Love & Gravity (Arista, 1997)

�We want to help redefine this musical form,� says Henry Paul, lead singer of BlackHawk. In other words, don�t expect this album to be like the group�s first two. Sure, some songs, like the title track, �Stepping Stones,� and �Hold Me Harmless,� would fit right in on the group�s last album.

However, the trio points to pop artist Desmond Child as an important influence, so not surprisingly, this album has much stronger pop leanings than the group�s previous work. The bluesy midtempo first single, �Hole in My Heart,� co-written by Child, is the first clue, but stronger evidence is the string-laden ballad, �Postmarked Birmingham.� The disc�s best track is the poppish ballad �She Dances With Her Shadow,� nicely showcasing the group�s gorgeous harmonies. �Will You Be There (in the Morning)� is a remake of an early-Nineties hit by the rock group Heart, and �Lonely Boy� features a �Linus and Lucy�-like piano. Although this album is certainly an interesting departure, after this change in musical direction, the group may never again achieve the great raw country rock of its debut.