John Lawton: Heartbeat (CD-album)

Originally released in 1980, Heartbeat was the debut solo album by British rock vocalist John Lawton following his departure from the legendary band Uriah Heep. Although released under Lawton's solo name, the album was heavily backed by key members of his other prominent group, Lucifer's Friend—such as guitarist Peter Hesslein—giving the record the band's distinctive signature sound. Recorded at Joe Menke's "Studio Maschen" in Germany, the album delivers polished melodic rock and early 1980s AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) characterized by radio-friendly atmospheres, catchy hooks (such as in the synthesizer-driven track What A Woman), and Lawton's powerful, acclaimed vocals. The remastered CD reissue by Repertoire Records, released in August 2026, makes this landmark piece of European rock history easily accessible once again as a timeless classic.