Live from Earth

Album Review

One of Pat Benatar's most famed attributes is that she performs extremely well to an audience, and no album solidifies this more than Live From Earth, with tracks taken from her 1982-1983 American and European tour at the height of Benatar's career. Not only does Benatar sound amazingly intense and vibrant, but the choice of songs for the album couldn't have been better. Starting off with the explosive chorus of "Fire and Ice" and leading fluidly into the seductive "Looking for a Stranger," Pat Benatar ignites quickly and effectively before going into a well-constructed medley of "I Want Out," "We Live for Love," and the darkened "Hell Is for Children." Benatar's musicians are sharp as well, especially on the faster-than-usual tempo of "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," while "Heartbreaker" finishes off her live material with the allure of her voice enticing the chorus. Although Benatar's unsurpassed energy drapes the album with a strong rock & roll atmosphere, the last two studio tracks end Live From Earth on an equable note, especially the number five hit "Love Is a Battlefield," with "Lipstick Lies" a close second. While there could have been more tracks added, Live From Earth still does a good job at showing off Pat Benatar's aggressive yet tamed vocal style outside of the studio.