Blackhawk - Spirit Dancer (2002)

Blackhawk, who lost their focus after their platinum-selling records of the '90s, return with an album that aims for new depth and direction. Inspired by the death of band member Van Stephenson in April 2001, cofounders Henry Paul and Dave Robbins eschew the usual themes of lovin' and leavin' to craft a message album of universal love, faith, and honor, much of it with pantheistic undertones. While none of the songs dares move too left of radio, the inspirational tone of such tunes as "One Love" and "Spirit Dancer," laced with Native American flute and chanting, provides a welcome balm of healing. Still, there's plenty for the more lighthearted listener, from the twin-guitar rock of "Brothers of the Southland," which pays tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, to "One Night in New Orleans," where a young man learns to speak the language of love. Stocked with Blackhawk's trademark harmonies and power instrumentation, Spirit Dancer shows that '70s rock has come full circle once again. --Alanna Nash