Customer Reviews

Heart of a Woman

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I had to give a couple of stars just because Etta's voice will always touch me, but this album is a disappointment. Some originally soulful and beautiful music is unfortunately rendered somewhat cheezy, similar to much of today's so-called "smooth jazz." If you have a discerning ear, an appreciation for the depth of her voice, or want to really FEEL the music, you are much better off with Chess Records' "Etta James - Her Best," or the original "At Last," both of which are phenomenal albums

This CD grabbed my heart. This is a must for any woman who is in love or has ever been in love (isn't that all of us?). Also works if you need a good cry. :-)

A great song selection, a great singer, but some lousy production. "Only Women Bleed" is the only number that shakes loose of the smooth-jazz format this CD is killed by. She's made better before and since - get this only if you REALLY want "Only Women Bleed" in it's 90s version. It's excellent.

This was one the finest cd out last year, from the begining to end. I found the selection of songs excellent in every way possible and the vocal were outstanding, I felt that Etta James should have won the Grammy for best Female Jazz vocalist this year. There was not a better jazz Female vocalist out last year than Etta James and she was rob of her Grammy by giving it to Diana Krall. I, also recommended the cd to all friends that enjoy good music, as well as good singing by an excellent artist such as Etta James.

The supreme legendary songstress, out does herself once again!Miss James vocal artistry and interpertations of variou standards and old signature songs is nothing short of pure vocal intensity and raw emotion.Like a fine wine , Etta"s voice just gets better as time goes by .She is long overdue for the title "Queen of Soul" and deserves another Grammy for this outstanding collection of song.

I heard about 10 seconds of one of Etta's songs on the radio and had to have a CD. "Heart of A Woman" happened to be the first Etta James CD I purchased. Listening to her velvet voice sing is an unbelievable experience. Her music transforms you into a romantic, relaxed mood you hope you'll never have to leave. Definately buy this collection. You will not be dissapointed.

"Heart of A Woman" is like nothing else you will hear simply because there are very few singers who understand what they're doing as well as Etta James. Her style on the album is direct, honest and so rewarding that your expectations for what you should get for your CD money will change.

Just as an aside, I was at a listening station in the store and had just finished sampling Diana Krall's new album, which I had come in intending to buy. After listening to a couple of Etta's cuts I realized what "experience" must mean in the vocalist's craft. In about 35 yars Diana may be as good as Etta.

ETTA'S REMAKES OF EACH SONGS ARE HER'S ALL THE WAY ,EVEN THOUGH, THEY CAN'T BE CALLED BLUES THEY ARE HER STYLE,EACH CUT IS SO WELL PUT TOGETHER MUSCICALLY AND VOCALLY ,I CAN'T UNDERSTYAND WHY IT'S NOT GETTING MORE AIRPLAY,BUT THEN AGAIN IT'S NICE TO FIND HIDDEN TREASURES.

I am always surprised at how natural Etta handles cabaret songs. She brings her feel for the blues and bends her vocals just so to totally capture the jazz feel of some of the great standards. Not every song is a standard, however even the newer ones have the same style. On most tracks, the band gives the songs a combo feel. When the production is a little more full blown, it is still very simple and never feels heavy handed. Almost worth the price of admission, is Etta's updated treatment of her hit "At Last". So turn the lights down low, cuddle up with someone special and enjoy Etta as she explores the Heart of a Woman.  

I may be late on the game with this lady,but, I really LOVE this CD. I discovered it in our Public Library(seems I discover most of my stuff there), fell in love with the songs and Ms. James' voice. I loved it so much, I purchased the CD from a onsite swap. Needless to say, I have just about worn out the CD. My favorite songs are "Tenderly","Say it isn't So","I Only Have Eyes for You","My Old Flame", and "I Got It bad, and that ain't good",among others. "At Last" didn't grab me because I love the original more. A great CD.