Little Queen

Little Queen is a masterpiece representative of Heart’s early era, binding heavy guitar riffs and bold, powerful melody with Ann Wilson’s overwhelming voice. Released from a new label after overcoming the turmoil of a contract dispute, it is a record that defined the band’s presence as a hard-rock band. Nancy Wilson’s guitar freely moves between acoustic delicacy and hard sharpness, giving the whole band’s sound a sure depth. The sharp, aggressive opening classic “Barracuda,” one of the band’s finest, became an anthem remaining in rock history with its speed and Ann’s ferocious vocals. From the grand expanse of “Love Alive” and the fantastical beauty of “Dream of the Archer” to cuts like “Kick It Out” and “Little Queen,” the work has rich expression that by no means stays within a single mold. Its value lies in beautifully integrating hard rock’s sure weight and a folk-like delicate, fantastical sensibility in the Wilson sisters’ own words. In particular, “Barracuda” is still loved as a presence symbolizing the power of woman-fronted hard rock. A powerful, fulfilling representative work on which early Heart’s outstanding talent is in full bloom.