Etta James, the vocal great had been ill for quite some time and recently lost her battle with leukemia. Trooper that she is though, James recorded this one last album for her fans and it is a fine one.
The album begins with a rollicking version of King Floyd's "Groove Me" before moving into Otis Redding's celebration of good lovin', "Champagne & Wine." Somewhat amusingly, later in the album James again covers Redding, this time with the post- seduction "Cigarettes & Coffee."
There is no aural indication that James is sick or lacking in strength; she sounds as good covering a delicate chestnut like "Misty Blue" as she does on the southern funk/gospel of album standout track "Boondocks."
The Dreamer's most surprising track is a reimagining of Guns N'Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" as an R&B number where her sassy vocals convey just as much danger as Axl Rose's did on the original.
James has such a large body of work that longtime fans may point to one of her vintage titles as being her best but The Dreamer is a very suitable entry point for the uninitiated. Now is the perfect time for fans of acts like Amy Winehouse to come home to the treasure that is Etta James.
RIP: Etta James - The Dreamer
Rating:
Share this article
More articles for this artist .
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Days 4 & 5: Starship Lands on the Pearl, Alan Parsons Takes It Home
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
blink-182 Launching North American Stadium And Arena Tour
Watch David Gilmour's 'The Piper's Call' Video
Check Out Powerman 5000 'Dancing Like We're Dead'
The String Cheese Incident Take Fans On Epic 'Roll Around The Sun'
Watch Motley Crue's 'Dogs Of War' Video
Richie Sambora Returns With 'I Pray', The First Of Four New Songs
The Smashing Pumpkins Reveal New Guitarist
Linkin Park Top Hard Rock And Vinyl Albums Charts With Papercuts