Big Blackhawk fan disapointed on this album....., March 4, 2003 Reviewer: aaron from ontario
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.

What the heck I'll give it 5 stars, June 2, 2000 Reviewer: pjpiazza@yahoo.com from Michigan
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.

A Great Follow up CD!, March 14, 2000 Reviewer: A music fan from Pittsburgh, PA United States
To be honest, the very first time I listened to this CD, except for the title track and "Big Guitar", it didn't do much for me. However, the more I listened to it, the more that I realized what an excellent CD it is. The guys in Blackhawk harmonize incredibly well, and that makes all of the songs on the CD easy to listen to and to enjoy. It is a worthy follow up to their debut CD, and if you like that or any of there other CD's, it's well worth the money spent.

Excellent CD, April 11, 2000 Reviewer: Karen Hayes from Santa Rosa , California USA
The music was great.A CD you can listen to over and over.They have a very distict sound. They are awesome

Highly ignored album by this band....WHY ???, March 4, 2003 Reviewer: aaron from ontario
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".

The Showcase of Talent, June 28, 2000 Reviewer: A music fan from down winding roads
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!

Good solid country, July 2, 1998 Reviewer: James E Bagley from Sanatoga, PA USA
These arent just well-hung men in tight fitting jeans.Blackhawk serves up first rate country on this, their third release.Especially noteworthy are the singles Hole In My Heart (which evokes vintage Huey Lewis) and Postmarked Birmingham. Check out their previous releases too, while you are at it!

Can't stop playing it., October 15, 1998 Reviewer: mz from Seattle, WA
Just last week I felt like getting a new CD. I wasn't very familiar with Blackhawk but remembered I liked "Postmarked Birmingham". Now I can't stop listening. There's not one song that's less than terrific. I'll be in line for tickets if they make it back to Seattle.

Tight harmonies & vocal variety makes "The Sky's The Limit.", February 9, 1999 Reviewer: A music fan from Italy
The harmonies of Blackhawk are tightly woven on every number. Mark Bright and Tim DuBois have done a great job producing this album. Every song is a number 1. The "Your own little corner of my heart" cut is a solid chart topper and reveals the very best of Blackhawk. The tight harmony of Dave Turnbull (who is this guy?) makes that song destined for the top of the charts.

The best so far!, October 29, 1998 Reviewer: A music fan
As a long-time fan of Blackhawk, I have listened to the band evolve over time. It's been 5 years now, and the guys aren't slowing down. Van, Dave, and Henry have put together their best album yet. From Dave's song "Always Have, Always Will" to "In My Heart Of Hearts", Blackhawk's harmony will grab hold of you and not let go. Here's to many more albums like this one.

Awesome CD, May 23, 2002 Reviewer: Terresa O. Booher from New Bern, North Carolina United States
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.

Great Songs, Great Harmony, Blackhawk at their best., September 30, 1998 Reviewer: A music fan
Blackhawk is back with a vengence, delivering 11 great tracks featuring their incredible harmony and interesting instrumentation. The highly polished production captures a great balance of mid tempo tunes, ballads and rockers. Better yet, Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson are each featured on songs they wrote individually, adding to the diversity of this records sound and appeal. Check out Dave's song, Always Have, Always will. The song is captivating and his vocal performance is outstanding. The Sky's The Limit is a complete album that is totally different than everything else out there...which country radio definately needs.

Better-n-Better, June 3, 1999 Reviewer: A music fan from Leavin the land of the brokenhearted
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!

Strong Set From One Of The '90s Best, February 9, 2001 Reviewer: James E Bagley from Sanatoga, PA USA
BlackHawk’s trio of lead vocalist Henry Paul (also mandolin) and harmonizers Van Stephenson (guitar) and Dave Robbins (keyboards) were brought together to form one of the most successful country groups of the ‘90s. This after many years spent forging their own identities: Paul with the Outlaws and the Henry Paul Band, Stephenson and Robbins as successful songwriters for Kenny Rogers and Restless Heart, among others. The group’s specialty is definitely up-tempo tunes (all ten of their enclosed top 20 efforts have a pronounced beat) and usually, the rowdier, the better. Barn-burners “Every Once In Awhile,” “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday;” and “There You Have It” were heaven-sent for swing dancing, while mid-tempo gems “Just About Right” and “Almost A Memory Now” nicely display their organic roots. The two other recordings contained on Greatest Hits provide a much needed cool down from the boisterousness: the exquisite ballad “Postmarked Birmingham” (Paul’s greatest vocal performance to date) which undeservedly stiffed outside the top 30 and the non-single “Always Have, Always Will,” which offers a rare lead by the author Robbins (an accomplished, heartfelt effort, though not up to Paul’s standards). The omitted “Hole In My Heart” and a lively cover of the Andrew Gold hit "Lonely Boy" would have fit in nicely as well, but overall, it’s a creditable selection of BlackHawk’s best.

Greatest Hits also contains three diverse new recordings. The first single “I Need You All The Time” is vintage BlackHawk: quick tempo, a lot of fun, easy to dance to. Radio’s resistance to give it steady airplay (it has stalled in the middle regions of the country charts) may not bode well for the group’s recording future. There’s also a lovely, subtle ballad “It Takes A Woman” which revives the old adage “success is nothing without someone to share it with”. Best of all is “Ships Of Heaven,” a semi-autobiographical ballad written by Stephenson while he was being treated for a malignant melanoma. It’s a powerful statement about everlasting love that builds to a glorious, gospel-drenched climax. It was also a fitting swan song for Stephenson as he retired from the group after completing these new recordings with Paul and Robbins.

Blackhawk at their best!, January 16, 2001 Reviewer: Keith Gearlds from Louisville, Kentucky United States
I guess that's why it's called a "Greatest Hits." These guys have definitely lived up to the name. From the beginning of the CD to the end, Blackhawk delivers what is, in my opinion, an award worthy album. Kicking off with the song that got their career going, "Goodbye Says It All," Blackhawk gives you all their hits and then some. Included on this awesome CD are hits like "Every Once In A While," "I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No," "Like There Ain't No Yesterday" and "There You Have It." They've even included some of their best material that would normally not rank as a "greatest" hit seen as it barely cracked Billboard's Top 40 in "Postmarked Birmingham." With the addition of three new songs, including the heart wrenching tribute to former band member Van Stephenson, "Ships Of Heaven," this album will go down in my books as one of the best of 2000. Way to go Blackhawk! You've definitely earned the right to have your first "Greatest Hits" album on the shelves!

Awesome!, November 25, 2001 Reviewer: Lynnette Moore from Sarasota, Fl.
Well What can I say! Blackhawk you are the best! Cant wait to hear your new album featuring single, DAYS OF AMERICA! They have an awesome new lead guitarist(Chris Anderson) used to play with the old OUTLAWS. He has brought a new guitar sound with him. Love it!

A look back before looking forward..., May 30, 2001 Reviewer: A music fan from down winding roads If you have just discovered BlackHawk...this is a comprehensive summary of their musical career over the past eight years, showcasing the great songwriting, song selection, diversity, and unique harmonies the band has become known for. Grab this one quick and get caught up on all that you've missed - the new one will be here by the end of the year!

Left Me Wanting MORE, June 29, 2000 Reviewer: A music fan from Up in the Mountains Appropriately opening with their debut hit "Goodbye Says It All" and ending with Van Stephenson's semi-autobiographical farewell, "Ships of Heaven", BlackHawk's Greatest Hits showcases the many reasons I've come to love this band over the past 8 years, and the many reasons they'll be making music for years to come.

I've never heard a more distinctive, insistance, timeless voice than Henry Paul's. Whether singing a wishful ballad like "It Takes A Woman" or tellin' it like it is on "That's Just About Right", the man is simply amazing. Dave Robbins takes his turn on lead on "Always Have, Always Will" a song he wrote for his wife that is deservedly on this album even though it was never a single. The backup band did a marvelous job instrumentally and vocally, and hats off to producing "GOD" Bobby Huff for his hard work on the project.

To the reviewer in PA that wonders about this band's future: Anyone with so much talent and passion for the music, for performing, for writing, and for doing it right will be back. According to their website (blackhawkfans/not the Arista site), they weren't dropped from the label, they just chose not to resign with the larger, restructured company, and, they are already well into a 6th album. BlackHawk is certainly not the only act to LEAVE a label after the label screwed them, and I look forward to seeing how high they fly with a second chance and someone who appreciates them. The album has been in the Top 30 on Billboard since it was released, WITHOUT the label's help, and Nashville will take note of it. Best of luck to BlackHawk in the future, and know that your fans are here to support you in everything. Love the Hits, Can't wait for the 6th!

Amazon.com
Blackhawk, who lost their focus after their platinum-selling records of the '90s, return with an album that aims for new depth and direction. Inspired by the death of band member Van Stephenson in April 2001, cofounders Henry Paul and Dave Robbins eschew the usual themes of lovin' and leavin' to craft a message album of universal love, faith, and honor, much of it with pantheistic undertones. While none of the songs dares move too left of radio, the inspirational tone of such tunes as "One Love" and "Spirit Dancer," laced with Native American flute and chanting, provides a welcome balm of healing. Still, there's plenty for the more lighthearted listener, from the twin-guitar rock of "Brothers of the Southland," which pays tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, to "One Night in New Orleans," where a young man learns to speak the language of love. Stocked with Blackhawk's trademark harmonies and power instrumentation, Spirit Dancer shows that '70s rock has come full circle once again. --Alanna Nash

A new beginning., August 28, 2002 Reviewer: JGG from Charleston, SC United States
If you've loved Blackhawk's previous efforts, you will by no means be diappointed. In fact, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you hear. There is a good diversity among the songs compiled on this album, but the classic Blackhawk sound and lyrical ideas are maintained. I defy anyone who can't relate to at least one track on this album. I for one related to "I Will". What it means to be in love with someone so much, that you will let them go if they need to be alone or in some other situation. The title track, "Spirit Dancer" is a fitting tribute to Van Stevenson. The song "One Love" has a great lyric, hook, and brings you back to a feeling of home, as it has all of the trademarks of a classic Blackhawk song. Purchase this album, believe me, it's worth it.

Sentiments, September 19, 2002 Reviewer: A music fan from dexter, mo United States
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!

BlackHawk's Great New CD, September 5, 2002 Reviewer: Gayle Little from Huntersville, NC United States
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.

Listen and you won't be disappointed, August 27, 2002 Reviewer: A music fan from Leavin the land of the brokenhearted
True artists are driven by the need to express human nature. The best song is a reflection of the writer. This makes a song real, adds a dimension, allows all who listen a more personal identification with the music.

Love, loss, determination, spirituality, self-discovery, and starting over are just a few of the themes addressed by the songs on Spirit Dancer. Standout tracks include "One Love," which opens with the lines "We are just children in his hands/Two in a million precious grains of sand/We sift through His fingers dancing on the wind/We find each other." Love, in its purest and most beautiful form. "Days of America" takes a Mellencamp-esque approach in saluting the American working people in triumph over adversity. "Brothers of the Southland" speaks for itself as a Southern Rocker's anthem to his brethren. Native American flute and chant haunt "Spirit Dancer," the song written for the late Van Stephenson. More than a tribute, the song addresses the questions and beliefs that affect anyone who has lost a loved one. Anyone who has flipped through an old yearbook or lost touch with an old friend will relate to the youthful innocence paired with adult realizations of "Gloryland." From the opening instrumental strains through deftly crafted lines like "Can you find beauty in the beast I've been/Is it too late for me to start again", "Forgiveness" stands out as a strikingly honest and direct piece of music.

The album is filled with the harmonies and instrumental arrangements that have become BlackHawk trademarks, but the band has outdone itself this time around. This album is quite possibly one of the finest CDs of the decade.

Superb Recording, September 4, 2002 Reviewer: Claude J. Leger from Gardner, MA. United States
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.

The Best One, September 1, 2002 Reviewer: blkhwkbest1 from Prattville, AL
The guys done it again with their GREAT music,Spirit Dancer is BlackHawk's BEST!! The harmonies of Henry Paul and Dave Robbins will keep you coming back for more everytime they write,record,and perform LIVE...some of my favorites from Spirit Dancer are: Spirit Dancer,Days Of America,One Love,Faith Is The Light,and I'll Always Love You.

Spirit Dancer is a MUST have,it gives you all emotions from sad,happy,in love,to turn it up rocking tunes. I hope to see BlackHawk get the air-play they deserve and if you don't go out to get Spirit Dancer and see them LIVE,you will be missing lots of things from a GREAT band!!!

They're back!, August 31, 2002 Reviewer: D-dog from Illinois
I was drastically upset when I heard that Van Stephenson had died. He was such a talented man, and I'm sure I would've liked him if I had known him. The remaining members of BlackHawk felt the same way, apparently, as they got together to do this album, one which will lift your spirits and tap your toes. The title track is probably the best. The chants in the background ad to the hopeful feel of the song. "Days of America" tells of how we all came together to help one another. "One Night in New Orleans" is for all you French people--a song of love with an accent. "Brothers Of the Southland" pays tribute to some of the great southern-rockers, and "I'll Always Love You" (with Dave Robbins on vocals) will hit you with its harmonies. "I Will" declares unwavering love (check out Billy Ray Cyrus's version on his "Southern Rain"), while "One Love" expresses God's love--and plans--for us all. Even though they are now one short, BlackHawk can still pack a punch. Their music is among the best in the business, able to reach out and grasp you by the heart. By "Spirit Dancer" today, and feel their power.

back to blackhawk, August 27, 2002 Reviewer: wayverunr from Greenville, SC United States
For those of you who miss the pure emotion that flowed from Blackhawk in their first albums, it's back. This is some of the best music that blackhawk has recorded since thier first two albums, and very well could be the best music they've ever made. Which is saying a lot. There are strains of music here that will remind some of Henry's days with the Outlaws, there are some great instrumentals, and, of course, Blackhawk's awesome harmonies, which have never been absent. Buy this album, you will definitely not regret it.

A Wonderful Tribute, September 1, 2003 Reviewer: Cheryl White from Carneys Point, NJ United States
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.

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