Somewhere Between Heaven & Earth
There is no way to write aboutSomewhere Between Heaven and Earthwithout 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 friendsBonnie Raitt,Bryan Adams,Lucinda Williams, andRodney Crowell, Bullens reminds us why we listen to music in the first place.Michael Ross