Lovers Speak

Joan Armatrading | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 25, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Savoy Jazz
• ASIN: B00008H2LN
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,817 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Lovers Speak marks not only Joan Armatrading's return to recording after an eight-year hiaturs, but to the stripped down, folk-rock sounds of her earlier years. Armatrading here plays most of the instruments herself, as well as the role of producer, and while she’s a fantastic talent,the collection has a few thin spots, both in terms of production and song quality. However, Lovers Speak is a solid enough collection for the true fan, and would serve the novice listener well as an introduction to her more current output. The numerous standouts include the guitar- and percussion-driven title track and "Let’s Talk About Us," the heartrending "Less Happy More Often," the beautiful and intimate "Crazy for You," and the introspective "Blessed." "In These Times" is a solemn piano ballad, surprisingly written before the events of 9/11, that makes you want to call your best friend. --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Joan is back, August 17, 2003

By 

Di Marino Maurizio "talgarik" (Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lovers Speak (Audio CD)

Once Joan Armatrading was great and when guys who once were great record a bunch of new songs most of the time is because ... they have to pay their bills and making music is their job; most rarely the artist is still alive and is still able to kick: Lovers speak by Joan Armatrading represents one of this rare occasions. At first, when I heard she had released a new album, I was quite skeptical, so when I had the chance to see her in concert I said to myself "what a bore, before the classics she'll perform all the weak new stuff" weak?? After the first 20 minutes of the show I wasn't even thinking anymore if the songs were new or old: they were just great songs. The day after the show I ran to buy the Lovers Speak CD and ... it won't come out of my CD player. "In these times" is astounding, a great ballad, an instant classic; "lovers speak" and "prove yourself" are pure Armatrading style and both fine additions to her catalog, you'll be immediately addicted to "physical pain" and "love bug": overall a great album you'll listen repeatedly.
This is one of the best new releases of the year.
And don't forget: when you'll have your chance to see Joan in concert don't miss it!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, August 20, 2004

By 

J. McAndrew "Jeffrey C. McAndrew" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lovers Speak (Audio CD)

My sister likes Joan, and I've known it for years. This is the first serious listen to a Armitrading CD. Songs like "Lovers Speak" and "Prove Yourself" represent an incredible intensity and honesty, and kind of blunt honesty about life and love that one doesn't get often from the commercial radio world.

Most songs are fantastic on this collection. What better theme to build around than love. Well done Joan, you are a superstar!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ARMATRADING PROVES AGAIN THAT SHE'S THE BEST!, May 3, 2003

By 

J. Jenkins "Opinionated One!" (Near Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lovers Speak (Audio CD)

If you don't have a budget for going out and buying diamonds for yourself or your loved ones, then instead consider getting Joan Armatrading's brand new CD, which has 14 of her finest gems to date that you can listen to and savor for many years to come!

I don't know why Armatrading isn't more of a major success in America-she's simply one of the most prolific and thoughtful lyricists around. Often compared to Joni Mitchell and is Melissa Etheridge's own muse, Armatrading has been making consistently great music for well over 22 years, always taking on the common themes of love, loss, regret, courage and inspiration and has yet to sound redundant or contrived in anything she's written!

Armatrading's inviting alto voice lends itself well to many styles: folk, jazz, pop, and simple yet haunting ballads; and she effortlessly uses them all on her latest CD. The disc's title track-"Lovers Speak"- sets the pace with her plea to learn "the language of love" and takes you to a place of belonging that everyone of us has experienced. Given the state of the world today, "In These Times" is an inspiring anthem where Armatrading describes a world where "all sanity is lost," but that "we own the world and everything that's in it. Let our love shine like glistening raindrops resting on a rose."

Need a pick-me-up song or your own personal theme song to get you going? Then check out "Prove Yourself," which commands the listener to forsake all doubt and worry and just do it-without the Nike shoes involved! And if you're looking for a way to blow off steam at that person who's wronged you, just press "repeat" and listen to "You Made Your Bed," with its chorus of "all of the little pleasures that you bring, get cancelled out by the weird things you do."

So...what more do you need...click and buy this CD now and prepare to be enchanted!