Blackhawk

this is alot of their songs and I am crazy about some Blackhawk....

This was a good album showcasing Blackhawk's interesting vocal harmonies. Such hits as "Goodbye Says it all," "That's just about Right," "I Sure Can Smell the Rain," and "There You Have it" are good selections for the album. I enjoy listening to this whenever I can. It was a good album. If you are a Blackhawk fan, this album is a must own.

Henry and the gang touch more than just your music soul with this one, they go straight to your heart.
Along the lines of Restless Heart and Lonestar, two my all time
favorites by the way, Blackhawk traveled the country singing and playing virtually any venue along the way. Was fortunate
enough to see them numerous times, yet, when playing at one of the smallest venues of all (Cocky Bull in Victorville Calif.) I had the pleasure of meeting the group.
The quality of the show was second to none. This album does the same.

SECOND TO NONE.

Dave Bruce
Wrightwood California

This band is excellent. I bought this CD for two songs that I knew, "Goodbye says it all" and "Every once in a while". It turns out that I knew most of the songs after all. The lead singer's voice is distinctive and very pleasant to the ear. Whenever the rest of the band members sing backup to the lead singer, it produces harmony that can only be described as soul-touching, organized, and sweet ear candy. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is a fan of not only nineties country, but also country music as a whole.

For a band who had so many hits throughout the nineties, BlackHawk get's very little airplay today. It's a shame--the three guys (now down to two, with guitarist Van Stephenson's passing a couple years ago) were talented singer/songwriter/performers. With Henry Paul's unique voice and Stephenson's and keyboardist Dave Robbins's superb songwriting, they crafted some of country music's best songs.

They could hold their own no matter what the style. Combining traditional country with a new pop-edged sound, Blackhawk has always managed to sound unique. On a ballad, there were/are few better. From Phil Vassar's heartbreaking "Postmarked Birmingham" to Robbins's romantic "Always Have, Always Will," to Stephenson's memorial "Ships of Heaven," the ballads pack a wallop.

But for upbeat fair, you can turn to other songs. "I Need You All the Time" is about as fast and fun as a country song can get; "Down in Flames" is a do-or-die anthem of love; and "There You Have It" is one of country's best two-steppin songs.

You might not hear them much on the radio anymore, but Blackhawk carved a nitch for themselves in country music. They still record today (their latest at this writing was "Spirit Dancer," the title track a salute to Stephenson) and perform. However, it is unlikely that they will ever overpower these early hits. Blackhawk's "Greatest Hits" is an album for country music fans new and old, for Blackhawk is a rare treat.

Ok, I must start by saying I am a bit biased...these guys have been longtime friends and are very wonderful people.But any country music fan mut have this CD in their collection...Their harmonies are Fabulous and con not be matched!This is like seeing them live each day in your own house.Their songwriting is very emtional and takes you places you haven't ben before.Please add this to your collection.You won't be sorry!

It's very hard to categorize this CD in a single genre. But sometimes that makes for a better album... That is the case here. When I first put this CD in, I was already a big Blackhawk fan. So I was biast. Be a fan or not, I didnt think it was as good as the first two dics. But naturally, after a few listens, I got more into it... and out of it. First off, the songwriting on this one is absolutely top notch! Some of the best, some unknowns at the time, and even a youger Phil Vassar pens a song for this one. (Could be his best.)
The CD starts with Love and Gravity. A middle of the road, Country-Rocker. Typical of Blackhawk. The vocal harmonys are tight as ever, and the CD starts with a bang. Next is Stepping Stones. This is one of the songs that took me longer to say I really liked. However, that time to grow in my ears, made it grow on me huge. Its another mid-tempo song. Another song that I could see the Outlaws playing back when Henry sang for them too. Track three is the first heart-wrencher on the CD. Oh my! This song is about a man who gets a letter from the girl who left him. The envelope has Birmingham in the Postmark, but no return address. It tells the story from his point of view as he wonders if she stayed in Alabama, or if she moved on to somewhere else. Hinting little that he wants the relationship back, and a lot that he just wants to konw where she ended up, and why. A beautiful song.
To pick up the pace and turn the volume up some, The boys belt out a modern Heart classic, Will you be There in the Morning? This one finds the guys rocking more that any other song on the album so far, and the vocals from all three of them are higher and tighter.
It Aint About Love Anymore, is another mid-tempo song. Obviously about a relationship that is still there, but has lost its meaning. I see it as the couple being willing to get back the magic, as it comes to a head that it has been lost.
Nobody's Fool is a little mellower, but not any slower, song about not wanting to be alone. "I'd rather be somebody's fool, than nobody's fool at all." And then we move on to If That Was a Lie. This song is sung by the man who I believe was the heart and the driving force behind this band, up until he lost his battle with cancer. Van Stephenson. This is a temder, country-rock Power ballad. Van's vocals are great, and the guitars make you want to pump you fist while you wipe the tears from you eye's. My favorite song on the album by far!
Hole in My Heart was the first single off this CD, and a farely big hit for the band. Its an up-tempo poppy song about a man who wants a woman real bad, but doesnt want the problems that go with having a hot, high maitnence girl. After that, a return to the beginning of the CD, in that the song Hold Me Harmless is another mid-tempo country style rock/pop song. Its one of those, Just one more time, or just for one night kinda songs. Hold me, It'll be harmless. She Dances with Her Shadow is a slow ballad, worthy of play on a light rock station, but with a 3-way harmony that can not be matched. The disc ends with the song Lonely Boy. This one starts of with a nice little banjo intro, the moves on to the piano, which kicks an a sad, but rockin' song about a young boy's life, growing up not being noticed as much as he might have been if he understood the world and his family a little bit better. A good way to end a great CD.
Blackhawk did not deliver a better CD when Van was alive. This was his best CD as a recording artist, weather with a band, or solo. And he had some great ones. If you like Blackhawk at all, you should love this CD. I even have a few friends who dont like country, that like this one.
Once you buy this, and fall in love with it, you need to get the CD Spirit Dancer. Its the first album the boys did without Van, and it is more/less a tribute to there fallen brother. If you were a fan before, it will be a tear-jerker. Even the loud, rockin' songs.
Buy, listen, enjoy, love!

The last effort by this band, "Strong Enough" wasn't what it's title said. Here, the band lifts its head up high and challenges themselves more, creating a rock-fused country album that won't disapoint their fans.

The best tracks, being the mountain "Postmarked Birmingham", or the title track, you'll wanna keep turning to these tracks again and again. Also, a great new version of the 70's classic, "Lonely Boy".

I purchased this Cd last, after aquirring 1, 2, and 4. And without a doubt this is the bands finest, and strongest offering. I find myself constantly pulled back to this CD, the structure and flow is excellent. Van Stephensons "If That Was A Lie" is heart wrenching, and very moving, why he isn't utlized more is beyond me, and considering what has happened to him, its kind of a shame. Everyone should be aware of what a great talent he was, he wrote alot for Restless Heart early on, and Henry Paul too, fronted the Outlaws in their infancy, and was responsible for quite a few of their hits.

When an album like this comes along, you just gotta grab it. Tremendously talented songwriters Henry Paul, Dave Robbins, and Van Stephenson and even road-man/lead guitarist Dale Oliver take turns penning tunes on this record. The title track "Love and Gravity" is reminicent of the band's debut single "Goodbye Says It All." "She Dances With Her Shadow" is just beautiful, and "Postmarked Birmingham" by all rights should have been a #1 smash. If you love music for music's sake, don't miss this album!

This album was a strong, emotional, but more upbeat answer to Strong Enough. Their classic harmonizing is as good as ever, and we get to hear a poignant song from non-lead singer Van Stephenson. If you are pondering a possible first Blackhawk CD purchase, this one will definitely not dissapoint!

When Blackhawk's music hit the charts I had to have it. I find their music to be uplifting and inspirational! I saw them in concert and was very impressed. It's too bad about the death of one of their band members. I just can't get enough of their music...no disappoints at all for me. If you need to be unlifted just put in this CD it will make your day!

This is merely bland, easy-listening country music that I think has been rendered so by boring production. They sound like they could be a good live act with some real fire, especially if all of the vocals were given equal volume (the harmonies complement the lead, but that's all they do, they're just in the background). There's just something about what I'd have to guess to be the production that really flattens and dulls all of the songs on this album, and prevents justice from being done to the potential talent. Something else odd about this album is that the songs are all grouped according to what key they're in, which makes it less interesting as well. That said, I do think this record has its value and makes for good easy-listening or background music. My chosen tracks are "Goodbye Says It All" and "I Sure Can Smell the Rain", with the former being the only really unique song on the record.

The album called BlackHawk the band is Henry Paul, Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson are three men? The Musicians of the album are on the mandolin is Henry Paul, Eric Sliver & Mary Ann Kennedy.

Van Stephenson, Eric Silver, Biff Watson, Dan Dugmore & John Willis are playing the acoustic guitars in the album and the song I like is 3. Every Once In A While.

BlackHawk was their first album.

This is one of the few cd's I own that i will play front to back and back to front. If you like country in any form i suggest you get this one

Its amazing the talent that came from he band "The Outlaws" one of the best southern rock bands in history. I was impressed when i saw Backhawk on Austin city limits one night doing a remake of the Rollig Stones song " Wild Horses"--and im dissappointed they havent recorded it. Henry Paul is as good and talented as they come!!

With the passing of Van Stephenson, there were holes left in the hearts of many. But probably none as large as the ones in the hearts of Van's family and friends. Through this album, not only has BlackHawk exhibited the perfection of their skills as THE most talented band out there, but they have also shown just how deep their love runs. I've tried to show my appreciation to the guys for this wonderful work of art and perhaps someday I'll be able to without a lump in my throat.

This CD is wonderful. I highly recommend "Spirit Dancer" to everyone out there who is a country music fan. This CD has a collection of songs that make you laugh, cry, want to get up and dance, and makes you reflect on lost loves and times gone by. I own all of Blackhawk's CD's but this may be my favorite. GREAT JOB!

This CD has a slightly different tone to it. Instead of songs like "Ragged and Wrong", there are songs with a more spiritual message. Henry Paul and Dave Robbins are an awesome team and they have made another great CD.

This CD took a long time to get here, however it is worth the wait. The vocals are everything you expect from Blackhawk, their harmonizing is perfect and the instrumentation is equally as good. I strongly reccomend this CD.

I've been a fan of Blackhawk's since I saw the video for "Goodbye Says It All", then hearing "Every Once In A While" shorty after, too borrow a quote from one of their songs,I was hooked, lined and sinkered for this band. I knew there was something different about then in comparison to the other bands out during that time. They didn't follow anyone one "formula" that other Nashville acts have.What really impressed me was that the guys in Blackhawk were not some 19 year old kids wanting to be the flavour of the month, but established artists in their own right. Henry Paul, Van Stephenson and Dave Robbins were all veterans of the music world, and it showed. Their lyrics, musicianship and harmonies were like nothing I'd heard before (in country or rock). The same dedication to their craft also showed in their live performances, which I was lucky to catch them twice, once in 95 and the other in 99. Everything you hear on their discs they are able to capture tenfold during their concerts.

Their Debut cd still ranks up there with my favourite releases from the 90's. They continued to crank out hit after hit, even when founding member Van Stephenson was diagnosed with cancer in 99, which sadly he took that "Ship to Heaven" in April of 2001. Through that and being dropped by their label Arista, Blackhawk rebounded by signing with Sony's Columbia Records. Many of their fans were wondering if they could recapture the magic they had as a Trio on their new cd. The answer ladies and Gentlemen,is yes!

Spirit Dancer is clearly their best CD since their Debut "Blackhawk" and their Sophmore effort "Strong Enough". Spirit Dancer is eleven songs full of hope, love, inspiration, healing and most of all, it's from the heart. They don't rely heavily on cookie cutter country song writers to pen their songs, nine of the eleven tracks can attest to that. There is no filler here.. 11 songs and 11 possible hits.. They've already scored hits with the Patriotic "Days of America" (Even as a Canadian, the same values and efforts can be said for us), the toe tapping, get out on the dance floor "One Night in New Orleans" and the current single "I Will" (better then the Billy Ray Cyrus version by far!). Other highlights include Blackhawk's Tribute to Southern Rock (Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers) in "Brothers Of The Southland" (which screams to be played on the radio!) The ever so catchy "Gloryland" which will have you singing the chorus time and time again, and Dave Robbins touching "I'll Always Love You" is one of those get down on your knee and serenade your honey by" tunes..

The entire cd is great from beginning to end, but the highlight for me is their tribute to Van Stephenson "Spirit Dancer". It's the most heartfelt song I've heard in years. Its Native American influence (pan flutes and chanting) does not only give the song it's spiritual feel, but the message it sends is pure and simple: "Gv Ge Yu Ha" in Cherokee translates into "I Love You Very Much" and I see no better way to honor the memory of Van, but to anyone who's lost a dear friend/family member/love way to soon.

This cd has everything any music fan craves.. Great Hooks, amazing choruses, fine muscianship and a truely positive message filled with Hope, love and Joy. If you're looking for something different check these guys out..

Pick up this cd.. you won't be sorry you did!

Finally, thank you Henry Paul and Dave Robbins for this great cd and for keeping Blackhawk soaring!

Following on the heels of their highly successful self-titled debut album, Blackhawk comes back strong with "Strong Enough". Once again that great Blackhawk musical style shines through on "Big Guitar", which coincidentally contains some strong guitar, both acoustic and lead. The signature song from this cd is "I'm Not Strong Enough to Say no", a song about a man who "gets weak" whenever his favorite girl comes around.

Blackhawk has been described as a "man's band", but I think everyone will like their music. There is a good mix of guitar, drums, fiddles, and keyboards to satisfy almost every musical taste. Their music is upbeat and fun to listen to. If you like good country music, make sure to give "Strong Enough" a try.

It sounds like these guys were popped back into the studio after their first album in 1994. The first five songs are good and the second half of the CD has weak tracks that don't display the best of their abilities and talents. Thank goodness I bought this for a dollar at the bargain rack of a used CD store or else I would have been disappointed to spend $10 or $12 bucks on this CD. The CD ain't bad, but it could be better. I suggest buying their self titled album or other following albums by Blackhawk because they are a great group after all.

Although Blackhawk is one of my all time fav bands, this second album from their box isn't "strong enough" against it's other albums. The first five tracks, like "Big Guitar", "Like Their Ain't No Yesterday" and "Almost A Memory Now" are great calibre.

The best, being the roots-rock heavyweight "I'm Not Strong Enough To SAy No" make a great Blackhawk formulated song. An excellent one. The rest, like "Hook, Line And Sinker" or others after it are all almost boring cardboard. The lyrics in these last tracks are weak, and (no joke) cliche. Not dreadful, just a half-effort in the last half.

Other than that, it is a strong starter that didn't finish with better material.

Better try the awesome "Love And Gravity", or their self titled debut.

I'm not the biggest of country fans but I love this CD. It's really good. I like to define Blackhawk as "A man's band". Just about every song is well-produced. My favorite is "Ain't No Yesterday". If you have the greatest hits and want to add to your collection I suggest picking up this CD.

The music was great.A CD you can listen to over and over.They have a very distict sound. They are awsome

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.

In my opinion, this is by far the best BlackHawk CD ever. I'm a huge BlackHawk fan, and after I heard "Your own little corner of my heart", I became a mega fan, you might say.

We enjoyed the show you all gave us. I have a sister that I took with me that is very slow but she loves country music more then I ever do and I thought you all would like to know that she loved you all. we tryed to get an autograft at the show but we did not ever get near you all. My sister was up set. My mother and her loved your new songs you played there I try to get the online number you gave everyone and could not fine it. There view was they love ya. I liked it a lot for country music. I listen to rock mostly be I will come to see you all again if you all come back to Maine.

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!

One of the 2-3 best Cd's I have bought in the last 2 years! All songs are very good to excellent. I liked the fact that there were no remake songs. I especially liked Little Corner.. , Think Again, and When I Find it ... Blackhawk is by far my favorite group after this Cd!