While the synth based background of this album might not be for everyone, there is no denying the fact that Hearts and Flowers is not only one of Joan Armatrading's best albums but a staple of any solid music collection of the 1990s. It's a tale of liberation, love, and self-reliance that Armatrading has taught us time and time again. In an era where the artists of the day rarely have anything memorable to say, it's worth going back to a musically brilliant album that has true meaning and the ability to inspire.

I do love Joan, and I realize that evey cd can't be as great as some of the earlier stuff she did. However, this cd is not one of my faves. I do like "More Than One Kind of Love" and "Free" IS one of all-time favorite songs by her. But the rest of the cd just doesn't do it for me. I try going back to this every so often and just can't get into it. If someone is considering buying a latter day Joan cd, "Square the Circle" is a HUGE improvement over this one.

I love Joan Armatrading, and while I enjoy this album, I think it is perhaps her weakest. There is so much other good stuff to pick from.

For any fan of Joan, this is a timeless classic; it's one of those albums you return to again and again.