Customer Reviews

Whatever's for Us

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this CD a few years ago and it is my favorite Joan CD. Her incredible voice really shines on this disc. The material is darker than some of her later work, the arrangements are sparse on some track, (conversations) and lush on others (all the kings gardens)where her later work is more guitar based most of this disc relies on some great piano work. There are moments of sheer brilliance, (converstaions, and mr remember me,) there isn't a bad song on this disc and I am glad to see it finally being released more generally in the US.

Used to be that this cd was a hard to find classic. It was re-released a couple years ago with 2 extra songs, so it should be readily available in your local record store. I I found this cd years ago and scooped it up and was glad that I did. It is classic Armatrading. On this cd, she co-wrote the songs with a woman named Pam Nestor. Not sure why that partneship ended, because this is some of the most beautiful music I have heard. I love the opener, "my Family". It makes me think of how the 60's and early 70's must have been like, with the attitude that we are all brothers and sisters. I also like "It Could Have Been Better" and "All the Kings Gardens". Check this one out along with "Back to the Night".

I confess I have not been a big Joan Armatrading fan, mostly through ignorance. I have not heard all the contents of this release yet but I felt compelled to comment on one cut in particular that I am familiar with. I have owned this piece for more than 20 years -- as released on a "teaser" anthology of music on behalf of Altec-Lansing (the speaker people) entitled "Odyssey." Included on the disc are Sheryl Dilcher, The Strawbs, Rick Wakeman, Sandy Denny and Quincy Jones. The Armatrading title I refer to is "It Could Have Been Better," which was taken from the Whatever's For Us album. To my mind, not only is this the highlight of the "Odyssey" recording, it may well be the greatest piece of popular music to have never been a major hit. The lush orchestral accompaniment is without peer in contrast to Joan's understated vocal rendition. This piece is so well done it sends chills down my spine every time I hear it. If you haven't had this treat, I urge you to indulge yourself ... if only for this one piece of music.

'Whatever's For Us' was once a difficult album to find, and is probably why alot of people thought that her career began with 1976's self titled album.

'Whatever's For Us' is simply a stunning album with some beautiful piano playing. Highlights include 'Alice' and 'It Could Have Been Better'. The opening track 'My Family' is the perfect choice, and as the inner sleeve notes suggest, very early Elton John sounding.

The repackaged CD allows us all to truly appreciate the beginning of Joan Armatrading, who in my opinion is underrated in many countries. This CD also includes a bonus single which was also previously hard to find.

If you buy this, then the album "Joan Armatrading", you will really appreciate this fine artist. Two listens of the song "Love and Affection" will cement your thoughts on how great she is.

I love Joan Armatrading's early stuff best, and this is my favourite of hers. Her song-writing partnership with Pam Nestor produced an album that has a different feel to her later work. It feels more natural, more vibrant, not as wallowy, with a wonderful edge to it. Quietly rythmic, more lively, but without being too poppy, it's great to dance areound the house and sing to, or to have on in the background. My favourite song on the album is probably 'Child Star', I like the snide, looking-sideways-at-your-peers tone and the clear acoustic guitar, but all of the songs are good, after a few listens, I came to really like the album as a whole. It's incredible, looking back, to think that it's her first.

Joan Armatrading has been giving us the best of her in all of her songs since 1975..wait.1972.Unbeknownst to me and many others, this album was released in 1972 and only now did I get to exploring it.Discovering the unusual grace of the title track and the poignance in MY FAMILY and GIVE IT A TRY has been a worthwhile journey.The esoteric charm wrapped about VISIONARY MOUNTAINS and the messages of hymns adorned by the basics of piano and guitar such as ALICE and SPEND A LITTLE TIME make this work one of her best.

This is such a beautiful album; Joan Armatrading never sounds better. This album so clearly presages later artists such as Traci Chapman et al, and this album is superb. I've enjoyed it for many years and if you like Joan you will LOVE this album -- and everyone should know and experience this seminal and influential musician.

...glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks 'It Could Have Been Better' is one of the most beautiful, bittersweet yet virtually unknown songs around. 'Gave It a Try' and 'City Girl' come close too...

Being a big Joan Armatrading fan from way back I've
been seeing this collection of tunes here and there
in music stores and I had heard a few of these tunes
but never picked this up, I know it was hard to come
by at one time. This is well worth the listen. Great
singing and production and although Joan came out with
her middle 70's masterpiece "Joan Armatrading" just
a few years later, this collection has it shares of
moments all over it. Great to finally own this, I hear
so much of early Elton John's piano style in many cuts
and her vocals & guitar playing are just awesome.