Rise of the Heart by Linda Di Franco: A Synth-Pop Time Capsule with Soul
Alright, let’s talk about Rise of the Heart, the 1986 gem from Linda Di Franco. This album is a wild ride through genres—pop, funk/soul, and electronic vibes all mashed together like your favorite late-night playlist. With styles ranging from synth-pop to downtempo and soul, it’s got this retro-futuristic thing going on that just screams ‘80s cool. And yeah, it dropped in Europe, Russia, Italy, and Japan, so clearly, people across the globe were vibing with Linda back in the day.
The production creds are stacked too. You’ve got Don Was (yeah, that Don Was) helming some tracks, Paul Heard pulling double duty on keys and bass, and even Neville Brody doing the design work. The whole crew brought their A-game, but what makes this record stick? Let me break it down for you.
First up, “Stay.” Oh man, this track hits different. It’s one of those songs where the synths feel like they’re wrapping around you, kinda warm but also kinda melancholy. Linda’s vocals have this raw edge—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it real. Like, you can tell she means every word. Then there’s Bruce Nazarian laying down these understated guitar licks that just float in the background, giving it a dreamy vibe. I dunno why, but this song always reminds me of driving at night with the windows down, even though I wasn’t even alive when this came out. Weird, right?
Then there’s “Blame It On Rio,” which is pure fun. This one leans more into the funk side of things, with Randy Jacobs shredding on guitar and Wayne Hernandez killing it on percussion. It’s bouncy, flirty, and has this groove that makes you wanna move. Honestly, if this doesn’t get you tapping your foot or bobbing your head, check your pulse because something might be wrong. Plus, the backing vocals from Kathy Kosins and Colette Walker add this lush layer that elevates the whole thing. Feels like a party in a song.
Now, here’s the kicker—the album’s kinda all over the place. Some tracks, like “TV Scene” (which shows up twice, btw), feel a bit repetitive, while others, like “Bless My Soul,” lean heavy into slow-burn soul territory. But honestly, that inconsistency kinda works for it. It’s like flipping through channels and finding little moments of brilliance instead of one long blockbuster movie.
Looking back, Rise of the Heart feels like an underrated piece of ‘80s history. Sure, it didn’t blow up like Madonna or Prince, but maybe that’s part of its charm. Listening to it now feels like discovering a hidden treasure chest filled with neon-colored gems.
And hey, isn’t it kinda funny how albums like this remind us that music doesn’t need to be polished to perfection to leave a mark? Sometimes, it’s the rough edges and weird quirks that make it unforgettable. So next time you’re scrolling Spotify, give Linda Di Franco a shot—you might just find yourself dancing to “Blame It On Rio” and wondering how you ever lived without it.
