, and the sweet blend of Henry Paul, Van Stephenson, and Dave Robbins vocals, which are so formidable together, there are hardly any others in the buisness that can match their voices as well as these three. My personal favourite they've recorded on this disc is 'Who Am I Now', a man without an identity after love walked out. Nice work with a homegrown mandolin collaborating with some shiny electric guitar. Amazing harmonies here. Henry Paul on 'In My Heart Of Hearts' is welcoming and earnest, and the song has a slow, nuturing feel with sincerety. 'The Last Time' is another good love song, as they play with different keys, making it the most diverse sounding. They aren't afraid to make this one more than a two or three chord tune. A surprise (and a first for them) is the steel guitar on the snappy ''When I Find It, I'll Know It.' Still up there, and more gutsy is the ganglin' 'Goin' Down Fightin'. This is a real go-getter. Robbins and Stephenson get stellar in the background as Henry Paul's unique hickory voice delivers. Again, that mandolin and electric guitar work like a charm on 'Nobody Knows What To Say'. Everybody will love 'There You Have It', and awe as Dave Robbins stuns us with his simple yet fantastic sweet love song, 'Always Have, Always Will'. Van Stephenson also takes the lead with a nice addition to the album, the self penned 'Think Again'. Gettin' grity and rockin comes 'Walkin On Water'. These boys know how to rock. Sadly, Van Stephenson passed away after their Greatest Hits followed this album, and will be missed very much. The band has continued to record/tour, with the spirit of their good friend and partner right with them."

Better-n-Better

Fireball | 06/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reviewing this CD in 1,000 words is simple, because there is only one word I would use to describe it: INCREDIBLE! Dave Robbins takes his first attempt at lead vocals and solo writing with his ballad to his wife, "Always Have, Always Will." Van returns to writing and lead vocals with "Think Again," and BlackHawk's harmonies are showcased on all 11 tracks. "The Last Time" is reminicent of Henry's early music, and "Your Own Litle Corner of My Heart" is a song that describes life in a way that we can all relate. Though self-described as more commercially-accessible than "Love and Gravity," BlackHawk is still not afraid to step out and take some chances with their music, and they will continue to have me as a lifelong fan thanks to it!"

Arista has mainstreamed BlackHawk...ARGH!!!

Fireball | 10/18/1998

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I guess since BlackHawk's last album, Love And Gravity, stiffed when it came to sales, Arista told the boys that they have to become more country mainstream. This meant songs being forced upon them and there back-up band, BackHawk was not allowed to be on the record. There You Have It was OK, but there is another song on the album with the same hook. The only thing redeeming at all about this one is Dave Robbins' song Always Have, Always Will. It's a plaintive ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. Way to go, Dave"