The book says that Joan is notable as one of the first black 'singer/songwriters', and I guess a lot of black female artists were working producing pop hits for 'hit-manufacturers' like Phil Spector or Berry Gordy, certainly not many were working in the folk sphere (sounds like a title for a not particularly interesting sci-fi film "the folk sphere). Whatever the case, this is a fantastic album. It moves between folky pop and funky soul with guitar styles and vocals to match; sometimes mixing both approaches in a single song.
Armatrading's voice moves from low and sedate in best Nina Simone style , to a higher plaintive wail. The album is drenched with feeling while not sacrificing virtuosity in her guitar or vocals.
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