Versatile Heart is the third studio album by British singer-songwriter Linda Thompson. It was released on 14 August 2007 through Decca Records. It was recorded at various studios throughout New York City and the United Kingdom and was produced by Edward Haber (alongside Linda's son Teddy on certain tracks).
The album consists of originals written by Linda and other members of the Thompson family, alongside two covers. Guests appearing on the album include vocalist Anohni and guitarist Larry Campbell.
Much like her previous album Fashionably Late (2002), Versatile Heart did not find much commercial success but received positive reviews from critics. Linda would follow up the album with Won't Be Long Now in 2013.
Reception
Versatile Heart received positive reviews from critics. Writing for Pitchfork, Joshua Klein gave the album a rating of 7.5 out of 10 and stated the album "exudes class and weepy emotion". The Guardian awarded the album four stars out of five, calling it a "classy comeback". AllMusic called Versatile Heart a "stunning collection of ballads" and praised Linda's "ability to imbue songs of remorse, loss, and frustrated desire with a soulful beauty and an implied state of grace".
Track listing
Personnel
"Stay Bright"
Teddy Thompson – acoustic guitar
"Versatile Heart"
Linda Thompson – vocals Jenni Muldaur – harmony vocals David Mansfield – mandolin Teddy Thompson – acoustic guitars, production Jeff Hill – electric bass George Javori – drums, dumbek, tambourine Bill Dobrow – shakers The Downtown Silver Band Steven Bernstein – alto horn, flügelhorn, brass arrangement Frank London – alto horn, cornet Dan Levine – euphonium, tuba
"The Way I Love You"
Linda Thompson – vocals Martha Wainwright – harmony vocals Teddy Thompson – acoustic guitars, piano John Kirkpatrick – anglo concertina
"Beauty"
Linda Thompson – vocals, harmony vocals Anohni – vocals Maxim Moston – violins Antoine Silverman – violin David Creswell – viola Anja Wood – cello Byron Isaacs – double bass Rob Moose – nylon string guitar, violins
"Katy Cruel"
Linda Thompson – vocals, chorus John Doyle – acoustic guitar John Joe Kelly – bodhrán Susan McKeown – chorus Janine Nichols – chorus
"Nice Cars"
Linda Thompson – vocals Kamila Thompson – harmony vocals David Mansfield – acoustic and electric guitars Jeff Hill – electric bass George Javori – drums, percussion Rob Burger – Hammond organ Teddy Thompson – production
"Do Your Best for Rock 'n Roll"
Linda Thompson – vocals David Mansfield – electric guitar Teddy Thompson – acoustic guitar, production Jeff Hill – double bass George Javori – drums
"Day After Tomorrow"
Linda Thompson – vocals Kamila Thompson – harmony vocals John Doyle – acoustic guitar
"Blue & Gold"
Linda Thompson – vocals John Doyle – acoustic guitar Brad Albetta – double bass Teddy Thompson – backing vocals, backing vocal arrangement Kamila Thompson – backing vocals John Kirkpatrick – button accordion Rob Burger – pump organ
"Give Me a Sad Song"
Linda Thompson – vocals Teddy Thompson – acoustic guitar, harmony vocals, production David Mansfield – acoustic guitar Jeff Hill – electric bass, double bass George Javori – drums Larry Campbell – fiddle James Walbourne – electric guitar
"Go Home"
Linda Thompson – vocals Larry Campbell – acoustic guitar
"Whisky, Bob Copper and Me"
Linda Thompson – vocals, harmony vocals Eliza Carthy – Hohner organetta, harmony vocals Martin Carthy – acoustic guitar Susan McKeown – harmony vocals Round Midnight – barbershop quartet Larry Bomback – tenor T.J. Carollo – lead Wayne Grimmer – baritone Jeff Glemboski – bass
"Stay Bright"
Robert Kirby – string arrangement Teddy Thompson – conducting The Scorchio Quartet Gregor Kitzis – violin Paul Woodiel – violin Martha Mooke – viola Leah Coloff – cello
References