WHITE HEART (Dann Huff) – Vital Signs [Digitally Remastered +1] (2021) *0dayrox Exclusive*

Retroactive Records has reissued / remastered the first ’80s albums from WHITE HEART, the band founded by Dann & David Huff before Giant, including bonus tracks. As requested, here’s the band’s second LP from 1983, “Vital Signs”.
When White Heart hit the scene in with their self-titled album in 1982 they took their cues from Toto, Airplay, REO Speedwagon, Chicago, Foreigner, etc, all featuring class AOR / commercial melodic rock music which still sounds relevant today.
Lead by Dann Huff’s exquisite guitar work, “Vital Signs” still retains the smooth AOR / West Coast / FM sound of its predecessor but adds a slightly rocking touch according to the era, something White Heart will increase into future releases.

The initial White Heart lineup consisted of studio, session and/or backup musicians with previous experience in the Christian and mainstream music industries. The group traces its founding to the early Eighties and keyboardist/guitarist Billy Smiley and keyboardist Mark Gersmehl, whom were joined by vocalist Steve Green in the Bill Gaither Trio’s backing band.
Wishing to branch out from their anonymous side role and record the rock orientated material they had put together, Smiley and Gersmehl recruited guitarist Dann Huff (having previously worked with Barry Manilow, Sheena Easton and Barbara Streisand) and bassist Gary Lunn (an in demand Nashville session musician).
A demo subsequently recorded led to White Heart signing with Home Sweet Home and later Myrrh Records.

After the band’s self-titled debut, second effort ”Vital Signs” brought change in the form of lineup, with the departed Green replaced by Scott Douglas, a fine vocalist in his own right. Change also in musical direction in that while White Heart did not suffer a sophomore jinx, ”Vital Signs” introduced a more polished keyboard heavy sound according to its era, 1983-84

The album gets to a solid start with “Sing Unto The Lamb”, a stirring arena rocker composed of lush harmonies, ensued by “Draw The Line”, every bit blithesome with its raised up keyboards to reinforce an Eighties AOR slant.
In similar melodic rock vein is “Carried Away” with atmospheric keyboards to start only to pick up with Huff’s guitars sneaking in as initiative elevates on the way to the refrain. Douglas does a fine job on each with his classic tenor vocal delivery.

“Undercover” touches upon melodic hard rock as driving rhythms and every bit assertive guitars join with layered vocal harmonies, while same applies to title track “Vital Signs” in allying acoustic sentiments with ample lower register groove. Huff takes opportunity to show off his prevalent guitar abilities on either.
“Walking In The Light” and “Following The King” are quite heavy on the keyboard side, with notable melody and harmony vocals. “Quiet Love” (acoustic based) and “Let Your First Thought Be Love” (piano driven) are both fine ballads, with elegant arrangements.

Live bonus track “Hosanna” is a nice touch, recorded live but with a pristine sound, White Heart were so skilled and polished that they sound like into the studio.
Kudos to Retroactive for making these White Heart albums available again, with a pristine remastering.
Highly Recommended (contributors get lossless)

Only at 0dayrox

01 – Sing Unto The Lamb
02 – Draw The Line
03 – Walking In The Light
04 – Carried Away (Safe On The Wings Of The Lord)
05 – Quiet Love
06 – Following The King
07 – Let Your First Thought Be Love
08 – Undercover
09 – Vital Signs
10 – We Are His Hands
BONUS TRACK:
11 – Hosanna (Live)

Scott Douglas – lead and backing vocals
Mark Gersmehl – synths, piano, lead and backing vocals
Billy Smiley – piano, acoustic guitar, lead and backing vocals
Dann Huff – rhythm and lead guitars, lead vocals (3–7)
Gary Lunn – bass
David Huff – drums, percussion
additional musicians
Phil Naish – keyboards (10)
Dennis Holt – Simmons drums (2, 6, 8), percussion (6)
Ronn Huff – string arrangements (5)
The Nashville String Machine – strings (5)
Steve Green – backing vocals (7, 10)

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