Search - France Joli :: Now

France Joli NOW!!!!!

Andre S. Grindle | Brewer Maine | 11/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is because of music like this I thank goodness for used records stores-I have discovered many of my favorite artists there.France Joli is an artist I knew nothing about until I heard this album.'Now' was recorded by this native of Montreal' in 1982 and presents the former disco diva in a whole new setting.I wouldn't know about her other music but 'Now' certainly presents her in that great light.The album is made up of a sparkling,bright mix of funky dance music with synthesizers and a live band working in just the right unison.Joli (at the time of this release only 18) sure knew how to make the best of the dance/funk/R&B/pop mixture she has to work with by possessing a voice that can be tough,sweet as sugar yet always soulful."Gonna Get Over You" is the big hit here and it pretty much sets the pace for the entire album-it chocked full of other great tunes "Your Good Loving","I Need Someone" and the brassy "Can We Fall In Love Again" all have the same idea but each strike at you a different way on the dancefloor,or even if you just want to bob your head on a pair of headphones-their all great grooves.And "I Wanna Take A Chance On Love":P-U-R-E funk of the highest degree-'nuff said!That hiccuping guitar (think it's Steve Khan)pushes the groove out front maybe more then the hit even and is my favorite song here-and WHAT A GREAT HOOK!If you want some nice lovey dovey R&B ballads the title track will sure rub you the right way,so will "I'm Still Thinking Of You",even if they are a tad sentimental."Everlasting Love" on the other hand is almost scary;that's because if Teena Marie could do "Shadow Boxing",why couldn't France Joli get over with "Everlasting Love"?Even if the Californian Lady T was older and had more pathos and drama to her voice Joli was not very far behind.And especially for being Canadian (and therefore ripe for stereotyping) France Joli managed to squeeze out quite a little career longjevity for herself,releasing many albums in her time including this gem.'Now' is Jolie's coming of age album in many ways and (like many young artists of her time) she puts many of todays teen singers to shame.The reason?This albums seemless production and great live musicianship (complete with a hot horn section) that is nowhere to be found on most teen pop records now.And despite her youth Joli was no teenypopper-just a young DIT (diva-in-training) who got derailed by a sad lack of interest.What a drag but enjoy this CD anyway."

Disco Favorite

Robert J. Roberts | Palm Springs, Ca. | 02/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"France Joli what can one say - she was a staple of the very late 70's and 80's Dance Music scene. Anything by France Joli is always was a HUGE hit and brings back many cherished memories."