Reviews (page 8 of 12)
Decent soul-folk album that has a lot to like, but also has a tendency to drag a little. It feels like the album starts strong, loses a lot of its energy, then comes back full circle at the end. Overall good, but very inconsistent and could have used with some additional trimming. Top tracks: Down To Zero, Love and Affection, Tall In The Saddle
Cool
Bilo je nekih na papiru sličnih singer-songwriterastih albuma ali nijedan nije ni blizu ovog nivoa. Prošao mi je u sekundi, vrlo duševan i kvalitetan album mada malo monoton i pogrešnog žanra za moj ukus. Puno ispred svog vremena.
Good mastering for the 70's, singer also has a great voice. Music itself didn't really resonate with me though, and while I could listen through the album there was nothing that I really would want to listen to again.
Приятный. Ярких моментов не так много, но послушать приятно. Можно взять на заметку и как-нибудь вернуться
Perry remarkable that this was made in the 70s, but not my cop of tea.
Another one from my ma’s stash. File under Emotional but not too Mawkish. Not this exact record, of course, but close enough: same voice: warm, husky, like she’s telling you a secret while also sort of daring you to laugh at it; same guitar, steady and unfussy; same sort of songs - they never quite catch fire, but they glow nicely in the corner like one of those three-bar fires with moulded-plastic coals covering it. This third album was her breakthrough, apparently. Though the breakthrough leaned hard on Love and Affection as a single. If this is the only Armatrading album on the list - and I’d bet it is - I can’t shake the thought that it should really be The Best of Joan Armatrading. That's probably the one my ma had. Yes, I know: Alan Partridge vibes. But that’s how you get the good stuff in one place. Me, Myself, I; Drop the Pilot; I’m Lucky; All the Way from America, and, yes, Love and Affection. Those are the Joan Armatrading songs you have to hear before you die. They are available on one album, but it isn't this one. 2.5 It’s very difficult not to compare Armatrading with Joni Mitchell. The intimacy of the vocal, the free rhythms of the melodies, and a band with one foot in jazz, all of it in service of songs confessing hopes and crushed hopes in love. How on earth is one supposed to avoid comparing ‘Save Me’ with ‘Help Me’? Or ‘Help Yourself’ with ‘Help Me’? This is an album of good songs. But they’re not that good. The lyrics of ‘Save Me’ or ‘Tall in the Saddle’ express sentiments too trite in situations sketched with too much coyness to really bear comparison with Mitchell. ‘You stand on the bank/ Immune or evasive/ Throw me a lifeline, save me’ ‘I looked to you for love/ Thought you walked on holy ground/ But oh, you're mean’ Absent here is the poetry and the drama of something like A Strange Boy or Lesson in Survival. Although Water With the Wine (the one dud on side 1) might cost you a mouthful of tea. The backdrop of Joni Mitchell’s protagonists throws Armatrading’s into unforgiving relief also. Armatrading portrays herself passive in love and sometimes prey. Mitchell always gives a sense of being in control - philosophically at least - and even the predator. She doesn’t need anyone’s help. There is hardly justice in throwing a comparison with Joni Mitchell in anyone’s face at the same time. These are good songs. Worth a party of their own. Love and Affection is a great song - and the one most unlike something Mitchell would do, I think. The band are hot. I loved the guitar playing on Like Fire and the drums on Tall in the Saddle. The drums sound brilliant throughout. 3/5
Je ne me rappelle déjà plus ce que j'ai entendu (c'était ya 10 minutes)
On her self-titled breakthrough, Joan Armatrading establishes herself as a soulful singer-songwriter with a jazzy edge, her supple voice pulling equal weight with the elegant arrangements. Produced with care and clarity by Glyn Johns, the album balances intimacy and polish, allowing Armatrading’s sharp songwriting to shine without losing its warmth. “Down to Zero” pairs crisp piano with guitar in a way that feels both buoyant and melancholic, while “Water with the Wine” rides a steady midtempo groove that underscores her emotional candor. The standout, “Love and Affection,” takes its time to bloom, but when it does, it’s one of those rare tracks that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. This is the sound of an artist fully coming into her own voice.
Álbum cercano, hogareño y refinado, en la línea de la época, imagino. Nada en particular que me haya dejado loco, aunque los highlights están en la primera mitad. No hace demasiadas cabriolas con la voz pero tampoco es que lo necesite; suena bien y ya. Favs: Down to Zero (la mejor imo, muy buen opener), Help Yourself, Love and Affection, Somebody Who Loves You
Con un sonido y formato que recuerda al cantautor de los 90 (Fiona Apple & Co.), el disco tiene ideas muy interesantes que se pierden en la totalidad de la canción. Eso sí, comienza súper bien, Down to Zero es un temazo, pero conforme el disco va avanzando la fórmula se va gastando (y cuando intenta algo distinto, como en Join the Boys o People, no termina de clavar el aterrizaje). Estoy muy seguro de que acabo de escuchar los cimientos del movimiento singer-songwriter noventero, entiendo que sea un esencial. A la playlist: Down to Zero Bájale al yodel porfa: Save Me
Best leuk
Not bad, liked the singing and the lyrics, but its noting too special.
Cool funky grooves with string vocals. I can dig it.
Not bad! Loved the first song.
pas ma came
A bit of a mixed bag. Some quite pop/soul stuff on here that's not so much to my taste. Some cool funky moments. And some other cool weird stuff going on. Overall I quite enjoyed it
Groovy. A nice album to listen to but not very remarkable. Not sure if it should be classified as an album 'you must hear before you die' though.
This album picks up towards the end, few tracks I really enjoyed. Good voice but it's not something that floats my boat regularly.
This was a new artist for me. Pretty solid, great background music. Great voice, awesome backup bank - really enjoyed the song 'Tall in the Saddle.' Solid, overall. 3 for sure.
Not bad!
Not bad
ok
Funky musicians. I really liked the music. The pop style isn’t really my thing, but, glad I gave it a shot.
I enjoyed this record.
New for me, it`s good! simple but effective
not my thing
Perfect for a quiet weekday evening: a half-empty bar and a cold beer.
Uh it was decent thx
Ikke hørt før. Ikke verst!
Pretty good folk rock style, first half of the album was like a 6/10 and the second half was an 8/10.
Angenehm. Starke drei Sterne.
It’s well made and easy to listen to. It just doesn’t really pop anywhere
Good album
Gillar hennes röst. Instrumenteringen väldigt 70-tal. Basrösten på Love and affection väldigt obehaglig.
Good, but no song hit me hard.
joni mitchellesco, linda voz, great production, deserves a second listen
Amazing voice is the most memorable part.
Normal, not my artist
A fine listen, just not something I see myself revisiting in full
Ingen svakheter egentlig. Ikke de store høydarne heller, men så tror jeg dette er en plate som blir bare bedre og bedre for hver gjennomgang. Sterk treer.
Good album. A classic.
Very solid listen. Pleasant voice and instrumentation, pleasant experience. Sounded like a 90s record, in all honesty.
OK
Joan grew on me. Singing the blues, it to a more soulful funky beat. Great guitar player.
Soulful voice. Forerunner to Tracy Chapman. The first and last two songs on the album were the best.
Poppy folk music, but with a healthy dose of jazziness. Vocal timbre very reminiscent of Nina Simone, very deep. Decent anulan with catchy writing.
I enjoyed it but it wasn't anything special.
On my third listen I realized she might be onto something. It’s a good album, Save Me, Save Yourself and Down to Zero are my top 3.
I mean, the comparisons to Tracey Chapman are inescapable. Joan is a totally new artist to me, and while I still don't find anything that gets me super excited after several listens, it's still a perfectly comfortable listen all the way through. [3.5]
Nice album
Fun, but didn't quite draw me in.
Super smooth. Great vocals. Not super earwormy but enjoyed the listen.
A unique blend of John Martin and Stevie Wonder but I’m not sure the songs are strong enough. Certainly no memorable ones after 1 listen.
Good chilled out album, nothing too special
Solid enough soul album, not especially memorable. Tall in the Saddle was my favorite, I guess
I've never heard of this singer or this album. Well, the voice isn't bad, the music is pleasant, but the whole thing is so boring that I won't listen to it again. If I hadn't heard this album, I wouldn't have missed anything. 3/5
This was a decent album didn't blow my socks off or anything but it was alright!
down to zero- 5 help yourself- 6 water with the wine- 5 love and affection- 6 save me- 5 join the boys- 6 or 7 people- 5 somebody who loves you- 5 like fire- 5 tall in the saddle- 5
some chill acoustic stuff with a few electric elements and some nice backup vocals in some songs. one of those albums that didn't blow me away but was still a pleasant listen. she's clearly a very talented singer I guess favorite song: "somebody who loves you" overall: 6/10 (but like a high 6)
It was a good Album, what I enjoyed Most is his voice. Good lyrics , the Melodies are catching you and his voice is just a piece of heaven.
Never heard before. Ok.
Solid pop music with a bit of country.
I just can't get into folk. I don't know what it is. The funk parts I like.
It sounds fine enough, but all blends together.
This has some Elton John vibes. And Lilith Fair vibes
I only know of one Joan Armatrading song, which I like. This was more of the same. I liked this. The only criticism I would have is that it’s quite ‘samey’.
Joan Armatrading is of course great, though maybe I prefer her without a lot of production, just voice and guitar? Or minimal strings like those on "Love and Affection," my favourite song on this album. A lot of the extra instrumentation on here makes otherwise potentially timeless music sound dated and kinda corny—at least to my taste.
I really love Joan Armatrading's voice and she is a supreme songwriter. However, hearing this album made me think it was a wise choice I went with buying a greatest hits album instead of her entire catalogue. Her singles off the album were wonderful but others felt a bit like fillers.
Good.
Siento que fue de menos a más, es un álbum lleno de varios ritmos pero si creo que empezó lento o no tan impactante, no me sorprendió tanto vaya. Las interpretaciones del bajo y la guitarra creo que fueron los destellos de este álbum. Me encantó el final, es mi canción favorita del proyecto y le dí like a 5 de 10 canciones así que de ahí mi calificación. Debería darle más escuchadas, pero esas fueron mis primeras impresiones.
Dad- 7 Mom- 8 Mike- NA Lori- 3 Michael- 7 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg- 6.25
Pleasent enough, but I constantly forget to pay attention. It just doesn't catch or keep my attention. Standouts Join The Boys 3/5
Not my favorite, but not bad 2.75
Cool
Classy
fun sound fun songs can’t really go wrong
Kind of like funky Joni Mitchell. Won’t return but I enjoyed it.
Somewhat familiar but haven't listened extensively. This record had a nice vibe for a Sunday morning
First listen for me. Incredible tone and range. Some of the arrangements feel dated in a way that hasn't aged too well. Appreciated more stripped down songs like "somebody who loves you". Will listen again.
2.5/5
I don't think I've ever heard of Joan Armatrading, but man, this album is pretty good. Bluesy, funky and her voice is killer. I feel like this album could have been made in the last 10-15 years. Sounds way ahead of its time.
Beautiful voice and songs but passed me by
Pretty good!
3.5 stars
I was pretty good, though it may be the age, but felt rather generic.
No está nada mal.
Great mix of soul and folk. I enjoyed most of the tracks, the songwriting, and the production. My only critique is that most of the track sounds too same-y and sounds bland at times. Favourite Track(s): Join the Boys, Like Fire Least Favourite Track(s): Save Me
Joan has a fun style and I like the writing, but I don't see myself coming back. Good for what she offers, though
good, not great
this was nice!~
-water with the wine
She’s got a great voice. Some of the music is a bit too mellow for my taste but when she gets bluesy, a little funky, it’s better. Not gonna be a favorite but I’m not mad I got to hear her.
Some lovely songwriting and melidies
I found this somewhat forgettable in terms of songwriting and vocals. People was a fun song.
3+
Good enjoyed it
Beautiful voice. I'm surprised I have not heard of her before.
Better than I thought it would be. Thought it would be a real soft folky. More 2.5 than 3.
wasnt bad just wasnt for me
cool album, just not my type
Murica? I vibe with it though. Reminds me of Alanis Morrissette.
What sticks out to me most about this is that Joan Armatrading can *sing*. She’s fantastic on here, an extremely powerful presence. Unfortunately a lot of the songwriting doesn’t stick out to me all that much, but I do like the country leaning stuff on here. Save Me is one of the best songs here, dusty and tender. I’d also like to mention Like Fire’s incredible guitar work. Join The Boys and Tall In The Saddle are also highlights here. All in all, I can put this on pretty happily, and Armatrading herself is is fantastic, but I only get so much from this as a whole.
Black British singer-songwriter. Contralto. Serious without being pretentious. Some interesting intersection of folk and funk. Nice enough background music.
enjoyed it, was definitely a unique listen
Cool but I prob wont relisten
it was alright. I enjoyed the album, her voice, and the music, but it didn't really stand out to me in particular.
Nice
This is #day316 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… another classic 3-star album for me. A case in point where I enjoy the instrumentation more than the vocals or delivery, though. It feels like a record that begs to be heard on vinyl, on a proper setup, kind of audiophile music, if you will. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day317.
Groovy, Eton John ish, L&A is still great
I've never even heard of Joan Armatrading before!!! So this is totally new to me, which I'm so excited about. It looks like she's still making music too which is awesome. Very singer songwriter, which is to my taste. I'm not obsessed with her voice per say but I like it enough so far! It's folky with a nice guitar sound. I understand why Love and Affection is her most famous song. It's a standout from the album for sure. It's giving me 90s movie energy. I like it a lot, I even added it to my monthly playlist. Reminds me of music my dad would listen to in the car when I was growing up. 70s folk vibes for sure. But then also mixed with Fiona Apple almost??? or Melissa Etheridge??? I would enjoy it if my Dad was playing it or if Nick or a friend was but I don't think I would ever go out of my way to listen to it on my own. Definitely wasn't life changing but I enjoyed it. I wish I could do half scores because it's not quite a 4 but it's also not really a 3. So I think I'll rate it a 3 but with the knowledge it's more of a 3.5 It's not bad by any means, it just doesn't stand out too much to me.
While I can appreciate the great singing, and the calm tone of the album, it didn't make a real impression on me. I think I've never heard an album that made feel so few emotions, neither positive nor negative.
Interesting album, she is kind of like a female Cat Stevens. 3/5
This is great - not my preferred style of music, but undeniably the best I've heard in the genre. If this is what the rest of 70's folk music sounded like, I wouldn't hate it so much. Tall In The Saddle is a great song
Solid record, pretty much exactly what I expected from a folk rock album of this time period.couple of standout tracks
Não é nada excepcional, mas a parte instrumental é muito boa. It's nothing exceptional, but the instrumental part is very good.
never heard of the artist - rather soothing and likable
Not familiar with Joan Armatrading at all, but I enjoyed several of the songs, especially the ones that had a good groove going.
Fav songs: Down to Zero; Join the Boys I, like many reviewers, had never heard of JA before. That's a pretty sad fact. The songs are varied enough to keep your interest. I really like the use of the steel guitar. Very good album.
Like fire - very cool, very math rock A 3 again....
Pretty good folksy easy listening akin to tracy champman for sure. Kinda boring but thematically cohesive and upbeat, great instrumentation and melodic ideas on wax for 1976.
Didn’t love it but it was still good. Overall: 3/5
Some sweet beautiful songs with some other songs
It's not the most exciting thing ever, but it's impressive that such a '90s-sounding album came out in 1976
Joan’s soulful voice blended with a bit of funk, folk, and jazz made for an enjoyable listen. L = (2.8*s) Adding Down To Zero to spotify playlist. J = (3.3*s) Always thought she was an American.
Didn't go in with the highest of hopes for a 70's folk-pop act that I'd never heard of. First couple songs were about what I expected but I'll admit I was pleasantly surprised as the album continued on. There's some pleasant vocals and some cozy tunes on this one, Water With The Wine being the highlight. Joan Armatrading put together a nice little album that features enough variation from song to song to work for a listen. Was surprised how much I was enjoying this by thend of it. 2.88 stars
Quite good, actually. Very Tracy Chapman vibes - although this is well before Tracy Chapman.
also just okay. she had a really interesting voice and my dad brought up that she sounded like cher which is true. i liked her last song and appreciated the jazz influence on her (mostly pop) album. 3/5.
Väldigt 3.
2.5?
Pre-thereal, if I can say that. I think Mary Margaret O’Hara owes a beer here. Great rootsy, funksy songwriting.
Definition of a 3. Decent listen but very forgettable
Powerful and soulful voice. Good listen but no track really stuck to me.
She has a tremendous sound and a rich voice There aren’t always the tunes to match it though and some comes across as a little too right on But Love & Affection and Down to Zero sound great
Some great guitar work. Otherwise, not great, but okay. 3/5
First time hearing her music. This album is a solid sound of folk mixed with a little 70’s funk. A good listen.
I did enjoy this, I’ve never heard her before.
Not a bad song on here. Perhaps lacking in absolute greatness, but still a nice listen overall.
First song was good but felt it was mostly filler afterwards
folk com um pouco de swing. melhor que tracy chapman
Fine, ok on first listen, very interesting from 2nd. As others have said she seems to be forgotten to time, which is a shame. 3 Star
Got better as the album progressed. Highlights were “Love and Affection”
Not my thing
A folk rock album with more forward instrumentation and detailed production than usual, which I like. Her voice is unique, and unlike a lot of folk rock, actually interacts with the instruments (not just accompanied by a monotonous guitar in the background). Nothing particularly impressive, and this album definitely has some downtime when the songs were too quiet for my liking, but better than average. 7/10
Nothing stands out as impressive. Still a solid talent making a solid album.
"Love and Affection" - wow. Enjoyable listen.
Very pretty, some of the songs had good moments, but overall a bit forgettable.
Enjoyed this one quite a bit. This will definitely grow on me with some repeated listens. Highlights: Save Yourself, Join the Boys, Tall in the Saddle
Do you want to listen to some music that has some guitar? Well in Love and Affection you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐. I kind of recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has some guitar? Well in Down to Zero you can! I rate his song ⭐⭐⭐. I kind recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has some guitar? Well in Somebody who loves you you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐. I kind of recommend this song.
Love and Affection I like this song becuase its a solo singer with a guitar and she makes her voice follow the guitars rthym and that's really goo Down to zero I reallu like this song how she uses the guitar and some drums and the singing follows every beat. Somebody who loves you I really like this song because they added choir to this song and the guitar and singer are more calm then before 5
Someone whose name was familiar but I hadn't heard the music. Joan's voice was great and her guitar skills excellent. The music was good. The production (for 1976) was insanely good. It's just not my sort of thing. Still, you can hear the line from this album straight through to Tracy Chapman, Tanita Tikaram and even Amy Winehouse and Raye. So even if it's not my sort of thing, mad respect.
A little too mellow in the wrong way for me - I kept making it louder and it kept hiding away in the corner. But I did like "Like Fire" and "Tall in the Saddle", especially the guitar work. I bet Ani DiFranco loved her.
i feel like i say this about every damn album but this was much better than expected. i stopped paying attention in the middle tho. only prob with this album is it’s forgettable and there’s not many standout songs but other than that solid listening experience.
nice enough
+ Like Fire
Cracking voice and enough variability to remain interesting. Love and affection standout
Uplifting, balanced
Not sure why she was never really popular in North America. The album is solid enough.
J - 3/5 Best Track - "Love & Affection" F - 3/5
Sparse but solid album. Wasn't familiar with her work but I enjoyed the listen.
This was pretty nice to listen to. High 3/5
Lovely
Joan Armatrading’s self-titled album is a pleasant listen, blending folk, soul, and soft rock into a sound that's easy on the ears. Her voice carries a lot of natural emotion, and songs like Love and Affection show real flashes of brilliance in how she delivers simple feelings with genuine warmth. The arrangements are tasteful and well played, giving the album a smooth, steady flow without any real missteps. That said, while it’s undoubtedly well made, it doesn’t always spark to life. A lot of the songs tend to blur together in tone and mood, and the album can feel a little too careful at times, missing the punch that would have made it truly memorable. It’s a nice record, but it never quite pushes into great territory—solid, well-crafted, but not the kind of album that sticks with you long after it's over.
Easy listening, but nothing that really piqued my interest.
Never heard before. Has that '70s vibe.
Was nice but not my thing.
Very Tracy Chapman-esque.
I could not really dive into it, not my music.
Nice voice, some good songs
A talented singer-songwriter, with good production and a good variety of styles. Still, nothing really outstanding amidst a myriad of similar talented singer-songwriters.
Surprised me how good it was.
I enjoyed this album. Very powerful voice and great lyrics. It jumps all over the place with various styles. I'm all for that. 3.25/5
Good. Didn’t hate it. Didn't really hook me as something I would come back to.
That was a great little discovery. It wasn't listed on Spotify, unfortunately, so the experienced may have suffered from the commercial breaks on YouTube. Altogether, I enjoyed it a lot, the sound was soulful and occasionally funky rock with a flair for the melodramatic. The first three songs on the album left me wondering what box to put this artist into, then it hit its peak with Love and Affection, but I was totally in on the vibe by the end. It was good, not great, so I can see how this artist flew under most people's radars. But I would not be surprised at all to see a charting hit happen with the right cover of any one of the songs.
An enjoyable listen.
I can appreciate it, but nothing groundbreaking for m
First listen
Pleasant enough without being memorable. Not enough guitar work!
Good stuff, quite enjoyable and very fresh sounding
Idk what I was expecting but it was better than that
In between some very cool jazzy turns and astonishing vocal chops is a sort of meandering album that never quite finds its footing for me. But I found myself paying attention at a few key points when it did pick up.
Arrancamos la segunda semana de abril con una artista que desconozco por completo. Voz firme y tranquila la de Joan. El primer tema me suena de un soundtrack de una película (ya sea que esté o que pueda estar en) y el resto se mantiene en un mood muy cálido. Sin nada más para decir, me despido hasta mañana.
She sings as if in a wistful soundtrack to a salt of the earth B-movie from the 80s. Doesn't excite me but it very pleasant. Fascinating she is most listened to in the UK & Australia
I was very pleasantly surprised by this. I was fearing the worst. Thought I'd give it a four but gets a bit repetitive. I think I'd prefer a single to an album.
Bra men gjorde inget djupare intryck. Trea
Well, growing up in the 1970s I was aware of Joan Armatrading's music, but it never clicked with me. I was interested to listen to this album. After playing through this a couple of times, I didn't find the songs particularly compelling, but I thought her voice lovely and the production really strong. Ultimately, however, this isn't a genre that particularly appeals to me.
Pretty good album that has a decent breadth of sounds. I really liked the opener as it was very Bob Seger. Join the Boys definitely influenced Big & Rich's Save A Horse (Ride a Cowboy). Somebody Loves You is giving me slight vibes of Katrina and the Waves' Walking on Sunshine (Armatrading obviously making her song first). But like Big Brother and the Holding Company and Rolling Stones, blues rock doesn't do much for me. Definitely enjoying this one a bit more than the other blues rock records I've gotten so far. Joan had a great voice.
She has an interesting voice
Not bad
Grand, just not massive into it
Discount store Tracy Chapman. What's not to feel neutral about?
Overall: 6/10 I enjoyed this one. Joan has a lovely voice and is obviously a talented songwriter. I like the folk rock feel that this album has going for it, and there's more variety in the music than I expected. I don't think it'll end up being something I listen to frequently but I'm glad to have heard it. Fav Song: Help Yourself Least Fav Song: Tall in the Saddle
This was an interesting listen. I do like the general vibe and there were moments of several songs that I really liked--"Water With the Wine", "Love and Affection", "Somebody Who Loves You" and "Like Fire" are the ones I remember. But even these songs which I guess I would say were my favorites failed to really captivate me the way I would've liked this album to. I generally enjoyed listening to it, but wasn't really caught up in it. Joan has an interesting style and an interesting inflection with her voice that I don't dislike. It reminds me of someone and I can't quite place who. I wanted this to be a homerun, and it wasn't a swing and a miss, but it was maybe like a hard-hit ball that tips just foul. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
I could never respect an artist with ties to genocide. Feel like I'm always reading on the news about Armatrading between the US and Israel.
Ganska schysst album. Gillar första låten.
7.2
1/2
Had no idea her career was so long. Only knew the 80s hits but this was a pretty pleasant album. Top notch backing band.
Not really as I expected
I knew one song, I didnt dislike the rest of it
So many good bits at first, but petered out and never really hooked me
Some cool stuff
It's pretty good. She's got a strong voice and the songs are not too bad.
Прикольно вроде
Although I’ve known of this artist I’ve never given her a real listen. I really liked about half and the other half was a little too slow for me. But I love her voice and would like to hear more of her. Just over the 2/3 line for me.
respect the sound hate the pop
Pleasant enough, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again.
Ok, I guess.
Not an incredible amount of range, is there? Great voice, instrumentation isn’t keeping up, in my opinion. Production isn’t great either, but I enjoyed it for the most part. Don’t know that it’s my scene, but I respect it. 3/5
Decent modern country, interesting voice - a good first half and a tapered ending. I enjoyed listening to it, but I'm not too interested in seeking it out again.
3/5 Nice to listen to. But nothing really memorable.
On this record, Joan has a great voice and I really enjoy a lot of the stylistic changes. Not every song is captivating, but there are some cool melodies and grooves here.
Join the Boys is a banger
pretty cool
2.5
Mellow funky beats and vocals. Great listen.
zeker niet slecht... singer-songwriter met paar goeie deuntjes en een topstem
Had always heard of this artist but really couldn't attach it to any music. It was solid and reminded me of Tracy Chapman.
Fine, didn't leave me aching for more.
Hieno ääni, kappaleet kuulostaa kappaleilta ja niitä tulkitaan kunnolla. Niin folk toimii. On tämä onneks myös popia, on asennetta.
Liking this. I’d never heard of her, but some nice funky and bluesy guitars, some good melodies. I’m surprised this is British.
Didn't hate this, didn't love it
This was better than expected but not by much.
Приятно. Лучшая песня - Down To Zero.
An album I wasn't expecting to enjoy that much but did. Very good vocals and songwriting, intimate but not too much, and timeless in a sense it could have been released a decade earlier or a decade later. Key tracks: Love and Affection
The opening track "Down To Zero" is a very powerful track with great vocals. It's reminiscent of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car". After the first song I was excited for the rest. The rest didn't grab me as much as the first track though. The whole thing felt a bit too chill, like there was no agency in the songs. "Love and Affection" was the only other exception which made me remember why I was excited for the album to begin with. Too bad, was hoping for something great but I still found a few new songs and an artist I hadn't heard before!
Great sound. Easy 70's singer songwriter vibe
OK
Never heard of this artist. Will check her out, listen to a couple tracks. Singer-songwriter. First track is pretty rocking. A little more rocking then I would have anticipated. Not my type of music though. I respect it. 3 stars
Simpatico, piacevole
ok
-this is really nice! had some great rhythm. I had not been familiar with Joan Armatrading as a person or artist before this but I was impressed -the vocals and rhythm throughout the first few songs were great, and “People” was the highlight of the second half imo. some songs were sort of underwhelming but the highlights made up for it -Favorites are Down To Zero, Join The Boys, and People
Rating: 6,5
Good. Not sure I'd listen to it many more times, but it was still good.
3/5. Favourite song: "Help Yourself". She sure can work those strings. Very "Gentle Giant"-esque at times.
Certainly can here the influence on later singer songwriters but there was nothing overly compelling about this 3*
Sorta folksy soft rock to me. I think shes got a good velvety voice and it makes me think of feminist festival music or outdoor craft show blues fest stuff. I feel like her guitar picking is holding it down with a sweet mellow buttery groove. The song tall in the saddle has some electro funk I like.
look i think the music is nice and sweet but i just can't get into it
Best Song: Love And Affection. My enjoyment of this song was almost ruined by that man's voice coming in with the entirely unnecessary, cartoonishly deep bass, but the rest of the song was really lovely. Worst Song: Somebody Who Loves You. It didn't feel like her voice was allowed to resonate as well in this track as in the others. Overall: She's got a really pleasant voice and the songs feel really accessible. Nothing that'll blow your socks off, but I also get the sense that that wasn't the goal. Will definitely be returning to this for good Summer/Fall background music.
Lidt mere forgettable stemme end sådan en som Joni Mitchell eller Tracy Chapman meget senere, men jeg kunne godt lide produktionen
Very enjoyable
I liked this album. A lot of emotion throughout the alhums.
This isn’t a bad album at all. It’s a nice blend of folk, rock, jazz, and even a touch of blues. That said, her style reminds me a lot of the singer-songwriters who became popular in the 90s. But since this came out in 1976, maybe she was the one who pioneered that sound!
Fuck youtube in the arse with a red-hot poker! I was listening away and after 3 tracks I heard some bint wittering on about investing in crypto, there was no 'skip ad' button - it showed as a track in the album playlist and was 57 minutes long!!! I eventually worked out I just had to click on the next track button. However, this just highlights how the tech giants have now monetised us all. I'm old enough to remember the hopes we had for the internet, back in the earl and mid 1990's. We've allowed a small number of people and companies to bastardise it instead, just to line their pockets and try to control the masses. We need to burn it all down <rant over>. Errrm, ok, just realised I haven't mentioned the music at all. I enjoyed. It wasn't something I was particularly looking forward to or expecting much from, but it was ok. There was an element of 'waiting room music' to it, and it felt a bit repetitive by the end. I wouldn't seek it out for a re-listen, but wouldn't turn it off it got served up again.
Not bad. I kind of enjoyed several songs
It was fine. Got a little boring. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for this.
Good voice, nice songs, but nothing really amazed me
Not my jam, but I think it is good background music or something that I’d think is soothing at a coffee shop. The singer has a very soothing voice
Wow! I was surprised I have never heard of this artist before. I actually really enjoyed this. People was a great track is a kicking groove while Like Fire was a listen again immediately. I kind of get why she didn’t take off as much in the US as she moves constantly between jazz, singer songwriter, to disco/ blacksploitation era funk. She did each masterfully but I think the diversity could hurt her commercial appeal. I want to listen to this a few more times….
It's fitting I generated a strong black woman on Martin Luther King Jr. Day(and also the same day the orange tyrant takes over a superpower, but we won't further discuss that fucker). She's essentially a black English version of Joni Mitchell, except her music has a little more pep in it, and her voice is much better. Favorite song: "Help Yourself"
Aw man i actually do like this, but none of the songs stuck out to me in a way that would have me coming back. I really think this is worth a listen though.
Woncha Come On Home has been a fave of mine for several years now. Love Joan's voice, too. All said, this album felt a bit meandering on first listen, but I wouldn't be surprised if it grew on me over time.
Good songs but whatever
this album is all over the place
I've got nothing bad to say about this album but it's not quite my taste.
Gorgeous voice.
little bit tracy chapman vibes- nice album, great lyrics and groovy music- fav song was love and affection
I hear so many different sounds she must have influenced. I’ll give her that.
Like it 3/5
I hadn’t heard this album or her music at all before, at least not that I can recall. Great mix of instrumentation, I love the bass on tracks like “Join The Boys” and the guitar on “People” and “Like Fire”. Percussion is solid throughout the album. This album has a good mix of vibes and sounds, some slow songs and some faster and more upbeat. I think she has a good voice though I’d say overall wasn’t my favorite, but I respect her abilities and she killed it with the arrangements.
Liked “Down to Zero” and the breakdown of “Help Yourself” just around the halfway point. Liked "Join the Boys" enough to add it to my liked songs. Music isn't what I normally go towards but I enjoyed it all the same. The bass grooves are very nice throughout and her guitar playing on "Like Fire" and other songs is beautiful. I see myself listening to select songs off this album going forward.
Always a joy discovering someone new from the 60s/70s, and one who had me thinking of both Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman. A couple of decent songs, but otherwise the album came across as forgettable.
Good singer great voice whilst the album not my preferred music of choice a solid album.
Joan's voice and playing is wonderful, it's the perfect intersection of folky rock and funk/soul in a way that brings the best out of both. I wish I loved this sound more than just a few songs that grab me as much as they do, I think a couple songs go on for too long and don't really work as well. Overall still a great sound and probably would try to look for more like this
Surprised by this album- it had a wide variety of styles and sounds. Some songs were reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, others had a much stronger funk/soul sound. Overall- pretty good album. Good music for driving
I liked this a good bit more than I thought I would. She’s a bit more creative than a lot of the other singer-songwriters of the era.
Fairly pleasant overall, but no outstanding tracks
Came to the theatre once. It was okay. Simpsons: No
Great voice!
+++ help yourself, save me --- water with the wine, people the first album i’ve encountered that was completely unfamiliar to me. the slower songs really shined, her voice reminds me of folk singers moreso than rock or disco oddly. norma tanega specifically comes to mind.
such a disappointment that i’ve never heard of joan armatrading! i really liked this album! my favorites were: down to zero, people, and tall in the saddle
It's pleasant, but ephemeral. She writes ok songs, the odd great song and it's a nice album to listen to. But she's not breaking any ground. I don't think it's an artist anyone would feel they had to go back through their catalogue and immerse but it's fine.
Some nice sounds
A mix of blues, jazz, soul, and folk songs in my opinion. Well done and easy listening
Never heard of this artist before! I like her voice; it's kinda like a British(/Kittitian?) Tracy Chapman. Some snoozers in the bunch, but overall pleasant.
mid
Pretty interesting - Joni Mitchell kind of vibes. I didn't like any of these songs enough to want to keep hearing them, but nothing was bad. The album was varied enough to be interesting, and I like her voice
The songs feel like they should be amazing but there's just something holding it back. Although a lot of reviews are saying it's emotionless, I don't think that's it. I think it's more that the singing doesn't mix well with the music backing it up. I wish I loved this, but I just didn't.
Absolutely fine. Just doesn't interest me.
Tracy Chapman without class consciousness.
Liked this! Enjoyed it more than Joni Mitchell lol! Only downside was the attempted ballad(s).
I thought it was solid, not very many songs stuck out to me except the first and last one, for the most part it was enjoyable, but not enough to have me listen to it again and again
decent but not overtly engaging
I haven't heard anything by Joan Armatrading before now, but I definitely enjoyed this. It was pleasant and folky and funky at the same time. "Down To Zero," "Join The Boys," and "Tall In The Saddle" were my favorite songs, but everything was fairly enjoyable. A little sleepy at times, but that's folk music. Overall a solid album.
this was just an average singer songwriter album
Pretty good album. Not especially ground breaking but I like her voice and no complaints. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
it's funky and cool. The recording is absolutely pristine for the time. Ultimately just not something I find overly interesting or expect myself to come back to. It's rare that the most played song is my personal favorite, but Love and Affection was really the standout, a sax solo always does it for me. 3/5
This was listenable and there were some good songwriting moments, but it didn't rrally move me.
I have never heard of this artist, which is surprising given how clearly she has influenced others that came after her. Great album.
I liked this better than I thought I would. I didn’t know what to expect. Like a folk/blues/soft rock type of feel.
In NYC this weekend, listened to it in Central Park which added to the experience. Still kinda forgettable.
Not bad, not really my style
Not bad, not great.
What a tender jazzy little album! Love and Affection was JUST on a show I was watching so I was so happy to hear it again so soon!
Pretty smooth listening.
solid
Beautiful voice. Simple but intricate album.
Never heard of her prior to this. Didn't really speak to me much but was cool to be exposed to a singer-songwriter I didn't know until now. Kind of a mix between funk, soul and folk rock, pretty cool.
Það er ekkeer að lögunum á þessari plötu en það er heldur ekkert sem hrífur mig. Þessi plata myndi sóma sér vel sem bakgrunnur í matarboði en ég er ekki viss um að ég myndi muna eftir henni
I'd never heard of Joan Armatrading. I'll chalk it up to things not crossing the pond (westward) as easily back in those days. Overall, pretty neat. The first few songs here are definitely the strongest. Help Yourself is mellow on the bookends but has a middle part that's just electric. Love it. Water with the Wine is upbeat, but the lyrics... Jesus, how dark. Unfortunately, I find the album to gradually fall off after this. But it still made for a fun listen. Fav tracks: Down to Zero, Help Yourself, Water with the Wine