DBMsonic1

 A beautiful Dutch girl like an angel, with a sullen look and a handful of songs against everyone and everything.

 To launch TOGETHER ALONE, her debut album, the single «Nobody’s Wife» did the trick, full of energy and with lyrics of absolute female self-affirmation.

Anouk's 1997 debut album 'Together Alone' launched her with the energetic hit 'Nobody's Wife,' showcasing strong female self-affirmation. While some songs vary in engagement, the album remains enjoyable with notable tracks like the title track and 'It Is So Hard.' The review highlights Anouk's musical flair, comparing her to Melissa Etheridge and Debbie Harry, and appreciates the album's clear presentation and expressive cover art. Minor criticisms include some inconsistency and a touch of narcissism in the lyrics, yet the overall album is considered highly respectable. Listen to Anouk's breakthrough album 'Together Alone' and experience a fierce blend of energy and emotion!

 "Good Hargrove would give his best in the later years of his career, and in those years - paraphrasing the album title - he was still a 'diamond in the rough.'

 A New Joy - my favorite track - and also Confidentiality and All Over Again... I would rank them a notch above the others.

Diamonds In The Rough is Roy Hargrove's 1989 debut as a jazz bandleader, showcasing his rich and agile trumpet tone influenced by Clifford Brown. The album highlights his original compositions, especially 'A New Joy,' 'Confidentiality,' and 'All Over Again.' While his reinterpretations of standards are elegant yet somewhat academic, the album remains an essential listen for enthusiasts interested in Hargrove's early stylistic roots and late 80s jazz trends influenced by Wynton Marsalis. Supporting musicians like Geoffrey Keezer and Antonio Hart add depth to this promising start. Listen to Roy Hargrove’s 1989 debut and explore the roots of a jazz legend’s sound!

 An Art Pepper truly in a state of grace.

 Truly two anthology pieces that fear no comparison with the most celebrated solo performers of contemporary jazz.

This review highlights Art Pepper's 1979 album Artworks as a significant jazz release featuring his lyrical alto saxophone and rare clarinet work. Backed by a stellar trio, Pepper delivers six well-crafted tracks with a strong bebop and bossa nova influence. The solo saxophone pieces are praised for their poetic depth. While the CD edition includes less essential bonus tracks, this album is highly recommended alongside his other key works. Discover the lyrical brilliance of Art Pepper in Artworks—listen now and explore jazz history through his timeless sound.

 He manages to scrape away certain country languors leading us into musical territories close to roots-rock.

 An album highly recommended for anyone who still doesn’t know Joe Ely.

Joe Ely’s 'Live at Liberty Lunch' captures a powerful 1989 live performance that reflects on his career through songs from eight prior albums. The album blends country-rock with roots-rock elements, highlighted by intense guitar solos and energetic rhythms. Ely’s collaboration with songwriter Butch Hancock and support from his band creates a rich live experience. Some tracks bring a slower mood, though the energetic numbers standout. Ideal for new listeners and longtime fans of Texas music. Listen to Joe Ely’s 'Live at Liberty Lunch' and experience classic Texas country-rock live energy!

 These 35 tracks constitute an 'authentic summa' of the period 1966-1976, supervised and described by Neil Young himself.

 The digital version flows like a real concert, lasting over two hours without glaring discontinuities.

Neil Young's Decade is an epochal triple album anthology showcasing 35 tracks spanning 1966-1976. It includes work from Buffalo Springfield, CSNY collaborations, and his solo career, offering a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The album is praised for its sound clarity, graphic presentation, and previously unreleased gems. Perfect for both longtime fans and new listeners eager to explore iconic folk-rock and country-rock music of the era. Listen to Neil Young's Decade and experience the timeless classics that shaped rock music history.

 The whole album seemed insubstantial to me.

 "There Is a War," for me the most beautiful song, with its ruthless metaphor of love as a battlefield.

This review reflects on Leonard Cohen’s album 'New Skin for the Old Ceremony' as a challenging and less essential work compared to his early albums. The reviewer shares a personal journey from initial struggle to a more measured appreciation, noting the album's complex references and orchestration. Highlights include songs like 'Chelsea Hotel #2' and 'There Is a War.' Despite its flaws, the album's unique voice and thoughtful lyrics offer value to listeners willing to engage deeply. Explore Leonard Cohen's challenging yet profound album and discover its hidden lyrical gems today!

 With SECRET SECRETS, our Joan… reaches the heights of expressiveness and writing ability, signing all the songs.

 The heartfelt "Strange" closes the album with disillusioned melancholy: 'No happy ever after / No beginning again.'

Secret Secrets is a standout album by Joan Armatrading, showcasing her mature songwriting and heartfelt contralto voice. It features sophisticated pop orchestration produced by Mike Howlett and contributions from acclaimed musicians. The album reflects the classic sorrows and joys of love through poetic lyrics across ten tracks. Its detailed and symbolic artwork, enhanced by Robert Mapplethorpe’s photography, complements the music’s emotional depth. This release remains an essential addition for music enthusiasts and fans alike. Explore Joan Armatrading’s Secret Secrets and experience one of her finest and most expressive albums today.

 This record remains a precious testament to the last months of the great Charlie’s life.

 In this unorthodox and in a certain sense incomplete collaboration, there is probably the intuition of a new path for jazz singing.

Mingus, released in 1979, was an ambitious yet initially divisive album from Joni Mitchell. Featuring a unique collaboration with jazz legend Charlie Mingus, the album blends folk and jazz elements with contributions from iconic musicians. Though its cohesion is uneven, it offers a valuable insight into Mingus’ final months and Joni’s artistic growth. Notable tracks reveal a daring exploration of jazz singing and orchestration. Explore Joni Mitchell's daring Mingus album and experience a pioneering jazz-folk masterpiece today.

 All this always with her soothing voice and without ever sounding like she's giving us a sermon on male incommunicability!

 For all those who loved the elegant atmospheres of the so-called English sophisti-pop, Everything But The Girl was an essential name.

This review praises Everything But The Girl's fifth studio album The Language of Life as a pinnacle of their sophisti-pop era. Produced by Tommy LiPuma with jazz greats' contributions, the album blends elegant atmospheres with melancholic and sharp lyrics. Tracey Thorn's vocal delivery and songwriting add unique female perspectives uncommon for the time. The album stands out for its sophisticated sound and impeccable packaging. Listen to Everything But The Girl's classic The Language of Life and experience the blend of jazzy sophisti-pop and heartfelt lyrics.

 "Our Beth is a true rockeuse, one of the most interesting female voices in the contemporary American rock-blues scene."

 "The substance of the music prevails over the image, and this is a great album that certainly didn’t make me regret the expense."

Beth Hart’s 2012 album Bang Bang Boom Boom showcases her powerful voice and mature songwriting in a captivating rock-blues style. The album explores themes of love’s torments with direct and emotive lyrics. Standout tracks like "Baddest Blues" and "Better Man" highlight her gritty and flexible vocals. Though not flawless, the music prevails over minor faults, making it a rewarding listen for fans of blues-infused rock. Listen to Beth Hart's Bang Bang Boom Boom and dive into a soulful rock-blues experience filled with passion and powerful vocals!