Joan Armatrading’s favourite album of the 21st century: “An amazing talent”
What makes a good artist? It’s a question so broad that it doesn’t even warrant an answer. The truth is, the definition of an artist is constantly shifting depending on their art. When it comes to musicians like Joan Armatrading, though, who found their voice in genres such as folk and blues, one of the key features necessary is authenticity.
One of the most appealing features of music that allows itself to be vulnerable is that listeners can connect with the artists they love on a deeper level. With genres like folk and blues, where a lot of the narratives embedded are solemn and reflective, people need to believe what they’re listening to to get through listening to it.
Music takes on a much different form when it’s honest and vulnerable. It stops being solely performative and starts to be something much more profound than that. People can listen to the songs and connect with them on a deep level, using the lyrics to express how they feel internally and becoming less alone as a result.
Armatrading always planned to be a transparent musician. She intended to give herself to people, nothing more, nothing less, just straight-up authenticity. “Writing is about self-editing,” she said. “It’s all about being present, being aware of what’s happening.”
That affinity for honesty is reflected in the music that Armatrading used to listen to. For instance, she was a big fan of Bob Dylan because he could create genuine narratives within his music. She said that she admired his artistry and acknowledged that while he may not be the greatest vocalist in the world, his writing ability was second to none.
“The way he crafts words, the way he tells his story and draws people into the plot is something that he is expert at,” she said, “If you want to know about good songwriting, look to Bob Dylan. Not really known as the best singer, but he is the best at conveying an emotion with his powerful lyrics and phrasing.”
The majority of Armatrading’s favourite albums came from the 20th Century; however, one more modern artist appealed to her. Armatrading is a blend of authenticity, excellent vocals, and a unique style, and the 21st-century artist she admired was an equal representation of those qualities: Amy Winehouse.
In talking about Winehouse, Armatrading said she greatly admired her album Back To Black and listed it as one of her favourites of all time. “An amazing talent,” she said, “I loved her lyrics, her voice, her phrasing and how she moved her body. She made the jazz sound bang up to date. I was looking forward to seeing what she was like when I was a proper old lady.”
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