Reviews (page 3 of 12)
Never heard of them before, but I love the sound of their voice. Down to Zero is 5 stars! Love this album.
This is the one I was waiting for. I've been crossing my fingers that in deciding to listen to an album every day from some list of classic albums, I'd discover some artist Is never even heard of that does something to disarm my bias. This is the first. Hopefully the list has many more wins like this. I don't like this style of music. I don't like this era of music. I don't like the subject matter in songs like these. I have every reason to not liked this album. But it gets by all my defenses. It's too good. Not perfect, but undeniably good and infectious and weird and unexpected. What an album.
I've always loved "Love and Affection" so hopes were high for the rest of this - and it lived up to it. Beautiful album, soulful without getting too cheesy, upbeat - and just a lovely listen.
lovely
Never heard of Joan Armatrading before this recommendation and I went into this expecting to immediately forget I'd ever heard it but holy shit I could not have been more wrong! This is the only recommendation I've listened to more than once and I'm currently on my 3rd listen. Do not sleep on this record it's soooo good! Definitely the best blind listen album I've been recommended yet! She somehow combines so many genres into a sound that just works without feeling forced. Along with her powerful voice and unique intonations and vocal runs/rhythm I don't know what you would call it but theres a lot to enjoy here. This album is proof we need 10 stars because while I don't know if it's actually a 5 star it's sure as hell better than anything I've given a 4 to so far. Fuck it I'm giving it a 5.
Loved this. Needs another listen
Never heard before but really enjoyed. Solid album, great listening.
Dit is kleine openbaring. Nooit van gehoord maar meteen fan
There isn't a bad track on this album and there are one or two that are legendary. Never understood why this artist yet the full recognition that they deserved a coma they are heading shoulders above some of their counterparts from the same era
Masterpiece
Didn’t know of this singer, but she’s awesome & so is this album!
Back in the 80's my boyfriend included a Joan Armatrading song on a mix tape for me. I've been a fan ever since. Pretty, emotional, often relatable, never insipid. This album is <chef's kiss>. I wonder whatever happened to him.
Man this was great! A little funky, a little jazzy, a little folky, a touch of gospel here and there and just...tasty. I think this is the tastiest album I've gotten so far, maybe it's just the tastiest album that I hadn't heard before but it is TASTY. I'm sure I've come across some stuff by Joan Armatrading here and there over the years, couldn't tell you what more specifically but I want more of this in my life.
I was blown away by this album! What a mix of rock, blues, jazz, and many other influences. There are one or two weaker tracks, but overall, a must listen.
Yo who tf is this???? This is absolutely incredible and I can't wait to listen to this a shit ton. Big win for the 1,001.
This was a great listen. This is one of those times I’m so glad I’m doing this. This Joan is amazing and I can’t wait to her more from her. Musically it was fantastic, then her vocals were so smooth and soulful, just made this album super easy to listen to. I was thinking 4, but after listening back through again, she was such a great discovering I can’t give this album anything less than a 5. TBz 1. Down To Zero 2. Tall In The Saddle 3. Water With The Wine 4. Like Fire 5. Somebody Who Loves You
Incredible that I've never heard of her. Great album with real depth to the music. Listened to some of her new stuff and it is also still extremely good.
One of the most underrated artists ever. This album is one of my desert island selections, has been from the first time I heard it. The perfect early a.m./late p.m. listen
Wow, what a voice. Passionate and beautiful songs. Can't skip on Glyn Johns and the work he's done over the years, either.
I liked it a lot and it was unexpected
Heel mooi. Rijke diepe stem met Joni Mitchell-achtige lichte nummertjes
I've made my thoughts on singer-songwriter albums very clear in this exercise. If they were more like this one, then I would feel very differently. Where most others fall short for me is that the focus is about 90% on the singing/lyrics and 10% on everything else. For me, that's a pretty bland listening experience unless the singer has one of the top voices ever. This album is decidedly not that. Joan Armatrading's sultry vocals are powerful and emotional enough on their own, but the instrumentation is excellent as well. It creates a more holistic experience for me, and it makes me love this album. Favorite track: Join the Boys
such a beautiful, warm, tender sound it feels so immersive and personal I love it ❤️ 9/10
The exceptional album, love the mixed genre feel of the album.
Really enjoyed listening. I’ve heard her name a thousand times but never actually listened to her. She is clearly influence for many, more modern female singer -songwriters that I love, specifically Tracey Chapman must have drawn inspo from Joan. This album, and lonely Others by Joan Armatrading are going into rotation on my playlists!
A lovely listen.
10 stars. What an amazing record.
Joan Armatrading is one of those artists that im vaugely familiar with from my Mum being a fan and playing her in the car when I was young but hasn't made her way into my regular listening roataion in the decades since. How I have been missing out all these years. It took about 18 seconds into 'Down to Zero' before I added that to my spotify favourites, such a wonderful lush intro to an album. Armatrading has such a wonderful voice and style as well. Her lyrics are so honest and her delivery has a really interesting rythmic style to it that I really love. The instrumentation on this whole record is also brilliant, often sparse with this wonderful interplay of keys and guitars. Definitely the opener 'Down to Zero' is an amazing track but I also adored 'Save me' so those are my 2 standouts. I'm going to give this the rare honour of a 5 which I usually reserve for my inner cicrle of favourites, thats how much I love it.
Really liked this one. Great diversity in lyrics and sounds.
How the hell had I never heard of her before? Her soulful vocals intertwined with a mix of soul, disco, folk, blues, and a little poppiness of the 70s is incredible. I ended up adding five of the ten songs on the album to my "liked songs" on Spotify, and I wouldn't go out of my way to avoid any of the other five. This is a really stellar album!
Algjörlega vanmetin sem lagahöfundur og tónlistarkona. Frábær plata!
"Joan Armatrading" is the third studio album from British singer-songwriter and musician Joan Armatrading. This was her first self-penned album. It was produced by Glyn Johns who said this was the best album he had ever been associated with and he had worked with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. The music is classified as folk rock and pop but also has elements of jazz, soul, funk, blues, country and R&B. Some of the backing bands members included those of Faiport Convention and Kenney Jones. An acoustic guitar and piano begin "Down to Zero." Joan's searing souful voice. A steel guitar comes in giving a country feel. The song actually sounds a little like one of her musucal influences, Van Morrison. A break-up song. Strings added to "Love and Affection" giving it a gorgeous and beautiful majestic atmosphere. Joan's emotional voice. The great backing vocals-gospel. Alto sax as the music builds. Outstanding lyrics: "I am not in love but I'm open to persuasion." "Join the Boys" swings between jazz with the piano and funk with the beat and organ. She wants someone but tells them to go the boys. Joan goes to a higher voice register on "Somebody Who Loves You." Acoustic guitar. Slow. At times almost easy jazz. A love song, sultry lyrics. The album ends with "Tall in the Saddle." A song which is jazzy and slow goes bluesy with a great guitar solo and finishes funky as the pace picks up. She had fun, fun, fun, with her lover but her lover needs to go. Another great song. This is an outstanding album. No weak songs and some songs transition within to different styles. Joan's great vocals and lyrics. The lyrics are more general and big pictures than storytelling. Great production. A tight band. A very high recommendation.
An absolute gem. This is the first album I got here that I had never heard at all, but I absolutely loved. Great songwriting, production, and performances. It has depth and soul and grooves.
Tall in the saddle is a gem
Getting a lot of "early Tracy Chapman" crossover. Nice funk vibes, too.
Je ne la connaissais pas du tout. J’ai aimé toutes les chansons, j’adore la voix.
One of my favorite albums in college. To my great surprise, it sounds better now. A range of genres with incredible musicianship yield a tremendous listening adventure.
Really enjoyed the album, having never heard it or of Joan before. Down to Zero is a great jam!
Excellent
This is why i joined this program, to find gems like these. Didnt know who she was, or what i was walking into, but so glad i did. This is an epic blend of blues and 70s rock, with Joans super smooth and calming vocals, thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Had never heard of this and now I am a big fan. What a great sound. Steel guitar solos, electric guitar, soulful vocals. Just great music.
Just stunning. Was not on my radar. It's like Tracy Chapman but a decade prior. Massive voice. All the marks of a real classic.
Good stuff! This is new to me. Excellent mix of funk, soul, blues, folk… Somewhere Tracy Chapman and Sly and the Family Stone. I’ll definitely listen to this again.
..
Lovely album, spent a lot of time listening to this in my youth.
I love her voice so much
Dig this! Great jazz, good funk, great song writing. I'm thrilled to have found her. Want to hear more.
A fine collection of songs.
😍 Loved it! Very balanced
Cool fusion of pop, Blues, and jazz. Joan has a wonderful voice which is accompanied by some banging instrumentals
This is some stuff I can vibe with strongly. There is a ton of soul and it has a loving and cozy feel to it.
Very much of its time.
do you want to go to turkey.
A classic I would ride to.
Kom mér virkilega á óvart. Þvílíkur snililngur. Hvar hefur þessi kona verið allt mitt líf.
genius, strength, grace. 70's fun, emotional depth.
Listening to this album made me feel safe and happy
Great vocals
relaxing
This has been a love affair for a long time.
Vraiment aimé. Je ne connaissais pas sma j'ai ajouté à la bibliothèque 5
Fantastically great stuff.
Beautiful music. The instruments. Her voice. The lyrics.
What a voice and lyrics. Just fabulous
Beautiful and relaxing
Really enjoyed
This was a nice and fun album. Her voice has a clarity and tonality that mixed with the positive lyrics and mellow music makes this very enjoyable.
This album S L A P S
Funky
Really good album, never listened to her before
She's so chill and fun! Like Joni Mitchell but more R and B
Beautiful voice
Very good. Soulful and melodic, gives me a Janis Joplin vibe.
this was great; short but sweet
It’s pretty groovy man
In the last review I praised and faulted The Meat Puppets for being jack of several genres, but master of none. The same possibility exists for Joan Armatrading, where elements of Ricki Lee Jones’ and Joni Mitchell’s jazz-folk, modern R&B, synth driven pop and straight rock all appear. What makes this album great is Armatrading’s ability to synthesize these styles into an indescribable whole. Armatrading’s singing is the strongest element lifting the record. She varies her voice from the gentle pledges of “Somebody Who Loves You”, to the authoritative “Down to Zero” and the snazzy soul of “Love and Affection.” “Tall in the Saddle”, has her verging on the likes of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone for the depth she brings to this closing track. Her understanding of how to deliver the lyrics carries the stories and messages in multiple directions: love, bewilderment, downtrodden. Stellar work appears from the musicians assembled here and Glyn Johns’ production work. The acoustic guitar appears as a great rhythm instrument as well as accenting most pieces. Deep diving into 1970s singer-songwriting records has given me an appreciation for the subtle drum work that usually appeared. Fairport Convention’s Dave Mattacks and surprisingly, Kenney Jones of The Faces, propel her compositions without overwhelming them. Personality gets displayed in their fills, but never overwhelming the songs. I’ll credit Johns as well as Armatrading for the overall sound. My only significant complaint falls into this same category as at times overproduction in the form of 1970s studio perfection appears. The soprano sax, keyboards and even Armatrading’s vocals are well mannered, which limits the raw emotion that emerges in the record. Certainly a personal pet peeve of mine that does not take away much from this outstanding album.
I did this exercise to discover albums like this. I feel like I’ve seen this album in record stores but really no idea what to make of it. And now I know Joan Armatrading is a badass. The level of musicianship here is high and the album starts hot with like 5 bangers in a row. It trails off after People but multiple “wow this is good” were happening up until that point.
not my thing bur enjoyed the ride. ‘down to zero’, ‘help yourself’and ‘somebody who loves you’ were fine i will stick to them for a while. deserves at least solid 7/10. maybe i will revisit at some spoint.
This was an incredibly eclectic collection of singer-songwriter tunes augmented with nice production and instrumentation. The vocals were accomplished without ever going over the top, giving the whole album a quiet confidence. My favorite the first time through was easily "Join the Boys," with a great funk/jazz groove and a wonderfully textured vocal performance. Is it weird that it reminds me of the stuff Tears For Fears would do with Oleta Adams more than a dozen years later? At any rate, it's a really appealing track... one of several here. I could see this getting to 5-star level with repeated listening, but it's a strong 4 for sure.
3.5/5
Wonderful listen. For the 70s, I can see how this was pretty groundbreaking. I'd never heard anyone else sound like this. Today though, there's not much special about a female artist defining her own sound. She's a remarkable musician, though.
Really a cool album by an artist I have never heard of. Like Fire was aptly named.
I discovered a good one today! This album is great. I love the writing on it and the instrumentation is nice. I wish they turned up her voice a little bit because the lyrics are so important on this one yet they occasionally get lost a bit. 4 stars. I am gonna relisten with all the lyrics open because this album deserves it. Not 5 star because it misses a bit of punchiness but time will tell whether I really miss that longterm or not.
Some solid folk rock with a sprinkle of funk influence. It's an interesting combination. The album can feel a bit too "easy listening" at times and it generally doesn't make the leap from good to amazing, but I can see myself going back to this.
Fornøyelig folk. Noen skikkelige gode låter veier opp til en snill firer.
Det her va koselig. Stussa litt på litt på instrumentering (skylder på tiden det va spilt inn) innimellom og tidvis hadde ho en litt irriterende stemme. Men på topp e det knallsolid.
Down to Zero Help Yourself Water With The Wine Love and Affection Somebody Who Loves You Like Fire Tall In The Saddle
This is one of the gems I was hoping to find. Fantastic.
Folk meets blues meets funk and a dash of country. Really dug this.
I enjoyed this. Sounded like a young Cher
Bastante padre, tiene una onda guitarrera con un montón de personalidad y tracks ultra cools. Y los solos que se avienta en el último track son increíbles.
at first I was a hater icl, the slow start of down to zero had me like uhhhhhh then the funkiness of help yourself got me really interested. Really cool album and it honestly wasn't torture to listen to like some of the past ones I've had.
This album is so great!
Great voice
goooood
What a lovely, strange sound. I liked how it floated between so many genres between songs and even within songs. Will give this another listen!
Wow what a voice! Loved all the upbeat ones - not the biggest fan of the ballads.. love the barrotone male voice too 💓
This album is an almost perfect combination of funk and country in the 70's and it is truly one of the most interesting and groovy albums I have listened to during this 1001 album journey and most of the tracks on here had me moving but the main star for me were some of the slower songs on the LP. Somebody who loves you is the main highlight for me and hits every button for my personal taste. It's a solid LP with some of the best vocals and instrumentation I have heard.
Come through Tracy Chapman pre-Tracy Chapman
I've been converted to a big Joan Armatrading fan recently. Great stuff, this.
Really enjoyed this, her voice and guitar work. Listened on the train to work, and found myself lost a few times. Great album.
Menevää ja funkahtavaa rockia/poppia. Mielenkiintosia rytmikikkailuja vokaaleissa ja soittimissa jotka pitää vähän hereillä. Kiva kuunneltava, musiikkina tuskin menee semmoseen kategoriaan mikä jäis omalle soittolistalle.
Really enjoyed this album. It has a unique, almost unplaceable sound to it. A lot of people are talking about the vocals, but what really stood out to me was the guitar. The twangy sound paired with folk riffs and blues chords has this American classic sound to it (strange since Armatrading is British). The composition is great. Something I'll be re-listening to for sure! A few favorite tracks here, "Tall in the Saddle," "Like Fire," and "Love and Affection."
First album I haven't heard of yet! Love the songwriting. The opener is really good. I love her voice. Will most likely be coming back to this. 8.5/10
Joan Armatrading's self-titled album was a really enjoyable listen and one of those records that quietly grows on you as it progresses. The songwriting is excellent, the lyrics are thoughtful and intelligent, and there are some wonderful guitar performances throughout. What stands out most is the quality of the songs. Joan Armatrading has a unique voice and a natural ability to tell stories and convey emotion without ever sounding forced or overdramatic. The album feels honest, warm and effortlessly crafted, which makes it very easy to connect with. This is definitely an album I can see myself coming back to. It may not be flashy or attention-grabbing, but it's packed with strong songwriting and memorable performances that reward repeat listens. Favourite tracks: “People” and “Love and Affection” are both fantastic songs Least favourite tracks: I enjoyed every track on the album Album artwork: Standard album cover
If I had to rate the songs that I had discovered from this list so far, 'Love and Affection' would certainly be up near the top. What an absolute stellar song, I love it. The rest of the album is brilliant too, the dramatic strings and beautiful vocals combining so well. I can see why my mum loves Joan so much. Favourites: Down to Zero Love and Affection Join the Boys Somebody who loves you
#150/1001 🇬🇧 Really enjoyed this today. Strong bluesy guitar work and wonderful vocals. Best Tracks: Down to Zero, Love and Affection, Tall in the Saddle.
How have I not heard of Joan before? That voice, really well composed songs, great lyrics. Not a single recognizable tune to me, and yet I immediately went in for round two (and more) on this one.
Oui
Warm soulful geluid. Geweldige stem. Heerlijk!
i really like this albums messages of love, has very good lyricism and its instrumentals, very good singer aswell
beautiful guitar tone. hopeful. resolved, open. storytelling. timeless. interesting, distinct vocal tone & vowel sounds. love the guitars. i like how the songs conclude. inspiring words & story. she's from the UK??? loved save me, it was almost religious. fun progression through the album, gets groovy, dancy, funky. break with somebody who loves you (one of my other favorites from the album!). a great album! makes you believe in love, the possibilities of love, and shows the impact of love & past love.
Pleasant enough singer/songwriter album. Her vocals tend to get lost in the mix that is fine for me, but I am rarely drawn in by lyrics, and the instrumental arrangements and performances are fantastic. I am a little surprised that I had never heard of this artist or album. It does feel like it must have have had to have been an influence consciously or unconsciously to the singer/songwriter explosion we would hear in the 1980s and the 1990s. There are so many ideas here that would become more common in the 80s and 90s. Glyn Johns did a fantastic job producing this album. Pretty far ahead of its time for this sub-genre. If found this album far more interesting to listen to than pretty much any of the Joni Mitchell albums on the list. Favorites: "Help Yourself"
Very fine but undistinguished.
Endnu en megafed anbefaling! Hun synger jo helt vildt fedt, og skriver i en fed blanding af blues, folk og pop. Vildt at en så dygtig sangskriver og et så fedt værk som dette alligevel ikke er "mere" omtalt (selvfølgelig får det et nod her på en ESSENTIALS liste) Det er et album jeg skal huske og helt sikkert vende tilbage til. 4.5/5
I can't believe I've never heard of her before.
i enjoy it!
Really good chill listen. Tracy Chapman esque
Good album to end a bad day, bad album to end a good day. My life is miserable so I liked this.
There are some really fun songs and singing styles in this album. 8/10
Closer to soul and blues rock than folk. Just a good singer-songwriter album. I have no complaints. One thing of note is that Armatrading has an androgynous singing voice which is kinda cool. 3.5 stars.
What an opener, great album
Singer-songwriter with great sound and nice depth. Big Tracy Chapman vibes
gostei bastante desse aqui, senti meus ouvidos sendo amaciados q nem a figurinha do angry birds ouvindo musica feliz
Very nice album from someone I never heard before.
One of my old faves.
Cool and versatile. Def checkimg this one out again
Fav- someone who loves you 4/5
Enjoyable and a bit different to the stuff I’ve been getting just now.
Holy peak
Sorprendido completamente por el virtuosismo en la guitarra de Joan, y por parte de todos los demás que la acompañan en sus respectivos instrumentos, la verdad que me gustó bastante, tiene canciones con acordes que suenan brillantes y ritmos tremendos.
++: Down to Zero, Help Yourself, Water with the Wine, Love and Affection, Join the Boys, Like Fire, Tall in the Saddle +: People, Somebody Who Loves You +-: Save Me 9,1/10
This was a very welcome edition to the list, never heard of this album or artist. It was so close to perfect, The first side was pure magic and sounds very ahead of its time, this album does not sound like it’s from the 70s and can definitely hear how this inspired many albums after, the last couple songs were a bit slow and dragged the album a bit.
Happy days. Love Joan Great voice and songs. Just shows you don't have to over complicate things
11/05/26 TAPORRA!!!!!!!!! fogo fogo fogo fogo (se referindo ao começo) instrumentalidade e voz legal e bons juntos um groove bom pra porra mds ainda bem que eu tava sem expectativa a voz dela é como se a sade tivesse uma gêmea, e fica perceptível como ela influenciou a tracy chapman essa mudança de help yourself mto pika, que andamento a sonoridade é bem definidida, e embora repetida, ela é muito bem feita ent ela n enjoa NADA daria 4.5/5 / 9/10 fácil, mas vai 8 justamente por ser repetido e não ser algo que eu vou escutar diariamente, embora esse álbum será um doce lembrança
Holy Hidden Gem! Hard to place but easy to enjoy.
Listened Before? N Really good album. A hidden gem. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Down To Zero
I somehow had never heard of Joan Armatrading before but I really enjoyed this album. She has an incredible voice and the beats were funky. Sleeper for the win!
I like this record, mostly on the basis of a few songs - Down to Zero and Love and affection chiefly - and it shows Joan moving into her peak phase, finding her voice etc As she incorporated a bit more rock edge into her sound (on Show Some Emotion and thereafter) it elevated here even further. Still, a remarkable artist and happy to see her on this list.
beautiful
Amazing vocal talent and great songwriting. Never heard of Joan before but glad I was introduced to her, this is what this list is supposed to be about. Love the blues/country influence as well. Totally hear what could have influenced Tracy Chapman.
Woah, I didn't know this artist at all. Very strong record. Like Fire in particular seems like something Dave Matthews straight lifted and incubated into his sound.
Yeah. Haven’t heard it yet. So I have an admission: I have more than one of these projects going. I mean one album a day just isn’t enough for me, and the whole reason I am here is the AI playlist generator on Spotify that I had fetching albums for me locked me out. What kind of shit is that? Anyway, when I found this website, I was like, oh yes! This is great. But like I said, 1 album a day is not doing it for me. So I’ve been going about 2 weeks generating like 5 unique albums a day, and that has been great. But I knew at some point I would have overlap. But I figured that would be fine too! I mean if I stick with this then I’ll listen to them all, potentially, 5 times. If I really hated an album then I’d let myself off the hook, maybe, but maybe I’d make myself listen when it came up again. Music changes for you with repetition. What I didn’t consider was that the EXACT same, unknown to me, album would be generated in the same day. So I listened twice, with some space, and I have to say, what a lovely album. I gave it 4 stars before, and I give it the same now. But Joan’s definitely becoming a part of my rotation now. Part of me. Boolean rating: yes, grateful to have had the opportunity to hear Joan Armatrading before I die.
Haven’t heard this. Looking forward to it… Wow reminds me of hearing Labi Siffre the first time. How did I never hear of this singer songwriter from the 70’s? This album is gold. Needs another listen. I mean I never, never heard it before. 4 stars. Boolean rating: yes. Very glad to have heard before I die.
Gorgeous album. Armatrading’s vocals are incredible, and it’s very well produced. Additionally, there’s some absolutely breathtaking songs, most notably “Down To Zero,” which grows to be one of the best folk/rock songs I’ve ever heard. Additionally, “Help Yourself” ends up sounding like a folkier version of a Florence and the Machine song, which I like a lot. I think one of my favorite parts of this album is the way it blends funk rock sensibilities with folk rock, something that many others who’ve listened to this have pointed out. Songs like “Join The Boys” (ESPECIALLY that one, the conviction in her voice is so strong and beautiful), and “People” (back to back INSANE solos) bring such a wonderful vibe to the whole thing. The guitar sounds super super great on “Like Fire,” and “Tall In The Saddle” really closes the album out well. Very very good. 9.2/10
Fabulous vocals and range, great instrumentation
Me gustó mucho, gran ambiente se genera, se puede escuchar de fondo trabajando, cocinando o estudiando.
Basically having no idea what I'm about to listen to, I wouldn't have guessed that I'd be hearing a seamless blend of Soul, Funk, Folk and Rock in a 1976 album that sounds like it was made in 1994. Like for real. Tracy Chapman's influences can be traced here for sure. What really impressed me honestly were the subtle yet effective instrumental phrasing, on songs like "Join The Boys" with it's very intentional and so very groovy bass part, and on songs like "Like Fire" where the guitar playing is superbly syncopated and polyrhythmic. Then there's the stunning "Love and Affection". With Joan's incredibly subtle and powerful voice, the song builds to a rather satisfying psychedelic guitar solo and instrumental swell that just oozes desire and need. There's only a few instances where I was taken out of this album and that's on songs like "Save Me" where it feels like Joan was a little too close to the microphone and the puff filter wasn't present for that day. Aside from this minor critique I really found myself rather enjoying this record, a lot. Absolutely underrated and worth checking out.
Loved this, want it on vinyl
I listened to this while riding the train through the Japanese countryside. Needless to say, I was in a good mood, enjoying the view, and the music here was an enjoyable accompaniment. The album’s largely acoustic tone, paired with soft vocals over some nice compositions, worked really well. That said, I did find the vocals to be a bit tiresome by the end, and on any other day I probably would’ve given this a 3-star review. But I think the scenery boosting my mood also boosted my enjoyment of the album.
Un folk completamente diverso da quello a cui sono abituato. Sostituisce l'asprezza vocale di dylan o neil young con una voce tremendamente calda che ridefinisce completamente il genere. Cambiano arrangiamenti e temi: non si racconta più per immagini, ma diventa centrale la sua vulnerabilità emotiva. Mentre nel folk classico i protagonisti sono spesso personaggi simbolici che rappresentano categorie più ampie, la vera protagonista di questo album è la cantautrice stessa. Moolto bello
Nice
Very solemn but good
sounds like Tracy Chapman in a good way
My wife's mom loves Joan Armatrading (and I think took my wife to see her when she was really young) and I can see why Joan was a favorite. So unique in many ways, straddling the line between a bunch of genres with a voice that is pretty amazing and can do it all with incredible range. The first track is awesome - the acoustic voicings, piano, and steel guitar?! Just great stuff. The Tracy Chapman comparisons are inevitable which is by no means a bad thing, to see the foundations that Joan laid here for another great artist. Also hear echoes of her influence on people like Natalie Merchant. I was pretty floored by this and will definitely get repeat spins.
good.
Loved the vibes on this. Joan’s singing over some of the funkiest baselines is pure “chefs kiss”. I want to know who did the drumming on this too because some of fills are incredible. Highlight of the album was Tall in The Sadle. Amazing closer to a fun and catchy album.
this was enjoyable but nothing standout
Never heard of her, so excited that I’ve now heard her! Loved it while listening such a mix of classics but unfortunately I dont remember any of the songs right now
Didn’t know Joan Armatrading at all but loved the album immediately!
I recognized her name, and with positive connotations, but it had been a looong time since I’d heard it. I went in optimistic, and felt the album started off strong. Around the middle section it hits a nice groove with “Join the Boys” and “People.” Looking at her extensive catalog and accolades, Joan Armitrading strikes me as an artist I should know more about. Maybe some of her many other albums deserve to be on this list more than the disappointing filler we sometimes have to sort through? A good representation of an overlooked (by me) artist and album I hope to experience in the 1001 journey.
Soft, soulful, brilliantly aligned vocals and instrumentation, this is an understated yet bold album. While the sound is mostly consistent, there are some standout tracks (one with a vocal bass that surprises you) that make this an album to return to in the future. I really like Joan's voice and temperament throughout the album. Great stuff.
Joan Armatrading was just a name to me. My dad had a handful of her records and I would always see them when I flipped through his collection. He had good taste, I should have taken that as a sign. Great stuff. Good writing, and an excellent voice.
What a pleasant surprise. I have never heard of this artist, but what talent. Heartfelt lyrics with a pained voice. I'll definitely listen to more in the future. "Love and Affection" is a real stunner.
This album was pretty good, I think I’ll revisit.
Easy listening lovely
Loved this.
had never heard of joan until now, she has such a powerful voice, not sure how much she directly inspired the later female soul sound but you can definitely hear it. very nice stuff
It's pretty clear after listening to this who Tracy Chapman's #1 influence was in developing her sound. This is a deep, rich sound that unfortunately becomes a bit too earnest in its singer-songwriteriness by the end of the album though.
really enjoyed the whole thing - but not life changing
Tosi hyvää folkkia. Alussa rauhallisempaa, mutta loppupuolella alkoi mennä rokimmaksi. Ja jo kolmas levy putkeen mistä vois sanoa et aika funkkinen. Parhaat: Down To Zero, People, Somebody Who Loves You
Buen álbum! Nunca había escuchado a Joan :)
Some great acoustic funk guitar and an excellent voice
Nice album, some great tracks, but a few too many laid back songs.
Beautiful album. Great mix of rock/folk with some jazz elements.
I listen to some songs years ago inspired by Matt Johnson from The The. Wonderful album.
Lovely album, just lovely
WHAT IN THE TRACY CHAPMAN BLUEPRINT IS THIS , absolute gem
Great sounding album, fun to listen to
I knew one song already, but a really great album.
Heel lekker, top
A beautiful album.
I had literally never heard of this artist or a single song. I believe it could be released as new music today and be wildly popular alongside some of the outlaw country or Americana music. A pleasant surprise from the past
This lady has a lovely voice.
A pleasant surprise: this lady has a lot of character. Both songwriting and performance are excellent.
this was very good. nice discovery
Groovy, bluesy, folksy, and great. I really liked the music - interesting voice. Water with the Wine was a gut punch
She commands the room Bourbon barrel-aged vocals Smart, smooth, and smoky
Muy bueno
I’ve only listened to a little Joan and have always liked her stuff. “Water with the wine” I’ve heard numerous times. All good stuff, it “Tall in the Saddle” is just a magnificent ender
Album 1089 of 1089 Joan Armatrading - Joan Armatrading (1976) Rating : 4 / 5 And just like that, number 1,089 of 1,089. Couldn’t have asked for a much better album to close this whole journey out. This is an awesome debut. There’s a soulful, grounded rock sound running through it that feels real and unforced. Her voice carries a lot of emotion and energy, and it comes through clearly from start to finish. Nothing feels overdone - just strong performances and really solid songwriting holding it all together. I kept thinking back to the early ’80s when I would see her name up near the top of the charts and wonder what her music was like. For whatever reason, I never took that next step to actually listen. Hearing this now, I definitely wish I had. This would have fit in just fine back then. The album held my attention all the way through, which is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more over the course of this series. No skips, no wandering—just a consistent, enjoyable listen. And as I think back to where this all started, this project has always been about the experience more than anything else. Not breaking down every note, not trying to be an expert - just pressing play each day and seeing what connects. Some albums became favorites. Some didn’t land at all. Most fell somewhere in between. But every one of them had its place along the way. Finishing on an album like this feels right. Strong, soulful, and memorable. A great way to close it out.
This is right in my lane! Happy to discover this singer-songwriter queen. Restrained, but expressive vocals. The production is quite clear for 1976 too. Her vocals are strong, discernable and not lost in the mix. The 70s funkification throughout is SO FUN, a gentle nod to the era without getting too carried away in the cheese factor. This sound feels firmly rooted in the 1970s, but also feels at home with the 60s and 90s singer-songwriter ladies that I love so much too! Stand out tracks: “Water With the Wine”, “Join the Boys”, “People”, “Tall in the Saddle”
I really dig this! A new artist for me.
Real groovy, kept me hooked the whole album, way better than expected. I can't believe I've never listened to this before.
Maybe it's because I'm really in a 70s folk/folk rock mood right now but this goes down ultra smooth in just the way I like it. Simultaneously catchy and heartfelt with Joan's beautiful voice to boot. The A-side is pretty much perfect. On top of that, Glyn Johns manufactures a brilliant recording job once again.
Enjoyed hearing a female vocalist in this style and time period
Incredible shit, kinda like Black British Norah Jones and it is just as great if not better at times. With some good funk throughout on top of the folkiness, this album is extremely effective and a real vibe to listen through with great structure and some ups and downs all the way through. Incredible vocals and these melodies are so confidently delivered within every line.
My initial impression is influential on Tracey Chapman, the songs here are more fully fleshed out musically. That comparison aside, these songs are great. I hear a Bob Dylan influence here. Some of this also feels influential to indie-folk pop, particularly "Somebody Who Loves You."
Wow, what great voice! I’ve got to agree that calling this album singer-songwriter does not really do it justice. I can’t believe that I’ve never heard her music before. Finds like this are why I started this project and why I keep coming back for more. As much as people on this project like to bitch about the Britt-heavy artists on the list, this same bias (perspective?) also allows those of us in the US to discover artists we have never heard of but probably should have. I also noticed that she just released a critically acclaimed album in 2025. A 55-year career is damn impressive!
This was pretty damn amazing. Reminded me a lot of Tracy Chapman. Want to revisit abd maybe check out her other stuff
Really great voice and feeling. There's feeling and soul and some funk going on here. Cool album and really nice listen. I feel like she must be a cool person based on nothing but this album. Strong three, weak four.
So sweet in my ears.
Good album, nothing world changing, but it was smooth and good listening. Would recommend
a really beautiful album. honestly so many more people should listen to her, like there’s just so much sheer talent in every single aspect. also holy fuck some of these songs are so heartbreaking
Perfectly pleasant album, but not likely to be one I'll come back to super often. Back half of this has some really nice jams, and I would definitely never complain if any of these songs came on the radio. Favorite Songs: "Join the Boys", "Like Fire", "Tall in the Saddle" Least Favorite Song: "Love and Affection" Low 4.
Never heard it before and can't believe that. This seems to be the music that came before some of my faves
I enjoyed this, kind of like an earthier Joni Mitchell. Will listen again
Great voice, great sound, great mellow album. Love And Affection was my song of the album with Tall In The Saddle (my fav first listen) and Down To Zero being my other highlights
quite good
I listened to the opening track of this album before
soundsvery contemporary
Yeah alright settle. Known the name for quite some time but for some reason always thought she was more of a folk singer. This was a very pleasant surprise. Lots of soul and heart. I imagine Jeff Buckley was a fan.
4.5
4.5
Adore Joan Armatrading and thought this would be a 5, maybe just my mood on the day made it a 4??
Очень приятно звучит, ставлю класс
okay
Whoa, had never head this album. Gives me Tracy Chapman vibes.
Kijk eens aan, de eerste nieuwe ontdekking via deze lijst die ik graag nog eens wil luisteren. Een prachtstem, mooie gelaagde muziek, en boeide me van begin tot eind. Shoutout naar de gitaarsound in het laatste nummer.
This is a new artist for me, and I really dig the rhythm and strength of her music. Plus it was fun to hear someone who has to be an influence on Tracy Chapman.
Wow! I've literally never heard of Joan Armatrading, and I was very moved by this.
Really liked some of the later songs in the album that had more energy, but a lot of the songs on here were beautiful.
Rating: 9/10 Acoustic piano funk, what a pleasant surprise!
I wouldn’t trade this album for many others.
How haven't I ever listened to anything of this artist before? She's amazing! When I was reading through other reviews, I saw some comparisons between her and early Elton John (melodically speaking, at least), which set quite a high bar for me, as EJ is one of my favorite artists of all time. But starting with the first track of the album, "Down To Zero", I immediately understood the comparisons and agreed with them. I also agree with the comparisons with Tracy Chapman, although I do like Joan more. Solid folk + funk (fulk?) album, but my only critique of the album - and artist as a whole - is that I don't dig her voice as much as I would have liked. But besides that, definitely a must listen before you die, in my opinion. 8 / 10
This was a vibe. Some of the songs I liked from the beginning, but several others I thought were just ok until the music took a sudden turn halfway through and got really interesting. I can see how this album would grow on you.
suena a las bases de todo lo que vino después en los 90
Good! Folk and classic
8/10 Canción preferida: Join the boys
3.5 or something
real funky
This was a perfectly enjoyable listen with plenty of songs I’d probably like getting to know better over time, but I’m not quite convinced this is a “great” album. The influence on Tracy Chapman is unmistakable, but Armatrading’s lyrics lack the bite of Chapman’s social commentary. She comes closer to chasing the intimacy of the best work from Carole King or Joni Mitchell, but it doesn’t have quite the same impact for me. What we end up with is a solid overall effort, but one that I would more likely add to my rotation for variety rather than its own merits.
Really interesting. I will have to listen more. The voice and phrasing is beautiful - reminds me of Jeff Buckley somehow. Some of the harmonies and instrumental approach reminds me of joni Mitchell. I did find it a little bit simplistic and poppy in parts, but I expect there's beauty and complexity there I haven't appreciated just yet
Review - a very solid album. I feel like she should be a lot more popular today than she is, her music was very ahead of it's time. Maybe she's more quietly influential than comparable male rockstars of her era. Maybe she's due for a popular revival. Rating - 8/10 Need to listen? YES
A lot going on here. Like a funkier Joni Mitchell. Cool album
Classic 70's folk/pop.
no es mi tipo de música pero estuvo muy bueno, lo disfruté mucho
Super catchy. Amazing piece of work for its time. Production holds up even today. Definitely will come back to re-listen
Had it on in the background. A good listen.
got this record for 2 dollars not knowing anything abt it, played it that night and fell in love. her voice is beautiful, the guitar and piano play so well with each other. and she got me a point on catfishing. i do think side a has all the heavy hitters. fav songs: down to zero, love and affection.
I'm noticing that Mr. 1001 List Guy has a real affinity for female solo folk artists. Works for me, this list introduced me to Joni Mitchell and I will forever be grateful. I've now been introduced to two I hadn't heard of before starting this challenge. She has a very interesting style, very folksy but almost in a funk context on some songs. I love her voice, as I do with a lot of this kind of artist on this list. I feel like this is one of the weaker albums in this kind of genre I've heard so far from the list, but that's more of a statement towards how good every singer like her (including her) is than anything.
This is the most I've liked a song without wanting to add it to my playlist, really good though, objectively great music
First album that I move got no history with, and it’s great! Beautifully put together, sounds fresh as fuck. Favourite track: Join the Boys
Really lovely beats and lyrics. I don’t think I’d listen to this one very often, but I can appreciate the album for the charm and synergy evoked throughout. I love the way it portrays love and every aspect of
Now this is what I signed up to this website for. An excellent album by an artist that seems to have been largely forgotten by the listening public, despite a long career and multiple award nominations. The first track immediately grabbed me with its catchy melody, steel guitar, and soulful vocals. The whole album doesn't quite follow through on what that first track promises, but there's enough here to keep me coming back
I was pleasantly surprised by this. When I read it was more folk music I was ready to tune out but I liked the songs, all of which were pretty good. I’m not sure I would label this folk, it’s much more of a blend of genres and definitely worth the listen.
Listened to all of it pretty good record
Vibes
Reminds me of Billy Joel. Really good album
fun
4.5 - really enjoyed that, borderline no skips
Love her voice and arrangements! Her voice in particular seems like it was a big influence on the Foxy Shazam guy.
I don't know what I was expecting, but this was not it, In a good way!
Liked it
Pretty cool, very interesting arrangements and a lovely voice.
70.8
This was a nice Saturday morning treat for an album and an artist that I have never once heard of? Why?? An English 70’s folk rock (edit: and funk) singer songwriter along the lines of Van Morrison or Tracy Chapman (if they were produced by George Clinton). Her vocal cadences(?) are so cool and interesting. The Love and Affection sample (remix?) on Richard Ashcroft's 2025 comeback single makes me assume that her influence must be large in the UK– and most likely never was mirrored in the US? Perhaps the world could use more “folk funk”. Favorite Tracks: Down to Zero, Love and Affection Listen: *on vinyl* making pancakes on a slow Saturday morning
so beautiful and unique!
Surprisingly good. I'll be listening to this again
love and affection is really good, so glad I learned about her
That's a pretty good album
Endelig noe man ikke har hørt før! Fin stemme, ok musikk.
This one really grew on me. Some solid songs, good voice and interesting overall. There were some familiar sounds in this that I couldn’t place. Maybe a little Joni Mitchell.
I enjoyed this listen. It felt cozy and like being sung to by a wise grandma.
Lekker
I thought the lyrics were pretty solid and I loved the guitar work for tracks like fire and tall in the saddle
Beautiful album and quite the surprise. I hear lots of different artists, Carole King and Nina Simone and yet a very unique voice. However I think sonically aside may be from the guitar work on Like Fire I have a little trouble getting a sound that is fully her's. That is not really on her, more so on the low key ness of the album, but that is why it doesn't get the five.
Wow!! What a voice. This woman really draws you in. Such a beautiful album and one that I’ll definitely revisit. I’ve never heard of her before. She’s one of only a few people on this list that I was happy to be introduced to.
Holy shit.
There were a lot of good songs in this album. I don’t have much to say; nothing was insane, but nothing was bad. All songs were 3-4 stars. It’s close, but I have to give it a 4.
- This was pretty cool. This felt like part Rock, part R&B, and part Blues. The singing was unique and interesting, and there was some pretty mean guitar playing as well. Additionally, the other instruments included did a good job of accentuating the main aspects of the music. All in all, this was a good, well-rounded album. Favorite Track: Down To Zero
It was nice had some good songs on it
The ones with a county twang I liked most!
Nah cuz I can’t lie I was not excited for this album at all based on the time period and album cover and the general vibe. But I was proven so wrong the first syllable Joan sang, hot dang. Beautiful voice paired with that great singer-songwriter production and structure.
It was solid. Not my cup of tea but it was musically nice.
Unexpected surprise. Music is timeless. Joan's got some game.
Noice , I really like it
What a voice. Great album.
It's good. Mojo said so.
What a compact and complete album. Incredible vocals, excellent instrumental arrangement. Not even my preferred type of music, but it dragged me in anyway. Favorite track was Help Yourself
Another album I had no knowledge of and am so glad I found. Everything about it is really great, but the drummer especially is just living in the pocket and is so fun to listen to. Joan has played Ovation acoustic guitars since 1973, certified ball knower. Man, this was just a delightful album to discover.
I enjoyed a lot of this one. I think the vocals and the overall production were pleasantly surprising. I’d come back and listen more.
Her voice is so, so gorgeous. Favorites: Down to Zero, People
Beautiful joan
Sounds Great!
I had never heard of Armatrading before this, and what an introduction! I already guessed I would vibe with this album because 70s folk rock is more in line with my typical music taste, and I was not disappointed. Armatrading has such a unique vocal and lyricism. Mostly mellow rock but occasionally the songs will add a sax or electric guitar to take it up a notch. Would like to listen to more of her. Listened twice
Really enjoyed the blues elements and the guitar work!
I really really liked the back half of this album. It was so much fun. I think just not much of a fan of slower songs in general, so the more upbeat songs were definitely my favorite, especially tall in the saddle and people.
Väga lahe blues rock, hea meelega kuulan sellist kraami. Oli piisavalt vimkasid ja põnevaid käike ka, et jääkski kuulama (eriti huvitavalt naisvokaali). 4/5
I know nothing of Joan so Down to Zero, Water With the Wine and Love and Affection were a revelation. Love them. Save Me lost me but Join The Boys brought me back. I'm rating the album 4.5/5.
Surprised to have not heard of anything about, or by, her previously. Kind feels like Tracy Champman with some Joni Mitchell in there too. A nice mix and good layers to the music and backing. Good amount of heart and depth and some nice originality in there too. Doesn’t quite grab me in the way I thought it might, but I’m still impressed and pleasantly surprised. Actually, the more I listen to it, the more layers it has and the more I’m impressed and pulled in. Definitely returning to this one
I like music that makes me sad sometimes
What a beautiful rich voice! I hadn't heard of Joan Armatrading before, but I enjoyed this album quite a bit. Her smooth voice is just a treat to hear. Best song: Water With The Wine
4 new favs. The better Joni Mitchell, the one I can relate to more. This album came out of nowhere and surprised me! 4.5/5
Extremely good. I had never heard of this before and was honestly pretty stunned with how it sounded. It's very ahead of it's time while still being a product of it
Φωτια Δεν έχει νόημα χωρίς στίχους Down to zero Water with wine Like fire Tall in the saddle -> fav track
Top songs: Love and Affection People
Favourites: 1. Down To Zero 2. Tall In The Saddle 3. Join The Boys Least Favourite: Save Me
Début d'écoute mitigé puis de mieux en mieux au fil des titres. Finalement bel album et beaucoup de plaisir à écouter Joan Armatrading. 4!
1st playthrough, not bad Didn't give it a second listen through. Overall, good. Put it on in the background and it's good. Some tracks do stand out more with their guitars and sound. Very iconic for the year. Down to Zero - defining for the 70s Help Yourself is my - funky and chill - changes up BPMs Water with the Wine - catchy chorus Love and Affection - jazzy, saxy Save Me - Join the Boys - Like Fire - is good Tall in The Saddle - good ballad I Really Must Be Going (not on this ALBUM) - spanish style guitar