“Hearts Of Glass” is a powerful collection of songs that dig deep into the place within us where vulnerability meets strength. Produced by Sam Ashworth, “Hearts Of Glass” is sparse and beautifully recorded.
The songs, mostly written by Beth alone, include several new compositions, from the haunting “Epitaph For Love” to the instant classic “You’re Still My Valentine”, to the infectious “Enough For Me”, written with Sam. The opening track, “Come To Mine”, the only other co-written song, was composed with the legendary Graham Gouldman and Kevin Montgomery at Chris Difford’s Songwriting retreat in Somerset England.
The album features several gems plucked from Beth’s previous releases that have been re-recorded, now moved from piano to guitar with minimal touches of production. In addition, the first-time release of Beth’s version of the timeless classic “If My World Didn’t Have You” features Rodney Crowell on backing vocals. This song first appeared on Willie Nelson’s “Horse Called Music” album along with her song “Nothing I Can Do About It Now” which went to #1 for Willie in 1990.
The places that “Hearts Of Glass” goes will take you right into the centre of the truth, and the full beautiful dance of contradictions that inhabit love and life.
“Stripped down, still quality… offers further proof of its maker’s warm and welcoming modus operandi” - Record Collector **** (4 stars)
“Beth Nielsen Chapman is one of those naturals when it comes to singing. She makes it seem effortless to perform finely written pieces. An effortless cohesive album” - Americana-UK (8 / 10)
“If you like your music delivered with real passion, wonderful melodies and lyrics that mean something, then take a listen to this album.” - Fatea Magazine
“…every song that makes it to an album is like a gourmet meal prepared by a three Michelin star chef…” - Country Music People **** (4 stars)
“a satisfying and cohesive outing, her distinctive, warm and always
true voice to the fore…
Hearts of Glass is a keeper” - The Arts Desk ****
(4 stars)
“Hearts Of Glass is a wonderful album. It’s an optimistic record with universal themes of growing up, growing old and being part of something much bigger than yourself, and is packed with gorgeous imagery and interesting characters.” - Entertainment Focus (4.5 / 5)