It's not your fault JP that you hadn't heard of her, she is the most criminally overlooked female singer songwriter there has ever been. Tracy Chapman became a star overnight with Live Aid while Joan had already achieved so much with so little recognition (outside of England). Thank you for your lovely review, well done!
One of the greatest songs ever written, in my humble opinion. Just a master class of songwriting. The level of emotion this track brings out is simply beautiful. You should definitely hear the original album version! I love Joan, one of the true originals!
I remember going to see her play live here in London back in the '70's and she absolutely blew me away that night. She always had this kind of self consciousness about her, and her music reflected that very often. God bless her, she's still criminally underrated and unappreciated but she's one of the finest we've ever produced
Joan is one of the most criminally underrated artists who deserved far more fame than she ever got, but for those who were lucky enough to discover her, she is a shining diamond. Her voice is unique and instantly recognizable. A great songwriter, painfully honest and totally real in much of her music (The Shouting Stage comes to mind). Her live rendition of Van Morrison's Moondance would be the next one I'd check out. It's intense!
I am still listening regularly to Joan's stuff all these years later. I wore out so many tapes of her albums when I was away in the Army in the early 80's.
As said by others... Joan is one of those hidden gems. In the UK she is well known and has some really wonderful songs in her CV. She is one of those 'real deal' musicians.
Joan Armatrading is deeply, DEEPLY underrated. I recommend you listen to many more of her songs, starting with Down to Zero, followed by Show Some Emotion, Save Me, Tall in the Saddle and Water with the Wine. An astounding artist with a totally unique and personal style. Beautiful!
Tenderly Beautiful… That‘s the feeling I have everytime I listen to Joan Armatrading.Try: „I really must be going“ „The weakness in me“ „Willow“. „Tall in the saddle“ shows more of her abilities to play the guitar. Well done JP!
What a pleasant surprise! Back in the 80's /early 90's, I was fortunate to see Joan live three times in The States and she did not disappoint. I remember a reviewer writing that she has a voice that could melt steel. She is criminally unheard of here but it's definitely worth it to listen to more of her music.
This was a lovely surprise, thanks JP. I've seen Joan in concert a few times and I can vouch she's as humble and talented as she seems here. Rich soulful voice and a fantastic songwriter. Her music is a perfect blend of folk, jazz and soul. Not surprising you don't know her sadly, she deserved so much more success, even here in the UK. I think her album 'Me Myself I' (check out the title track) dented the charts in the US, but otherwise, only 1982's poppier 'Drop The Pilot' made a sizeable impression on the US singles charts. PS: it's Arm-A-Tray-Ding (like 'trading' stocks and shares). PPS: check out the email I sent you - something you might be interested in there! :)
Justin, I too am very happy that you discovered her ! I was smitten similarly with her when I heard her in 76'. I saw her Live during three separate Tours in the 80's. Her Concerts were Epic. Tony Levin, Phil Collins and Adrian Belew recorded with her. Witness, enjoy and grin to her (I love it when you) Call me Names, Song.
I love her music too and have been a fan for years. As with many artists, it's the lesser known album tracks l love the most, songs like Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart ), Opportunity, just to name a few.
Joan is one of my three favorite female artist along with Lene Lovlch and Laurie Anderson, she is fantastic and has a deep repertoire including I love It When You Call Me Names an anthem of the early 80s, many other excellent songs, Me My Self I, Drop The Pilot, All The Way From America, Willow, The Key and many more. Joan is from Birmingham, England and was huge in the late seventies early eighties, don't know how you missed her? Thanx for the reaction.
There are many bands and solo artists who have recorded many album tracks that l prefer to their better known hits.Joan is no exception, some of her songs l love are Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart), Opportunity.
Her waters run deep. Suggestions: "The Weakness in Me" "Down to Zero" "The Shouting Stage" "I Love it When You Call Me Names." Each track is different from the others. Seen her twice in concert. Extraordinary artist who never broke in America. Beautiful reaction Justin.
Forty-six years since I first heard this song, and the opening still makes me catch my breath and gives me the chill of expectation. I think it's one of the best songs I've ever heard.
Saw Joan in concert many years ago, a lovely evening listening to some of her beautiful songs. Willow, Show Some Emotion and Me Myself l just a few of her great songs.
In the 80's my sister went to a wedding. The couple's first dance was to, Joan Armatrading's song "Willow." My sister went out and bought the cassette and I stole it from her. I have been hooked on Joan ever since. Check out, Willow, Drop the Pilot, Weakness in Me, I love it When you Call me Names.
Another absolute treasure from the vaults that never got her due, imo, or at least wider exposure and recognition, or the market acceptance that might've kept her in the forefront and/or the spotlight all this time.
I'm so delighted that you've been introduced to Joan and her prodigious talent. I absolutely wore out her album back in the day. Two of my favourites are "Down To Zero" and "Willow", but it's all good. I'm sure you will appreciate her raw genius. Play on.
Kudos to this reaction. One of the most overlooked artists. Greatness live. You should react to one of the best recordings ever made. Tuck and Patti's Castles Made of Sand/Little Wing. Full length studio version (over 6 minutes). Results in a great understanding of the great song writing that was lost when Hendrix died. One guitar, one vocal. No overdubs.
Joan (i can call her by her first name as she is an adopted Brummy , my home town) is an amazing (grammy ) artist who has written and produced 20 plus albums and is still performing "track record" is her best of from the 80s including "i'm not in love" along with many others mentioned by others there have been a couple of documentaries about her you need to check them out do yourself the biggest favour and listen to "track record" your soul and ears will love you for ever
Joan Armatrading's love and affection entered the UK Top 40 on 16th October 1976 and peaked at no.10 The Top 10 this week was: 1 - Pussycat - Mississippi 2 - Demis Roussos - When forever has gone 3 - ABBA - Dancing queen 4 - Rod Stewart - Sailing 5 - Sherbet - Howzat 6 - Chicago - If you leave me now 7 - The Manhattens - Hurt 8 - Rick Dees & His Cast Of Idiots - Disco duck 9 - The Real Thing - Can't get by without you 10 - Simon May - The summer of my life Also in this week's Top 40 Wild Cherry - Play that funky music Manfred Mann's Earthband - Blinded by the light Joan Armatrading - Love and affection Joan moved to the UK when she was 7 years old to join the rest of her family in Birmingham (my home city). She'd previously stopped with a grandparent for 4 years in Antigua while her family got settled. 1976 was an odd year for music. The UK charts accommodated punk, country, 60s reissues, mainly the Beatles and the Small Faces, disco, rock, lots of novelty songs (disco duck being one such track).
So glad you've discovered Joan! I've been a fan since '76 and still have her songs on my playlists! I especially love this one, as well as "Like Fire", "Tall in the Saddle", "Water With the Wine", and "Down to Zero" from her Joan Armatrading album and "Willow" and the title track from Show Some Emotion. There are a lot of wonderful songs on all her subsequent albums, but I suggest you familiarize yourself with her early work first. It will be a large rabbit hole to be thoroughly enjoyed!! 🎵❤️🎵
There are a lot of bands and solo artists that have recorded album tracks that l prefer to their better known songs. Joan is no exception, l love Opportunity, Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart).
Hah, Winnipeg Folk Fest 2008. I knew she seemed familiar. Sadly I don't remember her performance though I suspect I enjoyed it. She is pretty good. I would be okay listening to more of her stuff.
I would say that is a mimed tv performance because i'm hearing exactly what is on the record. f it is the band playing then all credit to them and shame on the tv people for hiding them. They were great. Everythng she does is magical and wonderful. Great writer, player, singer. A gem.
Her work is another rabbit hole you can happily fall into. She has really good up tempo stuff too, kind of jazzy-folky-funky-reggae. Show Some Emotion would be great one to follow up with
Again with Joan it's largely her lesser known album tracks l prefer. Indeed she recorded many uptempo songs, a few songs that l love are Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart) Friends Not Lovers and Opportunity.
This sounded like her performing over a backing track, pretty close to the sun track. You could see near the end where she wanted to go off a little bit but was locked into the track. Drop the Pilot, Show Some Emotion, Rosie, (I Love it When You) Call me Names, Can't Get Over (How I Broke Your Heart), and Wrapped Around Her are other favorites of mine.
Wow this is great. I haven't heard her for many years. I did see her live once late 70s, a wonderful emotive performance. I wonder where she is now? Next? Try Drop The Pilot, Willow, All The Way From America.
Thanks so much, Justin, for listening and I'm glad you liked it. I only discovered her music a few years ago with her "Greatest Hits" CD. I grew on me so much that I had to hear more, made another compilation myself, then another and another. She has a fantastic vocal range and is an excellent guitarist as well as a songwriter. She's released 20 albums starting in 1972 and the most recent was just last year. She does not appear to be lip-syncing in this video but the background is probably taped and the audience is real. This was her highest charting song followed by 'Drop the Pilot' which is a more upbeat pop song. For some fantastic guitar work check out 'Steppin' Out': ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GFyPHKrimjo.html
Joan is incredible. I first got to know her from the Me,Myself, I album and tour and just collected from there. Saw her live many, many times and she is one incredible powerhouse live. She is also an amazing blues guitarist. I agree with someone else's comment about Down to Zero. Like Fire from the same album is also amazing, Willow from Show some Emotion brings you to tears. Get in the Sun is rockin. Everything on Me, Myself I is completely mind blowing. There is not a bad track on the album and its worth a whole album review. Welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Joan Armatrading
Its been awhile but I've seen her live 4 times over the years and she is still my favorite female artist. She has many incredible songs. Her song down to zero hit the radio in the 70 's I think? I've been a fan ever since!
Thank you for choosing this song and reminding me just how awesome Joan Armatrading is and thank you JP for such a genuine reaction - I can see every emotion on your face as you're watching and listening and I love that it is so honest.
Pure bliss. One of those songs that sounds great but you don’t realize how great until 40 years later when your mind immediately think of this song when thinking songs that have resonated the most in your life.
I don't know why you haven't heard of Joan Armatrading! In Canada, she got a lot of airplay on FM radio. Her self-titled album, which this song is from, definitely sold well in the 1970s...I still have it.
This is definitely the studio recording. Like many others here, I hadn’t heard the song in years. It took me right back. Feels and all. The Weakness in Me is another stellar heartfelt song by Joan.
Saw her (with The Movies) support Supertramp in Ipswich, early 70s. I adore her. A one-off genuine, beautiful soul. Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell & Joan Armatrading were a triumvirate of excellence for me in those days. And still are.
Shout out to JP for reacting to two of the most overlooked, underrated artists of the 70s and 80s. Joan Armatrading and Be Bop Deluxe. Hit The Box Set Band and you'll have covered the trifecta, at least on my list. I would recommend hitting some of Joan's studio stuff (I'm Lucky was her biggest hit) and hitting Be Bop Deluxe's live recordings. They really were awesome in concert.
Justin has featured three Be Bop Deluxe songs that l know of. Fair Exchange, Heavenly Homes and Ships in the Night. Their Futurama album is one of my favourites from the 70's, Bill's solo stuff too is wonderful.
Thank you for the introduction. That was fantastic. Can't wait for more. Will be keeping an eye out for her LPs. Since I sent you the Tracy Chapman CD you obviously know that I am going to love this but then again you probably don't cuz I don't think you've checked her out yet.. What are you waiting for Justin Tracy Chapman needs to get up on the list...
Her 70's output is exceptional, versatile, and she surrounded herself with great musicians, working with great producers like Gus Dudgeon (Elton John) Glyn Johns (Who, Stones, Beatles etc.). Try some of her more upbeat stuff - Like Fire, Mama Mercy, Barefoot & Pregnant. In the 80's, she went full-on rock, you might be interested to give Walk Under Ladders a try, she did it mostly with Peter Gabriel's band + Thomas Dolby.
Been watching your reviews for a couple of years Justin, but I think this is possibly my favourite so far! It was all in your face! If you want to try some more Joan Armatrading I would suggest her 1977 album, *Show Some Emotion*, either the title track or *Willow* ... would love to hear your thoughts. And thanks for all the Sparks by the way .... they have an extraordinary catalogue to delve into once your done with *Kimono*
Joan Armatrading came on the scene in the late 1970s. She was raised in St its and as such has a very interesting British/ Reggae style that later encouraged other artists. Her songwriting often runs right by a lot of mainstream critics, etc. This never bothered me and her early works are my favorites. Check out Rosie, All the way from America, and Willow. Bring a tissue.
Hi Justin Joan Armatrading is a great singer, songwriter and guitarist. You would also love her song," Show Some Emotion " which has a cool Jazz/Funk feel. Joan Armatrading this Saturday and Laura Marling in two weeks time ! Thank you !!!
I promise you'll fall in love with Joan's music! Please react to "Down to zero", "Drop the pilot" or "Willow", just to name a few. I think, "Willow" belongs to the most beautiful songs ever written.
Willow is one of my favourites too. There are a lot of lesser know songs l love too, Opportunity, Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight and Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart) to name a few.
The weakness in me When I get it right Just a few off her Walk under ladders lp. Also check out the line up of guest musicians …. She’s loved amping the best. Keep up the awesome work of digging for musical gold…!!
Love and Affection is a great introduction to Joan’s amazing writing and performance talent. She has a broad range of styles, and can be tender or high energy. She often taps into her African heritage in sounds or rhythmic ideas. As such, you end up with so many different yet great song ideas that are uniquely Joan. My picks from Joan are Show Some Emotion, The Weakness In Me, Heaven, Down To Zero, and Me Myself I.
That;s a good starting point to learn about Joan. I became a fan of her's around this time. Try 'Drop the Pilot'. Upbeat song. I like her album 'Walk Under Ladders' featuring Thomas Dolby on the first tract. Many styles on that album alone.
Love your reaction to one of her most fabulous compositions. She’s so underrated please check out some of her other stuff. Please can you check out Gabrielle Aplin’s Salvation or Home.
Check out how many albums she's released; in America she never got promoted. But she's a star for many decades. (This was a lip-sync performance, but her live work is just as crisp) Fine reaction, bro.
Probably a bit before your time, Justin, but Armatrading had her moment of stardom in the 1970s and early 1980s as I recall. I think she was born in the West Indies but her family ended up in Birmingham, England. In addition to this song, "Me Myself I" and "Drop the Pilot" received radio play and were Top 40 hits. "Down to Zero" is another nice song. Like Kate Bush, Armatrading began writing songs at an early age and was always primarily interested in developing her own approach to music - she's always been hard to pigeonhole in any one genre. She mixes Folk, Pop and Jazz elements organically. Tony Levin and Adrian Belew play on the album titled The Key. Unfortunately, Steve Lillywhite's production of her albums of that period taints what could have been classic recordings. The production is very 1980s - New Wave-ish.
JP, given you have a thing for criminally underrated female singers from the 70's, now search on YT for Judie Tzuke's Stay With Me Till Dawn. I promise you it'll be worth it.
At her time she was very popular with "Talkin' About A Revolution ', at least in Germany. I bet you've heard this song. 👍 I've been corrected, look at the answer. Edit: I think this song (revolution) has something to do with South Africa and Nelson Mandela those days.
Yep, Joan Armatrading is on a much higher pedestal than Tracy Chapman, she's that special. Her bouncier Drop The Pilot was a huge hit in Oz in the early 80s and I was hooked. Love your channel and this song.
I was surprised to hear this. I know the name, and know she had songs the DJ's back in the day loved too well (reading through the comments, "Drop the Pilot" rings that kind of bell), and assumed this would be one I'd remember as soon as I heard it. Nope. Nice song. Glad I haven't heard it more times than I need to, before, too - although I've had such a long break that I'd probably even hear Drop the Pilot as something reasonably fresh/refreshed, now. I don't think they killed it as such (good songs don't kill easily), so I should be a bit more optimistic next time I see her name here. Pleasantly surprised, anyway. I see some Tracy Chapman recommendations down there. +1 to that, as they say. Apparently you even have the CD?
your look said it all. every now and again you look at us and u don't need to say a thing. coincidentally only last week i read a synopsis of her insular (in)security while I researched the albums of 1980 (possibly referring to Me Myself & I ) please give Judie another listen Tzuke Ville hosts a plethora of fine LPs but if u wanna trump Silver Rainbow for drum sounds which dominate songs try "Who Do You Really LOve?" from "the Cat is Out" (1985) .... The difference being our Jude takes on the Drum and Triumphs Emphatically... The Cat is still on his Hols you see. Outstanding Commanding Views From The Cattery. Laterrr?! Thankin You.
One of my favourite tunes from her. Yes as others have suggested, a good follow up would be Down to Zero. Joan is an excellent songwriter and a decent guitar player. Most of her music is very folk based.
I know this says "Live", but it's '76 TV live, meaning at most the vocal was live. Been a while since I've listened to the track, but I heard nothing in the background different from the record. And it's entirely possible the vocals were mimed, but I didn't notice any obvious disparity.
Hoping to hear more Joan by subscribing. Try the BBC Orchestra version of Drop the Pilot to see her singing in 2021. Or go back to listen to her and her band kick it with Kissin and a' Huggin.
Again as with other artists, it's the album tracks l love the most. Songs like Opportunity, Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And Real Good Heart), Reach Out, Get in the Sun to name a few.
Dark Truths is my favorite track from her. Last year I sold my record collection of around 3,000 albums. In there was all of Joan Armatrading's works. The music store had zero interest in her. Too bad that she seems to getting lost with the passing of time.
Well you have already had lots of suggestions so I won't add any more.. apart from just to say you will not be disappointed with any song of her that you listen to... As others have said... Criminally underrated. Treat your ears to more of her. And yes, the camera technique was typical British Broadcasting BBC at its best... This is a different version from th studio version but I would say that it was recorded specifically for this performance... they did this a lot, especially for The Old Grey Whistle Test"... all to do with Musicians Union and getting more mony... xxxx
I’ve seen her here and there on TV, never really got into her. Now that I’ve heard more than a few decades of different people and bands, this sounds just as good. Love her vintage Ovation, marks the period well, like the dazzle effects. The sax was a little awkward, could have been a couple more takes better. She honestly looks confused or unsure during it. This was good.
