Joan Armatrading Criticism
Joan Armatrading, a West Indian-born British songwriter, singer, and musician, is acclaimed for her evocative exploration of themes surrounding women's independence and love. Her music, characterized by "guarded optimism," emerged in England in the early 1970s, initially perceived as "too complex" for mass appeal. Defying early skepticism, her third album, Joan Armatrading, achieved gold status and produced hit singles, cementing her status as a leading performer in the UK while cultivating a dedicated fanbase in the US.
Armatrading's work is known for its passion, irony, and wit, presenting not analyses but raw emotional experiences. Her lyrics often resonate with young women as they reflect the sexual ambiguity and evolving roles of modern society. Despite accusations of lyrical obscurity, she maintains that her work is not autobiographical. Critics debate whether her perceived aloofness enhances the universality of her art or makes it unnecessarily challenging.
Although some activists have urged Armatrading to endorse specific political causes, she remains focused on universal themes relevant to both genders. Her commitment to succeeding as a woman in the music industry is seen as a statement in itself. As noted in Jamake Mamake Highwater and Susin Shapiro, her music bypasses traditional influences, developing a unique style marked by emotional depth, as praised by Richard Williams. Critics such as Caroline Coon and Sheila F. Younge highlight her lyrical creativity and introspective songwriting, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Contents
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Another Year, Another Annex for the Hall of Obscurity
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In the following essay, Jamake Mamake Highwater discusses how Joan Armatrading, despite her West Indies origins, largely eschews traditional Caribbean musical influences in favor of a vibrant and lyrical style developed after her arrival in Britain.
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What Once Were Vices Aren't Even Habits Anymore
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In the following essay, Susin Shapiro analyzes Joan Armatrading's album Back To The Night, emphasizing her distinctive approach to expressing anger and emotional depth through music, and how her influences, though claimed, are not overtly apparent in her unique style.
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'Joan Armatrading'
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In the following essay, Richard Williams argues that Joan Armatrading's album exhibits a rare combination of emotional depth and musical intelligence, with its confident artistry, superior musicianship, and a selection of songs that approach classic status, notably through tracks like "Love And Affection" and "Save Me."
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Joan-Burning Like Fire
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In the following essay, Caroline Coon explores how Joan Armatrading's music poignantly captures themes of love and freedom, emotional isolation, and poignant yearning without descending into morbidity or self-pity, highlighting her lyrical emotiveness and ability to weave dreams of love amidst sadness.
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Record Reviews: 'Joan Armatrading'
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In the following essay, Sheila F. Younge examines Joan Armatrading's music, highlighting her personal and introspective songwriting style, which prioritizes lyrical creativity and vivid imagery, and anticipates her growing success in America.
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Joan: Showing Love and Emotion
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In the following essay, Ray Coleman praises Joan Armatrading for her exceptional songwriting and vocal style, highlighting her album "Show Some Emotion" as a masterful follow-up to her debut, characterized by themes of romantic aspiration and emotional depth, with strong roots in blues music.
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Joan Armatrading Shows Some Results
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In the following essay, Georgia Christgau argues that Joan Armatrading's album Show Some Emotion demonstrates her growth as an artist who balances personal introspection with commercial success, reflecting the dualities of independence and emotional vulnerability in her music.
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Records: 'Show Some Emotion'
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In the following essay, Ariel Swartley critiques Joan Armatrading's album Show Some Emotion for its shift from personalized, humorous narratives to more impersonal and preachy tones, suggesting that the album struggles to balance individuality with mainstream appeal.
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Armatrading's Forthright, Show's Kinda Flaky
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In the following essay, Fred Schruers argues that Joan Armatrading's unique blend of forthrightness, sensuality, and musical artistry sets her apart from her contemporaries, as she compellingly navigates themes of love and pride with a distinctive voice and lyrical sophistication, despite not yet having achieved wide mainstream success.
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Joan Armatrading: Breaking through as a Guitarist-Singer
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In the following essay, Patricia Ann Brody argues that a central theme in Joan Armatrading's music is her fierce independence, which is consistently reflected in the lyrics of her songs and her approach to guitar playing.
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Records: 'To the Limit'
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In the following essay, Ken Tucker argues that Joan Armatrading's album "To the Limit" is her most engaging work, characterized by its blend of folk and jazz elements and its exploration of personal themes, which makes her private experiences resonate with the audience.
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Joan's Armageddon?
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In the following essay, Jon Pareles analyzes how Joan Armatrading's songwriting in To the Limit expands from depicting passionate emotions to exploring themes of independence and the complexities of relationships, highlighting her perceptive yet emotionally intense portrayal of characters grappling with love and autonomy.
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Popular Discs and Tapes: 'To the Limit'
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In the following essay, Peter Reilly examines Joan Armatrading's album "To the Limit," highlighting the ambivalent nature of its lyrics and portraying Armatrading as a resilient artist who chooses to confront challenges rather than succumb to cynicism.
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Albums: 'Steppin' Out'
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In the following essay, Mary Harron explores Joan Armatrading's portrayal of sexual ambiguity and the tension between independence and emotional need, suggesting that while this dynamic is relatable to women, it sometimes hampers her performance, with her 1976 album being a standout exception.
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The Elusive Joan Armatrading
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In the following essay, Marianne Meyer examines Joan Armatrading's distinctive lyrical and musical style, highlighting her intimate yet intelligent narrative choices that distinguish her from contemporaries, while noting the evolution from her earlier albums to the more focused and stylistically refined "Joan Armatrading."
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Hit and Run: 'Steppin' Out'
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In the following essay, Jon Young praises Joan Armatrading's Steppin' Out for showcasing her powerful performance and composition skills, highlighting her ability to balance emotional depth and intelligence in her music.
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Single File: 'Me Myself I'
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In the following essay, Martyn Sutton praises Joan Armatrading's song "Me Myself I" for its exceptional melody and clever lyrics, suggesting it as the standout single from an album potentially deemed the best of the year.
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Me, Myself, I …
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In the following essay, Robert Shelton examines the songwriting process and thematic elements of Joan Armatrading's album "Me Myself I," highlighting her ability to convey complexity and insight through simplicity, while reflecting on personal and universal experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
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Joan Armatrading: I Did It My Way
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In the following essay, Don Shewey argues that Joan Armatrading's unique artistic independence and emotional depth, characterized by her personal "emotional vocabulary" and distinctive musical style, both define her compelling artistry and contribute to her absence from mainstream superstardom.
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Chirps, Thrushes, and Nightingales
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In the following essay, Aida Pavletich critiques Joan Armatrading's musical style, highlighting her skillful guitar playing and powerful vocal delivery, while suggesting that her lyrics, though intriguing, often lack clear meaning, leaving interpretation up to the listener.