Search - Irma Thomas :: Soul Queen of New Orleans

Soul Queen '89

Phil S. | USA | 05/22/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The lady who gave us Jimmy Norman's great lyric, "Time Is On My Side", and "Wish Someone Would Care", returned to the studio in 1989, and although only the latter signature tune was evidenced in a cool recut, nine good sides were delivered in style. At times the accompaniment is a bit distant but the production should never overpower a star of her caliber.

Best tracks: "Ruler Of My Heart", a great soul ballad with Memphis *and* Crescent City seasoning, also found on an interesting documentary about New Orleans and New Orleans music (both phrases meaning the same in the '92 Island Visual Arts tape called "Let The Good Times Roll - A Film About The Roots Of American Music"); "Friendly", a top 40-friendy song from Dan Penn, a contemporary beat and bounce; "Wish Someone...", with its' echo of james Brown on "I Don't Mind" and Sam Cooke on "A Change Is Gonna Come", but standing completely alone. (includes a monologue of the "PG" order).

Somewhat disappointimng is the opening track, written by Jackie DeShannon. The disco arrangement is fine but it's surely not one of the great JDs; also, "For The Good Times", with a draggy production and some noticeable off-key warbling.

Here is a first-class stylist. Not a singer's singer, but still an artist capable of creating stunning effects in the hearts and minds of the listener."