British singer / songwriter Joan Armatrading deserves more recognition for her first albums from the 1970s. After all, a record like Show Some Emotion (1977) contains many elements that contemporary singer / songwriters make good use of, such as soulful singing, music in which jazz, soul and folk resonate and texts in which social emotion mixes with self-reflection. But perhaps Armatrading itself
… is no longer waiting for that recognition. On recent albums she mainly profiles herself as a lonely all-rounder and guitar goddess. 'All songs written, arranged, recorded and produced by Joan Armatrading' is now always proudly stated on the covers. Unfortunately, on This Charming Life this mainly produces a collection of cold rock and pop songs, full of screeching guitar solos and tough vocals. Far from the warm glow that once emanated from her music. (MR)more
