Joan Armatrading

Joan Armatrading's self-titled album was a really enjoyable listen and one of those records that quietly grows on you as it progresses. The songwriting is excellent, the lyrics are thoughtful and intelligent, and there are some wonderful guitar performances throughout.

What stands out most is the quality of the songs. Joan Armatrading has a unique voice and a natural ability to tell stories and convey emotion without ever sounding forced or overdramatic. The album feels honest, warm and effortlessly crafted, which makes it very easy to connect with.

This is definitely an album I can see myself coming back to. It may not be flashy or attention-grabbing, but it's packed with strong songwriting and memorable performances that reward repeat listens.

Favourite tracks: “People” and “Love and Affection” are both fantastic songs
Least favourite tracks: I enjoyed every track on the album
Album artwork: Standard album cover

Good album to end a bad day, bad album to end a good day. My life is miserable so I liked this.

I like this record, mostly on the basis of a few songs - Down to Zero and Love and affection chiefly - and it shows Joan moving into her peak phase, finding her voice etc As she incorporated a bit more rock edge into her sound (on Show Some Emotion and thereafter) it elevated here even further. Still, a remarkable artist and happy to see her on this list.

Gorgeous album. Armatrading’s vocals are incredible, and it’s very well produced. Additionally, there’s some absolutely breathtaking songs, most notably “Down To Zero,” which grows to be one of the best folk/rock songs I’ve ever heard. Additionally, “Help Yourself” ends up sounding like a folkier version of a Florence and the Machine song, which I like a lot. I think one of my favorite parts of this album is the way it blends funk rock sensibilities with folk rock, something that many others who’ve listened to this have pointed out. Songs like “Join The Boys” (ESPECIALLY that one, the conviction in her voice is so strong and beautiful), and “People” (back to back INSANE solos) bring such a wonderful vibe to the whole thing. The guitar sounds super super great on “Like Fire,” and “Tall In The Saddle” really closes the album out well. Very very good.
9.2/10

I really ought to like Joan Armatrading: she’s a talented songwriter and her blend of folk-rock, blues, a touch of jazz and pop is something I certainly appreciate. But for some reason, her albums just don’t do it for me. Her third, self-titled album from 1976 doesn’t change that either. That might be down to the overly tame production, which seems terribly dated today. It might be down to Armatrading’s vocals, which, whilst not unemotional, are always a bit restrained. I find her music plain and simple – boring. There are other singer-songwriters who really grab me more.

Not really my jam, but some songs were enjoyable

this was enjoyable but nothing standout

Great album by the Caribbean-born artist. There are many albums that I feel are included in the list to attempt to bridge the gender gap but this one is deservedly so. Fantastic addition.

8/10 [KEEP]

Nice

Oh right, Joan Armatrading! She has a really distinctive way of singing - I remember her on the radio, singing "down to the ground, down to the ground." And her guitar work also has some interesting bits, for example the opening part of "Like Fire."

Backing music is well done too, with musicians like Fairport's Dave Mattacks on drums. But I was never really attracted to this record enough to buy a copy and honestly still probably won't look into it again. I'm more interested in music than vocals these days, and this is a little too straightforward for my current mood. But for what it is, it's very good.

Very high 3, maybe 3.8?

pretty good singer songwriter record. weirdly reminded me of elton john and pj harvey. 3.5

This was pretty damn amazing. Reminded me a lot of Tracy Chapman. Want to revisit abd maybe check out her other stuff

I enjoyed this, kind of like an earthier Joni Mitchell. Will listen again

soundsvery contemporary

I don't think I recognize this artist, so this is entirely new to me.

I neither hated this nor loved it. It was interesting to be introduced to this artist, and I supposed I'm glad I listened to this. But ultimately, it just didn't do much for me.

Pleasant but not exciting

Whoa, had never head this album. Gives me Tracy Chapman vibes.

Really liked some of the later songs in the album that had more energy, but a lot of the songs on here were beautiful.

Hard to settle on a rating, really all over the place with hits and misses. Beautiful voice and great production

Ein solides Album mit starken Momenten wie „Love and Affection“. Armatradings Stimme überzeugt, doch nicht alle Songs zünden. Klanglich typisch für die 70er – nicht alles schlecht, aber auch kein Meilenstein.