This is the cd to get to learn the sound of joan armatrading. she combines reggae and folk sounds that are at once both poetic with a soulful beat. on this cd she proves to be a master of ballads that unexpectedly burst into high energy. this is classified under "fun listening".

My first Joan Armatrading cd. A really good place to start. Made me wonder why I haven't gotten it earlier. I am familiar with "Willow" because it was the most outstanding song from "Boys on the Side." It's a beautiful song with haunting melody and resounding lyrics. But the cd also has a lot of great tracks. I like listening to "Show some Emotion" because of the lyrics.."Show some emotions, put expressions in your eyes, light up if you're feeling happy." JA is also sorounded by many talented musicians, you have Henry Spinetti on drums and Jerry Donahue on guitar, which makes this cd a well rounded album and very easily to like. If you're recently introduce to JA, I highly recommend this cd as a started.

been listening to Joan's records for a very long time now. If someone asked me to name my favourite singer-songwriter she is it. She's a product of interesting times and places, but the original, unique talent was all there to begin with. Lots of girls sounding similar-ish nowadays, but Joan was the first, the best, the only.

This is a powerful album by a woman who sings with urgent emotion and technical prowess. Technically? Her phrasing, her dynamics, use of flow and staccato, her rhythm....perfect. The song performance is poignant and clearly inspired. Joan is a great songwriter, let's admit it, right in there with Joni and Sarah Mc. But hers is the voice of the wounded victim and you believe her, but she is strong and resolute. I get chills from some of these tracks...Willow...this album IS the soundtrack to my life circa 1990 - 1993 Oregon...ah, youth! Anyways, if you like the crystal clear production quality of say a Donald Fagen or an Oliver Mtukudzi, you'll appreciate the production here, from the 70's? but really nice. This is an album for the highway or the boudoir, in my opinion.

This album likely represents the essence of Joan Armatrading. It's strengths are the strong bass and guitar syncopation and Armatrading's honest, truth-telling lyrics. My favorites are "Never Is Too Late," which encourages us all to go out and get what we need..."if you see someone not dancing it's your fault." Also "Warm Love" in music and lyrics conveys the intimate closeness one feels when really comforted in a good relationship. Armatrading is Tracy Chapman's British predecessor, but lots more funky. Her deep voice is heavy to soothing, like hot chocolate or rum -- rich. Some mix between Nina Simone and Tracy Chapman in content and aesthetic -- great stuff.