As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) - (with Reid Bullens-Crewe)
Better Than I've Ever Been
There is no way to write about Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth without acknowledging that the album was inspired by the 1996 death of Cindy Bullens's 11-year old-daughter, Jessie. Bullens had taken a long break from rec... more »ording when tragedy prompted her to write and record these songs. But to dwell on the particulars of her awful experience would be to diminish the universal nature of a song such as "The Lights of Paris" (which could be about anyone who has lost the love of another) or the redemptive power of "I Gotta Believe in Something." Bullens has a voice that is honest and simple, yet capable of the assured performance that only experience brings. It cuts through the ringing guitars with pure rock & roll passion. Truth be told (and herein it is) these songs and performances represent the best of what popular music has to offer: the delineation of our pain and the tools to see us through it. Had she exorcised her sadness with a dark, highly personal work, Bullens might have felt better, but what would have been gained? Instead, with a little help from friends Bonnie Raitt, Bryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, and Rodney Crowell, Bullens reminds us why we listen to music in the first place. Michael Ross« less
There is no way to write about Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth without acknowledging that the album was inspired by the 1996 death of Cindy Bullens's 11-year old-daughter, Jessie. Bullens had taken a long break from recording when tragedy prompted her to write and record these songs. But to dwell on the particulars of her awful experience would be to diminish the universal nature of a song such as "The Lights of Paris" (which could be about anyone who has lost the love of another) or the redemptive power of "I Gotta Believe in Something." Bullens has a voice that is honest and simple, yet capable of the assured performance that only experience brings. It cuts through the ringing guitars with pure rock & roll passion. Truth be told (and herein it is) these songs and performances represent the best of what popular music has to offer: the delineation of our pain and the tools to see us through it. Had she exorcised her sadness with a dark, highly personal work, Bullens might have felt better, but what would have been gained? Instead, with a little help from friends Bonnie Raitt, Bryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, and Rodney Crowell, Bullens reminds us why we listen to music in the first place. Michael Ross
"When I lost my 21 year old son to leukemia, I was looking for solace in any form.I remembered an article I had taken from a magazine before my son's death, about cindy's experience and resulting album. I found the album in a local music store. I listened to it again and again, bathing in the exquisite pain felt by another mother's loss. It is a healing experience- you can place yourself in any one of her songs. We played "As Long As You Love" at my son's memorial service. I thank Cindy for a truly beautiful gift from her heart."
1999's Best Album
Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 06/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eventhough this CD has been out for over a year now,I wanted to put in my two cents. My number one CD for 1999, "Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth" is also one of the strongest and most important releases of the past decade. Once referred to as "the thinking man's Joan Jett", this was Cindy's first release in ten years. I was immediately impressed with the growth this CD showed over 1989's "Cindy Bullens"; there was a diversity and power that was instantly evident. This, coupled with the CD's backstory (the death of Cindy's daughter)makes this one a keeper. What's so amazing, though, is that you don't need to have suffered such a profound loss to be able to appreciate or identify with this CD. The loss of a loved one, a romantic break-up...."Somewhere..." relates to any and all situations yet, at the same time, remains just great rock and roll. Besides top-notch songwriting and musicianship,the arrangements in particular stand out. Guest artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Rodney Crowell, Bryan Adams and Lucinda Williams might overpower a lesser artist, but Cindy knows how to use them all to their fullest potential without ever taking a backseat or getting lost in the mix. Some of the CD's hi-lites include "Water On The Moon" (a haunting duet with Rodney Crowell that has "hit-waiting-to-happen" written all over it), the rocking "Something To Believe In", "Boxing With God", with it's great blend of humor and poignancy, the beautiful "Lights Of Paris" and the powerful CD closer "Better Than I've Ever Been". In summation, I just want to say I've given "Somewhere......" as a gift to fourteen people. Three of those people, in turn, have given it to other people. Everyone has loved it. So will you. Do yourself a favor - BUY THIS ALBUM!"
Poignant and pointed, this CD has a lot to say . . .
Jef Fazekas | 07/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After hearing "As Long As You Love" on 91.9 WUMB out of Boston, I knew I would eventually have to own this CD. There isn't a disappointing track on it. Bullens wrote all the songs on the CD not for financial gain or to impress her fans, but for her daughter Jessie, who died of cancer in 1996. Every song speaks to some piece of the grieving process, but not in a manner that drags you down. It is a reflective process, with its ups and downs, that Cindy demonstrates on this CD. I think anyone who has dealt with loss in life will be able to find the power in her lyrics. "The End of Wishful Thinking" is another one that I caught on the radio, with the chorus "and it's too early in the morning, and too late in my life To write a different story, to hope for different lines" speaking directly to me. "Better Than I've Ever Been", the last song on the CD, speaks of the strength gained from her experience, and spoke to me as well. Every song is well written, both lyrically and muscially. I can't say enough about this CD! For anyone who has dealt with loss, this CD will definitely touch some part of experience; for anyone who is blessed enough that they haven't dealt with loss, this CD can offer a glimpse into the experience and the ability to come out again on the other side."
Beyond words...
Marsha | 11/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I lost my precious daughter just 8 months ago and cindys words and music have been a healing salve on a very tired,very lonely and very angry spirit.You dont have to lose a child to feel the grace,emotion and strength of this cd but if you have lost a child this is a MUST buy, what this music has done for me and how it has helped me cope,well, it is beyond words...thank you cindy! ~i~ Hayleighs mommy"