Hope & Glory
by Ann Wilson
  • Record Label: Zoe
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2007
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 6 out of 30

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  1. RobinG.
    Oct 5, 2007
    9
    I love this album! I admire the thematic song choices and how they are re-invented in Ann Wilson's powerful voice. I love the violin on the album as well. I have the entire album on repeat, but I go back for listens of Where to Now, St. Peter, Isolation, Immigrant Song, and Bad Moon Rising. I love that the album digs into rock, country, honkytonk; Ann and Heart were never ones to I love this album! I admire the thematic song choices and how they are re-invented in Ann Wilson's powerful voice. I love the violin on the album as well. I have the entire album on repeat, but I go back for listens of Where to Now, St. Peter, Isolation, Immigrant Song, and Bad Moon Rising. I love that the album digs into rock, country, honkytonk; Ann and Heart were never ones to stick to the same musical genre. Now I don't seek out Hard's Rains Gonna Fall, because while I love Rufus Wainwright, I don't like his voice on this tract; in fact, this track would have faired far better with just Ann's smoky singing. I look forward to Ann's fully solo album with more gems like Little Problems, LIttle Lies.… Expand
  2. BillR.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    Ann Wilson is a true artist. . The CD is incredible, you can listen to it for hours. It's so smooth. Ann You ROCK!
  3. TonyZ.
    Oct 7, 2007
    8
    Her voice is as strong as ever but more controlled. The duets were well put together resulting in well-rounded harmonies.
  4. JesseGraves
    Sep 28, 2007
    7
    I wish there was more brooding hard rock, and less country-rock-twinged nostalgia. But as far as guest vocalists are concerned, I'll take KD Lang and Winona over Rufus and Elton. Ann SOUNDS great; long live her passionate heart.
  5. ConnieG.
    Oct 1, 2007
    7
    As a Heart fan from '76, I have to admit this CD was not what I was hoping for. I personally don't care for the song selection, but admire her making a point with this effort. She seems to be exploring her lower vocal range, but just for variety's sake, certainly. And Joshua W., having seen Heart in concert twice this summer, I can personally assure you Ann's vocal As a Heart fan from '76, I have to admit this CD was not what I was hoping for. I personally don't care for the song selection, but admire her making a point with this effort. She seems to be exploring her lower vocal range, but just for variety's sake, certainly. And Joshua W., having seen Heart in concert twice this summer, I can personally assure you Ann's vocal range and power is still intact. Vocally, she can still put most to shame and give others goals to reach for.… Expand
  6. andreag.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    Ann Wilson is a performer and the best Ann Wilson you will ever see or hear is when she is on a stage performing for her fans. Having said that, this is the best studio performance of Ann's amazing career. She is top notch on every song and Ben Mink's production and musical genius combine with Ann's voice to make a beautiful masterful work of art. Get this album - you will Ann Wilson is a performer and the best Ann Wilson you will ever see or hear is when she is on a stage performing for her fans. Having said that, this is the best studio performance of Ann's amazing career. She is top notch on every song and Ben Mink's production and musical genius combine with Ann's voice to make a beautiful masterful work of art. Get this album - you will not be sorry. Ms. Tralwind… Expand
  7. RobertS.
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Ann's effort to revive these classic songs - obscure as some are - is a total success. Her artistry and strength are evident - her choice of guest artists brilliant. Producer and musician Ben Mink puts it all together with total finesse. What a team! With a couple of listens (use headphones) you will quickly hear the incredible nuance she brings to her vocals on each song - her love Ann's effort to revive these classic songs - obscure as some are - is a total success. Her artistry and strength are evident - her choice of guest artists brilliant. Producer and musician Ben Mink puts it all together with total finesse. What a team! With a couple of listens (use headphones) you will quickly hear the incredible nuance she brings to her vocals on each song - her love of lyrics is evident. The Dylan cover is a masterpiece, the verses offered up like paintings - the climax, breathtaking. If given the opportunity, the message of Hope and Glory will touch America's soul and Ms. Wilson will receive our support to continue her incredible contributions to music.… Expand
  8. DenzilM.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    Although I expected Ann's first solo effort to be comprised of her amazing songwriting talent, I was in no way disappointed! After 30+ years in Heart, Ann wanted to do things her way; and more power to her! This is more than just a work of covers; Ann has taken classics and made them her own. Although "Hope & Glory" can be dark at times, it does not lack in substance and message; Although I expected Ann's first solo effort to be comprised of her amazing songwriting talent, I was in no way disappointed! After 30+ years in Heart, Ann wanted to do things her way; and more power to her! This is more than just a work of covers; Ann has taken classics and made them her own. Although "Hope & Glory" can be dark at times, it does not lack in substance and message; which is the whole point. We are living in troubled times, and the fact that Ann has delivered this message with so much awesome talent and amazing vocal power makes this one of 2007's great finds. If this release does not top the charts, there is no justice! Thank you, AFW!… Expand
  9. MartinS.
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    Let
  10. KellyC.
    Sep 20, 2007
    10
    Interpretation at its best.
  11. RoseP.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    Ann still Rocks.. it just shows that this amazing woman can sing anything and make it so dam good. I'm very pleased with it and have played it so many times that I may wear it out very soon.. I love it, and can't get enough!!!! keep it coming Ann
  12. DebbieC.
    Sep 16, 2007
    10
    unbelievably good....soothes the soul...thanks, Ann.
  13. Dana
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    I am so surprised, The songs listed didn't seem like it would be as creative as it is. I haven't seen an album this good in years. She has made each one of these songs her own in her own creative way. Its shockingly good!!!!
  14. MichaelP.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Great album....being a child from the 80's i loved Heart from that generation. Didn't realize other than a couple, these songs were covers. I loved it! It makes such a strong statement and she interprets each song in such a clear manner.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. AllMusic
    70
    It's a bleak album to be sure, undoubtedly inspired by the downtrodden national mood of the times in which it was recorded. Ann's voice is strong and convincing on these tunes, largely drawn from the '60s and '70s with a few exceptions.
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  2. Billboard
    70
    Hope & Glory"--which contains 11 covers and one original--is rich in pleasures, even if it plays more like a highlight reel than a thoroughly imagined work.
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  3. Boston Globe
    80
    Wilson's voice has aged; once-effortless high notes stay out of reach. But like a hard-living blues diva who subs soul for sweetness, Wilson makes those whiskey tones work.
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