349 of 1001 Albums: Joan Armatrading's Self Titled

Joan Armatrading was an unique artist to come from the U.K. She was one of the first African American singers to really make a hit overseas from the country, and the country sort of deemed her their  own Joni Mitchell at the time. Her voice is very strong, and soulful. Also, there is a lot of musical talent to enjoy. She is a different artist we are seeing from the U.K though as the majority seem to be a bunch of bands that basically built up rock.  Somewhere in the middle of the album though you may drift off a bit, and somewhere near the end tune back in.

"Down to Zero" was a great song to kick off the album with, and sort of set me up to think I might be about to listen to some country. The song has a lot of personality with it's attitude, but then the second song kicks in, and sounds good, but you're hoping to return to what the first song presented.


The single "Love and Affection" sort of gets you excited about the album again. It's a slower song, but the softness and tone work for it. Joan is really different though as she does slide into a more soulful funk sound after giving this dose of what I construed as almost sounding more country than even folk. You're going to hit up a few songs after that one though that just didn't jive as well.

"Somebody Who Loves You" gets her back into mode though, and by the time we reach the end song, "Talk in the Saddle" we can almost hear a circle. The little bit of the country twang guitar is put back into the song, and even a very nice electric guitar moment is incorporated in. What can be appreciated is that a lot of instrumental talent is included, and it isn't just relying on Armatrading's really great vocals. Everything is working together to make a cohesively good sound.

Joan is unique even if the comparisons are made to Joni Mitchell. Personally, I like Joan a little more as she does get a little more lively with the music. Besides the voice though there isn't a lot to compare about them. The styles of music are even slightly different. She showcases some good guitar playing as well as some very story driven music. It gets a little sometimes, and that makes you drift out until another song a couple of songs away from the current one you're on catches you again.

Rating 6 of 10.