Joan Armatrading

Last year's Joan Armatrading was an intriguing mix of sensitivity and bravado -- wry,
confessional love lyrics and syncopated, idiosyncratic melodies. In part, Show Some
Emotion is a smoother, more consistent exploration of that territory. Last year's funk was
often awkwardly folky, mostly a matter of the British singer/songwriter's energetic guitar.
This year it's been given authority by a rhythm section that knows how to establ... More >

OK, I'm convinced. Sometimes funny, always real, and never ever pretentious, she proves that a big, husky voice needn't turn you into a self-important fool. So why don't I have anything more specific to say about this record? Because most of the meaning of the ordinary-plus lyrics is conveyed by stance and nuance. (Grade: B+)