Darlene Love’s new album, produced by Steve Van Zandt
She was the main voice on The Crystals’ «He’s a Rebel», produced by Phil Spector, and also sang background vocals on classics like «Be My Baby», «Monster Smash» or «Da Doo Ron Ron». Darlene Love, one of the greatest voices of the 60’s, is back.
Steve Van Zandt promised her in the 80’s (after attending her show in L.A.) to resurrect her career and cut a record with her. It never happened. Until now.
«I finally realized last year there’s never going to be a right time,» Steve told Rolling Stone. «I couldn’t have been busier than I was at the time, but I finally said, ‘Fuck it, I’m pushing this into my schedule.'»
So Steve asked his friends to deliver songs. Elvis Costello immediately sent four songs, and Bruce Springsteen sent two finished demos. The two unreleased songs Bruce contributed are «Night Closing In» and «Just Another Lonely Mile».
Steve Van Zandt, Barry Man & Cynthia Weil, Jimmy Webb, Linda Perry and Joan Jett also wrote some songs for Darlene. The first single, «Forbidden Nights», was written by Elvis Costello and it’s a great pop songs that fits perfectly for Darlene’s voice and style. A video was filmed recently in Asbury Park to promote the song, and includes a cameo with the two prodigal songs from Asbury: Bruce and Stevie.
The release party will be held at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles on September 18th, starring Darlene Love and featuring Little Steven & friends. The album will see the light of day that same day.
Introducing Darlene Love includes the following songs:
1. Among the Believers (Stevie Van Zandt)
2. Forbidden Nights (Elvis Costello)
3. Love Kept Us Foolin’ Around (Linda Perry)
4. Little Liar (Desmond Child/Joan Jett)
5. Still Too Soon to Know (Elvis Costello)
6. Who Under Heaven (Jimmy Webb)
7. Night Closing In (Bruce Springsteen)
8. Painkiller (Michael Des Barres/Paul Ill)
9. Just Another Lonely Mile (Bruce Springsteen)
10. Last Time (Stevie Van Zandt)
11. River Deep, Mountain High (Phil Spector/Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich)
12. Sweet Freedom (Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil)
13. Marvelous (Walter Hawkins)
14. Jesus is The Rock (That Keeps Me Rollin’) (Stevie Van Zandt)