Rock and Roll Heart is an unusually upbeat collection for a man as dark as Lou Reed. The spirited performances and faster tempos spotlight Michael Fonfara's striking keyboard work and let saxophonist Marty Fogel and drummer Michael Suchorksy kick into high gear. "A Sheltered Life"—an early obscure Velvet Underground tune that appeared in demo form on Peel Slowly and See—here is a quirky nightclub tune. "Follow the Leader" also dates back to the Velvet days (and appeared in a 17-minute version on Bootleg Series Vol. 1—The Quine Tapes); its antsy rhythm drives the nervous intensity. The title track is an underrated gem, much in line with "Coney Island Baby." "Ladies Pay," the instrumental "Chooser and the Chosen One," and "Temporary Thing" are closer to Reed's usual measured artful visions, while "Senselessly Cruel" and "Banging on My Drum" are quick, to-the-point rockers that prove Reed can still crank out simple, unadorned rock 'n' roll when the occasion arises.