Joan Armatrading- Love And Affection-LIVE 1976 (REACTION & REVIEW)

[@BahamaWynters]

I have had to stop being shocked that millions of people have never heard this remarkable songwriter, singer, story teller, oh, my. Fifty years for me and I am so grateful that Armatrading continues to create some of the best love through music. She has just released her first book (The Weakness in Me; also another signature song), has stopped touring but not creating. She is solid. Listen more.

[@markspooner1224]

It's not your fault JP that you hadn't heard of her, she is the most criminally overlooked female singer songwriter there has ever been. Tracy Chapman became a star overnight with Live Aid while Joan had already achieved so much with so little recognition (outside of England). Thank you for your lovely review, well done!

[@EC-dz3fb]

Very well-said. Absolute facts. ♡

[@rickb.4168]

Tracy Chapman, Live Aid! Are you mental?

[@markspooner1224]

@@rickb.4168 OK it was Nelson Mandela's birthday 1988, that's not mental that's just confused.

[@EC-dz3fb]

@@rickb.4168 Dude, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. It's a mistake.

[@rickb.4168]

@@EC-dz3fb I’m super calm xxxxxx

[@ABC-p4m]

One of the greatest songs ever written, in my humble opinion. Just a master class of songwriting. The level of emotion this track brings out is simply beautiful. You should definitely hear the original album version! I love Joan, one of the true originals!

[@markbrennan6069]

This lady was a very good performer drop the pilot is worth a listen also all the way from America

[@Tomlinsky]

The whole self-titled album that this is from is an absolute gem. The opening track 'Down To Zero' must be on your list. The musicians on the album include such legends as Jerry Donaghue, B J Cole, Dave Mattacks, Kenny Jones and Graham Lyle to name but a few. Her whole catalogue is worth diving into, she released an album last year and still has the magic.

[@DocRock71]

Joan is one of the most criminally underrated artists who deserved far more fame than she ever got, but for those who were lucky enough to discover her, she is a shining diamond. Her voice is unique and instantly recognizable. A great songwriter, painfully honest and totally real in much of her music (The Shouting Stage comes to mind). Her live rendition of Van Morrison's Moondance would be the next one I'd check out. It's intense!

[@johnwinton2209]

As said by others... Joan is one of those hidden gems. In the UK she is well known and has some really wonderful songs in her CV. She is one of those 'real deal' musicians.

[@TheColdrush22]

I’m going to die. This is my one of my favorite songs in the world. It’s almost like it is improvisational because it goes to weird parts. And it repeats parts. But it’s so absolutely fantastic. It’s like they built a song around an improv.

[@thomasovens478]

Wow can't believe you have never heard of the legend that is Joan Armatrading. I have been to see her live in concert many times - superb.

[@Rhiannon011]

Joan's "The weakness in me' is my very fav song by her. She is completely 100% UNIQUE and ORIGINAL! JP,, Still waiting for you to react to Alice Cooper band> "The Ballad of Dwight Frye".. NOT any live versions with just Alice on his own, but the "original song" that is in the Alice Cooper band> "Love it to death" album.

[@Tolemac7]

Hey Justin ~ Joan is one of the Goddesses of music, in my view. You are going to absolutely enjoy diving into her incredible catalog. Why she isn't more well known in the U.S. is one of those mysteries we may never have the complete answer to. She is very much loved by other artists, because she is so brilliant in her song writing, and her voice is just wonderful. You can listen to her all day and not get bored in the slightest. I'm so glad you finally got to hear her. There is so much more to listen and react to. =)

[@JustJP]

Thank you Tolemac :)

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Joan Armatrading is deeply, DEEPLY underrated. I recommend you listen to many more of her songs, starting with Down to Zero, followed by Show Some Emotion, Save Me, Tall in the Saddle and Water with the Wine. An astounding artist with a totally unique and personal style. Beautiful!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Great picks! "Tall in the Saddle" is a great one too!

[@pittarak1]

First heard Joan back in '76. She's been with me ever since. A wonderful, wonderful singer songwriter - so under rated.

[@eileenflora]

I saw her live back in the late 80s and it was just her and her guitar, and it was incredible.

[@kevlar_t4echo]

Love Joan....been listening to her since the 70's. Hugely talented writer and musician. All of her output is great, but i do tend to lean more toward her 70's output. Not too long ago i saw the actor Daniel Craig (James Bond) on The Colbert Show...when asked, if you had only one song to listen to for the rest of your life what song would it be, and he chose this tune.

[@jeffstevens4262]

I remember going to see her play live here in London back in the '70's and she absolutely blew me away that night. She always had this kind of self consciousness about her, and her music reflected that very often. God bless her, she's still criminally underrated and unappreciated but she's one of the finest we've ever produced

[@chris62tt]

Tenderly Beautiful… That‘s the feeling I have everytime I listen to Joan Armatrading.Try: „I really must be going“ „The weakness in me“ „Willow“. „Tall in the saddle“ shows more of her abilities to play the guitar. Well done JP!

[@jeremyb5640]

This was a lovely surprise, thanks JP. I've seen Joan in concert a few times and I can vouch she's as humble and talented as she seems here. Rich soulful voice and a fantastic songwriter. Her music is a perfect blend of folk, jazz and soul. Not surprising you don't know her sadly, she deserved so much more success, even here in the UK. I think her album 'Me Myself I' (check out the title track) dented the charts in the US, but otherwise, only 1982's poppier 'Drop The Pilot' made a sizeable impression on the US singles charts. PS: it's Arm-A-Tray-Ding (like 'trading' stocks and shares). PPS: check out the email I sent you - something you might be interested in there! :)

[@semchen9]

Justin, I too am very happy that you discovered her ! I was smitten similarly with her when I heard her in 76'. I saw her Live during three separate Tours in the 80's. Her Concerts were Epic. Tony Levin, Phil Collins and Adrian Belew recorded with her. Witness, enjoy and grin to her (I love it when you) Call me Names, Song.

[@keithjones7390]

I love her music too and have been a fan for years. As with many artists, it's the lesser known album tracks l love the most, songs like Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart ), Opportunity, just to name a few.

[@jeezoh000]

One of the greatest opening lines. Her song Willow is also fantastic.

[@juliahoff7158]

Agree! Willow is beautiful! Tall in The Saddle, and Cold Blue Stole My Heart, are brilliant as well.

[@WaitAMinute1989]

I LOVE Willow

[@parisbrat]

I am so thrilled that not only did you react to Joan, but really enjoyed my favorite song of hers. There's much more of Joan magic to dive into.

[@tomoconnell2727]

such an under-rated artist, amazing voice, great guitarist, and heartbreakingly beautiful songs - tears each time i listen to her...

[@cosmiccat6708]

This song is absolute perfection. I never tire of hearing it, in fact it just gets better with each listen. It's definitely one of the most beautiful songs written and performed. She is singing live and it sounds like she's playing too. The backing vocals are from the studio version and this is a stripped down version instrumentally too. Listen to the studio version and you'll see, or hear!. Joan Armatrading (as in tray) is a fantastic and unique artist. Loved your reaction.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

What I like the most about you, JP, is how you react to songs. You are very expressive. This song meant a lot to me in the 80s. Deeply soulful.

[@janicebelfiore856]

Joan will always win you over

[@ultraredd]

What a pleasant surprise! Back in the 80's /early 90's, I was fortunate to see Joan live three times in The States and she did not disappoint. I remember a reviewer writing that she has a voice that could melt steel. She is criminally unheard of here but it's definitely worth it to listen to more of her music.

[@emilyflotilla931]

Saw her in a great Art Noveou theater in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The acoustics were amazing!

[@caros4734]

Joan Armatrading is so very much underrating.

[@geneharvey7]

Her waters run deep. Suggestions: "The Weakness in Me" "Down to Zero" "The Shouting Stage" "I Love it When You Call Me Names." Each track is different from the others. Seen her twice in concert. Extraordinary artist who never broke in America. Beautiful reaction Justin.

[@timfeeley714-25]

Joan is one of my three favorite female artist along with Lene Lovlch and Laurie Anderson, she is fantastic and has a deep repertoire including I love It When You Call Me Names an anthem of the early 80s, many other excellent songs, Me My Self I, Drop The Pilot, All The Way From America, Willow, The Key and many more. Joan is from Birmingham, England and was huge in the late seventies early eighties, don't know how you missed her? Thanx for the reaction.

[@keithjones7390]

There are many bands and solo artists who have recorded many album tracks that l prefer to their better known hits.Joan is no exception, some of her songs l love are Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart), Opportunity.

[@dougoneill7266]

I am still listening regularly to Joan's stuff all these years later. I wore out so many tapes of her albums when I was away in the Army in the early 80's.

[@randybaker6042]

Kudos to this reaction. One of the most overlooked artists. Greatness live. You should react to one of the best recordings ever made. Tuck and Patti's Castles Made of Sand/Little Wing. Full length studio version (over 6 minutes). Results in a great understanding of the great song writing that was lost when Hendrix died. One guitar, one vocal. No overdubs.

[@m.a.sperry3424]

I'm so delighted that you've been introduced to Joan and her prodigious talent. I absolutely wore out her album back in the day. Two of my favourites are "Down To Zero" and "Willow", but it's all good. I'm sure you will appreciate her raw genius. Play on.

[@rjart4]

So underated still making music today, so very talented.

[@jameshouston2174]

An older friend gave me Whatever’s for us when it came out…..I was immediately hooked….seen her numerous times…always impressed in her honest delivery

[@Lightmane]

How come I've never heard of Joan Armatrading? Love her voice.

[@MisterWondrous]

So excited for this! Please do more of her. "Stronger Love", "Down to Zero", "I'm Lucky", "Shouting Stage". She is the female Jimi Hendrix, the edgier Roberta Flack, and she has been top of my charts since the '70s. She may also be the smartest artist out there. You'll fall in love, I can see that already.

[@Macilmoyle]

I'd add 'Willow' and 'Drop The Pilot' to those

[@mattperegrine873]

Add "Tall in the Saddle" too!

[@k.s.1150]

@@Macilmoyle I second that!

[@emilyflotilla931]

Love Joan! "Show Some Emotion" or "Willow" are good next stops!

[@keithjones7390]

Saw Joan in concert many years ago, a lovely evening listening to some of her beautiful songs. Willow, Show Some Emotion and Me Myself l just a few of her great songs.

[@shemanic1]

one of my favourite female singers, so much soul in that voice. I spin the 45 of her tune "Show some emotion" a lot, & did at Glastonbury Festival in the Green Fields & at The Green gathering (a solar & wind powered event) just last weekend. I saw Joan several times over the years, including a small venue in S. England on her last tour just before lockdown, she was as awesome as ever, & a more accomplished guitar player than I ever knew.

[@barrystanton6693]

I saw her live when this came out and I’ve loved her ever since. Great reaction.

[@celesteaurorean5323]

You've read her correctly; she is always so shy and humble

[@gpreactions3194]

Joan Armatrading's love and affection entered the UK Top 40 on 16th October 1976 and peaked at no.10 The Top 10 this week was: 1 - Pussycat - Mississippi 2 - Demis Roussos - When forever has gone 3 - ABBA - Dancing queen 4 - Rod Stewart - Sailing 5 - Sherbet - Howzat 6 - Chicago - If you leave me now 7 - The Manhattens - Hurt 8 - Rick Dees & His Cast Of Idiots - Disco duck 9 - The Real Thing - Can't get by without you 10 - Simon May - The summer of my life Also in this week's Top 40 Wild Cherry - Play that funky music Manfred Mann's Earthband - Blinded by the light Joan Armatrading - Love and affection Joan moved to the UK when she was 7 years old to join the rest of her family in Birmingham (my home city). She'd previously stopped with a grandparent for 4 years in Antigua while her family got settled. 1976 was an odd year for music. The UK charts accommodated punk, country, 60s reissues, mainly the Beatles and the Small Faces, disco, rock, lots of novelty songs (disco duck being one such track).

[@annother3350]

There was some tough competition that week

[@delorangeade]

Forty-six years since I first heard this song, and the opening still makes me catch my breath and gives me the chill of expectation. I think it's one of the best songs I've ever heard.

[@colinmaynard2879]

Goodness, first saw Joan in ‘75 touring with Supertramp!

[@WaitAMinute1989]

I've seen her live twice, it's a must.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

She is amazing.

[@rickb.4168]

Loved Joan since the very early eighties.

[@jerkedevries]

Great beautiful singer and original

[@1959219]

I saw her life 3 times. What a voice. She's helped through some bad times. Do Save me.

[@samuelmregister]

Serious rabbit hole with this artist!

[@lemming9984]

Wow this is great. I haven't heard her for many years. I did see her live once late 70s, a wonderful emotive performance. I wonder where she is now? Next? Try Drop The Pilot, Willow, All The Way From America.

[@druidswillow1052]

Now that didn't kill you did it?! Superb artist and I'm amazed you've never heard of her, Beautifully crafted song, soulful vocalist Cheers Jim, UK

[@edwardlosty549]

My word for the day is Troubador. I’m an 80s kid, and the singer/songwriter had gone out of fashion, it’s great to rediscover.

[@zwieseler]

Keep going…. She is awesome. Great live. Great songwriter. A cracking guitar player as well. She was very shy and introverted at this stage of her career. I’ve seen her at 3 concerts, by the third one she’d got a lot more confidence on stage and amped up her stage presence.

[@rasichap]

Quite insightful JP. In interviews Joan has said that from a very young age all she ever wanted to do was write, play, and sing songs. She comes across as a lovely, humble, and extremely authentic human being. There are other live versions of this on KZbin that are a lot more recent, where she is around 70 years old. They are just as good. Her voice is still amazing.

[@JustJP]

Ty Rasichap!

[@rosmeeker1964]

I saw her live in the early 80s. It was a great concert. This song often starts up in my brain when someone thanks me for something.

[@rosmeeker1964]

Show some emotion is my fave JA song.

[@kengregory6026]

simply superb!!

[@noheamike5036]

This sounded like her performing over a backing track, pretty close to the sun track. You could see near the end where she wanted to go off a little bit but was locked into the track. Drop the Pilot, Show Some Emotion, Rosie, (I Love it When You) Call me Names, Can't Get Over (How I Broke Your Heart), and Wrapped Around Her are other favorites of mine.

[@Jujudeze22]

I love this song JP! I love Joan Armtrading, great choice. ‘Weakness in me’ is great, ‘Down to Zero’ is amazing. She gives me chills.

[@margueritewood7036]

Been a big fan for a long time. Saw her at a tiny theater on the Harvard Business School campus. Was amazing…. Love her album Square the Circle

[@jaybird4093]

That was excellent! Playlist material! 👍

[@virginiaharris3460]

Saw her live in Portland Oregon in the 80's

[@rmlrl1971]

In the 80's my sister went to a wedding. The couple's first dance was to, Joan Armatrading's song "Willow." My sister went out and bought the cassette and I stole it from her. I have been hooked on Joan ever since. Check out, Willow, Drop the Pilot, Weakness in Me, I love it When you Call me Names.

[@jamuga60]

Nice synopsis mate...............................Joan is a colossus.

[@DocRock71]

Some of my favorites from Joan...Drop the Pilot, Perona Non Grata, Russian Roulette, All The Way From America, Free....she has so many great albums from the 70s through the 90s.

[@stephendennis8739]

Show some emotion is one of many favourite songs from Joan like

[@markwiosky6994]

Its been awhile but I've seen her live 4 times over the years and she is still my favorite female artist. She has many incredible songs. Her song down to zero hit the radio in the 70 's I think? I've been a fan ever since!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

So glad you've discovered Joan! I've been a fan since '76 and still have her songs on my playlists! I especially love this one, as well as "Like Fire", "Tall in the Saddle", "Water With the Wine", and "Down to Zero" from her Joan Armatrading album and "Willow" and the title track from Show Some Emotion. There are a lot of wonderful songs on all her subsequent albums, but I suggest you familiarize yourself with her early work first. It will be a large rabbit hole to be thoroughly enjoyed!! 🎵❤️🎵

[@keithjones7390]

There are a lot of bands and solo artists that have recorded album tracks that l prefer to their better known songs. Joan is no exception, l love Opportunity, Friends Not Lovers, Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart).

[@davidheiser2225]

Joan's a treasure. I saw her back around 1982. She may not have been massively popular, but I saw her in a 2,000 seat theater that was sold out. And it seemed to be 2,000 hardcore fans, all in ardent rapture, almost like they were the Joan Armatrading cult. It was pretty magical. Check out her song "I'm Lucky" with Thomas Dolby's wonderful synth.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

It's O.K. Justin, there are so many superstars who are overlooked! I've spent a lot of lonely teenage nights with this superb Lady on my turntable! Peace.

[@derekmeade6350]

Superb singer and songwriter (from Birmingham UK 😄) Pretty much any album of hers will reward multiple listenings

[@3jacksonb]

legend

[@frugalseverin2282]

Thanks so much, Justin, for listening and I'm glad you liked it. I only discovered her music a few years ago with her "Greatest Hits" CD. I grew on me so much that I had to hear more, made another compilation myself, then another and another. She has a fantastic vocal range and is an excellent guitarist as well as a songwriter. She's released 20 albums starting in 1972 and the most recent was just last year. She does not appear to be lip-syncing in this video but the background is probably taped and the audience is real. This was her highest charting song followed by 'Drop the Pilot' which is a more upbeat pop song. For some fantastic guitar work check out 'Steppin' Out': kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfcgXuBp86goNE

[@fgilroy50]

Every time this women opens her mouth tears flow down my cheeks. Lady Di loved her too. Check out Down to Zero.

[@damonhines8187]

Another absolute treasure from the vaults that never got her due, imo, or at least wider exposure and recognition, or the market acceptance that might've kept her in the forefront and/or the spotlight all this time.

[@maruad7577]

Hah, Winnipeg Folk Fest 2008. I knew she seemed familiar. Sadly I don't remember her performance though I suspect I enjoyed it. She is pretty good. I would be okay listening to more of her stuff.

[@diogenesagogo]

Saw her (with The Movies) support Supertramp in Ipswich, early 70s. I adore her. A one-off genuine, beautiful soul. Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell & Joan Armatrading were a triumvirate of excellence for me in those days. And still are.

[@frombrum]

Joan (i can call her by her first name as she is an adopted Brummy , my home town) is an amazing (grammy ) artist who has written and produced 20 plus albums and is still performing "track record" is her best of from the 80s including "i'm not in love" along with many others mentioned by others there have been a couple of documentaries about her you need to check them out do yourself the biggest favour and listen to "track record" your soul and ears will love you for ever

[@littlecitygirl]

Thank you for choosing this song and reminding me just how awesome Joan Armatrading is and thank you JP for such a genuine reaction - I can see every emotion on your face as you're watching and listening and I love that it is so honest.

[@jrbueller2664]

Pure bliss. One of those songs that sounds great but you don’t realize how great until 40 years later when your mind immediately think of this song when thinking songs that have resonated the most in your life.

[@14gilbertst]

Her music made it onto the local radio in the 70s-80s and it was her song, Save Me, that has kept her in my heart all these years.

[@michaellomax2]

I still have this on vinyl from 1976. A classic song. Joan is one of my favourite female singer/songwriters. You must listen to more of her, Justin.

[@peterthornton74]

In my top ten tunes dude she's epic

[@thomassharmer7127]

Her work is another rabbit hole you can happily fall into. She has really good up tempo stuff too, kind of jazzy-folky-funky-reggae. Show Some Emotion would be great one to follow up with

[@keithjones7390]

Again with Joan it's largely her lesser known album tracks l prefer. Indeed she recorded many uptempo songs, a few songs that l love are Something in the Air Tonight, Kind Words ( And a Real Good Heart) Friends Not Lovers and Opportunity.

[@FireMunki63]

Joan is incredible. I first got to know her from the Me,Myself, I album and tour and just collected from there. Saw her live many, many times and she is one incredible powerhouse live. She is also an amazing blues guitarist. I agree with someone else's comment about Down to Zero. Like Fire from the same album is also amazing, Willow from Show some Emotion brings you to tears. Get in the Sun is rockin. Everything on Me, Myself I is completely mind blowing. There is not a bad track on the album and its worth a whole album review. Welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Joan Armatrading

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I would say that is a mimed tv performance because i'm hearing exactly what is on the record. f it is the band playing then all credit to them and shame on the tv people for hiding them. They were great. Everythng she does is magical and wonderful. Great writer, player, singer. A gem.

[@CC-uw9kp]

Agreeing with so many other comments here - Down to Zero, and The Weakness in Me - definitely worth checking out next.

[@williamr3840]

Super Joan! :0)

[@michaelbochnia5686]

One of those under the radar stars. Love Her deep tones just always touched a cord with me. Sweet pick.

[@daveking9393]

Thank you for the introduction. That was fantastic. Can't wait for more. Will be keeping an eye out for her LPs. Since I sent you the Tracy Chapman CD you obviously know that I am going to love this but then again you probably don't cuz I don't think you've checked her out yet.. What are you waiting for Justin Tracy Chapman needs to get up on the list...

[@jerroldjennymichaudzhenmic3966]

Shout out to JP for reacting to two of the most overlooked, underrated artists of the 70s and 80s. Joan Armatrading and Be Bop Deluxe. Hit The Box Set Band and you'll have covered the trifecta, at least on my list. I would recommend hitting some of Joan's studio stuff (I'm Lucky was her biggest hit) and hitting Be Bop Deluxe's live recordings. They really were awesome in concert.

[@keithjones7390]

Justin has featured three Be Bop Deluxe songs that l know of. Fair Exchange, Heavenly Homes and Ships in the Night. Their Futurama album is one of my favourites from the 70's, Bill's solo stuff too is wonderful.

[@saturninebear]

I'm particularly fond of her song "The Shouting Stage". Thanks for playing this one, tonight.

[@stephendennis8739]

I can remember hearing the original version on new Zealand back in the 70s when I was a teenager then and now I'm 60

[@ashton235]

Clarke Peters from The Wire is on baritone backing vocals. There blew your mind!😮😊

[@rk41gator]

Excellent choice is Joan. Good review. Yes, she does has confidence and humility. Nailed it. A strong performer who comes to music from her unique point of view. Got to see her in concert at Red Rocks! (but this may not be the best rendition) Check out some more tunes.

[@mcolford]

I am so glad you finally discovered Joan Armatrading. Her career expands from the early 70's to as recently as four or five years ago, and she's been performing and recording throughout. So many different styles. So many great songs and many recommended here. Don't even know where I would go next. She's got a lot to explore.

[@davidchaplain6748]

I love Joan Armatrading. Walk Under Ladders is a brilliant album.

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

Her 70's output is exceptional, versatile, and she surrounded herself with great musicians, working with great producers like Gus Dudgeon (Elton John) Glyn Johns (Who, Stones, Beatles etc.). Try some of her more upbeat stuff - Like Fire, Mama Mercy, Barefoot & Pregnant. In the 80's, she went full-on rock, you might be interested to give Walk Under Ladders a try, she did it mostly with Peter Gabriel's band + Thomas Dolby.

[@terrybnad2959]

Been watching your reviews for a couple of years Justin, but I think this is possibly my favourite so far! It was all in your face! If you want to try some more Joan Armatrading I would suggest her 1977 album, *Show Some Emotion*, either the title track or *Willow* ... would love to hear your thoughts. And thanks for all the Sparks by the way .... they have an extraordinary catalogue to delve into once your done with *Kimono*

[@ebenhopwil1886]

Definitely recommend Drop the Pilot, I'm Lucky or I Love It When You Call Me Names. Joan is great and criminally overlooked here in the US.

[@rickb.4168]

Fucking love this song! Not as much as Drop the pilot. But still.