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From: dlb@stcvax.UUCP (David Black)
Newsgroups: net.music
Subject: Re: Review of Secret Secrets - Joan Armatrading
Message-ID: <392@stcvax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 18-Apr-85 20:06:22 EST
Article-I.D.: stcvax.392
Posted: Thu Apr 18 20:06:22 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 21-Apr-85 03:07:16 EST
References: <33@harvard.ARPA>, <380@ihlpg.UUCP>
Organization: Storage Technology Corp.  Louisville, CO
Lines: 13

First let me state my credentials: I've been a Joan Armatrading fan
since I first heard "Down to Zero" about 10 years ago, but her recent
records just haven't been very satisfying.  I couldn't put words to
it until I read the following phrase about a different person, in a
similar situation: "... having found an identifiable voice, [she] is
now imitating it."
I think that the real problem is that Joan Armatrading's songs now
sound formulaic. It's true, it's her formula, but there is nothing
new or surprising or even, it seems, heartfelt about the songs on
this album and that's really disappointing.
Those of you who like this album, tell me what makes it special.

				David Black