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This is my second CD of hers. I love this one, I can relax and know that the tempo and beat is soothing. Not knowing her songs, my favorite is "Everyday Boy" Her lyrical writing style is powerful and true to her spirit. Musically, the strings section stands out; there is also excellent background vocals to enhance her music. And, one more note: Her favorite singer/songwriter is VAN MORRISON, WOW! I LOVE HIM TOO! .....MzRizz


This is the one!   February 4, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Greetings from beautiful downtown Poughkeepsie!
Most people (including myself) adore Joan's 3rd CD 'Joan Armatrading' but I think "What's Inside" is her best work to date! What a great CD! The songs are all so rich and warm.
Joan plays all the guitars - gotta love that! You'll play this CD every now and then for years and years...
1.In Your Eyes - Joan coos through a nice soft intro song over synths and snare drums.
2.Everyday Boy - Song builds up brilliantly with guitars, piano, string, drums and of course, Joan, in a "poignant" tale (what an overused word). I must say, there are 3 words in this song that disturb me.
3. Merchant of Love - Another gem, Joan's voice is soft and longing, the piano and guitar intertwine beautifully throughout.
4. Shapes and Sizes - Kronos Quartet join in on this great song with a creepy important message "obituary columns are filled with love"
5. Back on the Road - the only possible throwaway - but does feature great acoustic guitar playing by Joan.
6. Lost the Love - yeah baby! Joan throws down on some serious blues guitar licks. Takes her time! Love this song!
7. Songs - beautiful song with lots of strings!
8. Would you like to Dance - funky little midtempo song with triple echo vocals and perhaps a little too much falsetto but still great. Nice solo sax!
9. Recommend My Love - see number 8 above. Keyboards are very cool..
10. Beyond the Blue - a little bit country, a little bit gospel ...acoustic guitars remind me of 'down to zero' - Joan seems to be having fun. She gets 'honey from the bee..DUH'
11. I cant stop loving you - Definitely having fun here...funky horns and baseline, goofy lyrics and an occasional wacky noise (he he he), funny repetitive singing of 'i cant stop, i cant stop, i cant stop '...and what is that one off beat drum doing about 2/3rds of the way through the song?
12. Shape of a Pony - nice light song with a bit of an island feel to it (no, not reggae) - I totally get this song.
13. Trouble - You may not agree but I think this song is a masterpiece. Joan sings her heart out over sweeping strings, distant echoing drums, and simple soulful keyboards. I have to play this song twice when I get to it.
Well, I've said too much. Clearly I get Joan. Hopefully you will too.


Joan Armatrading is genius!   October 17, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I have been fully mesmerized with Joan's work since 1976 when her song Somebody Who Loves You lullabied me each night. Her music has always and continues to speak to my soul. Thank you, Joan, for so many years of genuine music.


This is her best in 20 years.............   February 5, 2000
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Not since "Secret Secret" in 1985 (My personal favorite, not even on CD? ) has a finer Joan Armatrading collection of words and music been released (well, my view opinion anyway!) I just couldn't believe her record company could do nothing (radio play) with all this great music. This IS the one to buy from Joan.