I’m assuming that most people would have heard the wonderful Beth Hart by now, but if you haven’t then you are truly missing out on one of the best female vocalists of all time. She first came to the public’s attention through an appearance on the American talent show, Star Search, which she won back in ’93. She has suffered though her addictions and bi-polar disorder, and she freely admits the addictions nearly killed her. So with that in mind, this is her ninth studio solo release, which sees her delving deep inside herself for inspiration.
Bad Woman Blues starts things off and immediately you are confronted with that voice. What power, control and range she has. Fantastic song! War In My Mind is next, which slows down to blues territory and is, I presume, an autobiographical piece. Without Words In The Way is almost slow old school jazz and is just beautiful. Flip over to Side 2 and we have Let It Grow, which has an almost gospel feel – another moving piece with an amazing vocal. Try A Little Harder starts with a funky groove and a fast paced vocal, and reminds of Elton in his seventies period – another great song. Side 2 closes with the heartfelt Sister Dear, an ode to her sister.
Side 3 begins with the up tempo Latin flavoured Spanish Lullabies, which flows into Rub Me For Luck – a powerful ballad which again shows what an amazing range Beth has. Sugar Shack ends Side 3, although a good song, it’s the weakest song so far. Over to Side 4 we go with Woman Down, which has an incredible vocal that captures the dark lyrics perfectly. Thankfully, a very uplifting song is next, I Need A Hero finishes the album and has just Beth and a piano. Just beautiful.
So that’s it and it is definitely the most personal album she has done – it has all the feels for sure. People always do the obvious comparisons with Janice Joplin, but she is way better than that. Beth has the range and control which Janice never had, and she also has soul. If you get the opportunity to see her live, do it, she will blow you away. Do yourself a favour and add this to you collection.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
