Following the deluxe 2CD expansion of Do You earlier this year, Cherry Pop has continued its upgrade and overhaul of Sheena Easton's discography with a remastered vinyl edition of her 1987 album No Sound But a Heart.  For her eighth album and final set with EMI, Easton turned to the prevailing "multiple producers" approach so prevalent in the 1980s.  As those producers included Narada Michael Walden, Phil Ramone, Nick Martinelli, and Keith Diamond, the Scottish singer was in good hands on 1987's No Sound But a Heart.  While the album isn't one of her most unified, almost every track was single-worthy owing to each producer turning in their best for the singer.

Owing to difficulties with EMI America, a wide U.S. release initially eluded the album (though it was briefly issued in cassette and CD formats).  A 1999 U.S. CD reissue added a quartet of bonus tracks.  Since then, No Sound But a Heart has been unavailable in any physical format.  Despite its relative low profile, it remains one of Sheena's albums most ripe for rediscovery.

The lead single reunited the artist with her friend and collaborator Prince.  Though the Purple One ceded production credit to engineer David Leonard (General Public, The Outfield) on "Eternity," he handled guitar (as "Freddie 'The Phantom'") and keyboards (as "Rocker Happyfeller").  (It's believed that the burbling track was cut by Prince in 1985 and first considered for Vanessa Williams and, possibly, Jill Jones.)  Though not as carnal as "Sugar Walls," "Eternity" was suitably sensual and filled with turns of phrase that only Prince could have devised.  (It was issued in the U.S. in various formats including a 12-inch Shep Pettibone mix.)

Sheena's youthful vulnerability makes the ballad "Still Willing to Try," written, produced, and arranged by Keith Diamond, one of the album's most affecting highlights.  Diamond also helmed the LP's title track by John Bettis and Patrick Leonard.  With prominent strings and a horn section led by the great Lew Soloff on trumpet and flugelhorn, the wistful ballad joined the more R&B-oriented "No Ordinary Love" (co-written by Diamond and James Ingram).  The original album version of "No Ordinary Love" has been replaced here by its previously unreleased, extended 12-inch mix.

Narada Michael Walden emphasized Sheena's R&B bona fides on the sleek "Still in Love," which he co-wrote with Jeffrey Cohen.  Cool electronics - early Bruce Springsteen bandmate David Sancious and future "All I Want for Christmas Is You" co-writer Walter Afanasieff played keyboards, with Randy Jackson (American Idol, Journey) on Moog synthesizer and bass - blend with earthy vocals on the track; Steve Perry joined Sheena on the backgrounds.  Kenny G supplied the standout saxophone solo.  Walden tapped Eugene Wilde (U.S. No. 1 R&B hits "Gotta Get You Home Tonight" and "Don't Say No Tonight") to join Sheena on Jon Buckingham's "What If We Fall in Love," a slice of sweet soul.  Walden's contributions are rounded out with the moody rumination on love lost, "Floating Hearts."

The lone track produced by Phil Ramone, Dana Merino's melodic, midtempo "Wanna Give My Love," showcased Easton's powerful, flexible vocal instrument; like many of the tracks on No Sound But a Heart, it would have made for a strong single.  Ramone's crisp, clean production is anchored by then-current synths but retains the timeless air for which he's known.

Philadelphia's Nick Martinelli, a protégé of Kenny Gamble, enlisted veteran Philly arranger Jack Faith for the subtle string arrangement on Brock Walsh and Phil Galdston's "The Last to Know."  Toots Thielemans (whose voluminous credits include Billy Joel's "Leave a Tender Moment Alone," produced by...Phil Ramone!) accented the track with his soulful harmonica.  The smooth, classy ballad recorded at Sigma Sound updated the classic Philly soul sound for the 1980s.

Cherry Pop's LP reissue has been pressed on purple vinyl.  Producer Adam Mattera has delivered an elegant and attractive package as always, designed by Chris Lupton and remastered by Simon Murphy.  The LP is housed in a sturdy, protective inner sleeve with lyrics on one side and a photo of Sheena on the other.  It's safe to say that No Sound But a Heart has never looked or sounded this good.  As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  Visit our Holiday GIft Guide here!

Sheena Easton, No Sound But a Heart (EMI America CDP7 46417-2 (U.S.), 1987 - reissued Cherry Pop CRPOPLP 287, 2024) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)

Side One

1. Eternity
2. Still Willing to Try
3. Still in Love (featuring Kenny G)
4. Wanna Give My Love
5. The Last to Know

Side Two

6. No Sound But a Heart
7. What If We Fall in Love (duet with Eugene Wilde)
8. No Ordinary Love (previously unreleased 12-Inch Version)
9. Floating Hearts​