Quarterflash's three charted singles highlight this best-of package that compiles their sturdiest material, as well as a few of their soundtrack contributions. Both
"Harden My Heart" and
"Find Another Fool" broke the Top 20 upon the release of their self-titled debut album in 1981, and proved to be this Oregon band's best singles. Two other songs from the album,
{|"Critical Times"|} and
{|"Right Kind of Love,"|} appear here also, followed by the seductive
{|rock|} flow of the number 14 hit
{|"Take Me to Heart,"|} from 1983's
{|Take Another Picture|}.
{|"Night Shift"|} appeared on the soundtrack of the same name which is now out of print, while the B-side to
{|"Harden My Heart,"|} entitled
{|"Don't Be Lonely,"|} surfaced on the
{|Fast Times at Ridgemont High|} album, and
{|"Make It Shine"|} was included on
{|The Gremlins|} soundtrack. Even though
{|Quarterflash|} harbors a definitive '80s-
{|pop|} sound, the rich saxophone and sultry vocals of
{|Rindy Ross|} give this average-sounding chorus-and-bridge
{|rock|} a slightly distinct edge. Both
{|"Talk to Me"|} and
{|"Walking on Ice"|} come from the effortless
{|Back Into Blue|} album released in 1985 which marked an end to their career.
{|Harden My Heart: The Best of Quarterflash|} does what a hits collection should by leaving the unnecessary luggage behind while presenting all of the group's familiar music. ~ Mike DeGagne
