Joan Armatrading - To The Limit '1978/2020

Tracks list

To the Limit is a more fitting follow-up to the self-titled Joan Armatrading, as
it returns to that albums catchy melodies and fully fleshed-out arrangements.
Again, the backing band is almost entirely new to Armatrading, retaining only
the rhythm section of Dave Markee and Henry Spinetti from past efforts, but
instead of sounding tentative, the band infuses the material with bright and
natural music. Although the record doesnt contain any hits -- Barefoot and
Pregnant and Bottom to the Top were the singles -- it doesnt suffer from the
dips in mood and quality that made Show Some Emotion less than satisfying.
Nothing on To the Limit is obvious filler, and the intelligent track placement
-- alternating ballads and rockers -- gives the songs a chance to develop their
own identities. Picking the best tracks on this album is sure to be a matter of
taste; fans of Armatradings ballads will enjoy Your Letter and Baby I, those
enamored of her island melodies will find them on Barefoot and Pregnant and the
reggae-styled Bottom to the Top, and anyone looking for crossovers into blues
and jazz can turn to Am I Blue for You and You Rope You Tie Me. The only knock
on this album is that it lacks a real standout song like a Willow or Love and
Affection -- nothing on To the Limit is great, but nearly everything is good.
One could make a case for something as contagiously catchy as Taking My Baby up
Town, but even that falls shy of her most enduring singles. For this reason, To
the Limit is rarely represented come compilation time. Ironically, its one of
her better albums, a good bet for fans who enjoyed her eponymous effort and
arent ready to jump into the rock sound of subsequent albums.

Tracklist:
 01. Joan Armatrading - Barefoot And Pregnant (03:41)
 02. Joan Armatrading - Your Letter (03:43)
 03. Joan Armatrading - Am I Blue For You (04:27)
 04. Joan Armatrading - You Rope You Tie Me (04:10)
 05. Joan Armatrading - Baby I (04:53)
 06. Joan Armatrading - Bottom To The Top (03:35)
 07. Joan Armatrading - Taking My Baby Up Town (03:26)
 08. Joan Armatrading - What Do You Want? (03:47)
 09. Joan Armatrading - Wishing (04:51)
 10. Joan Armatrading - Let It Last (04:58)

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