16. Etta James - At Last!

 Wow!

 I had heard the name Etta James in passing, and knew that she was held in high regard as a singer. I put this one on expecting some good vocals, and was not disappointed. I believe that everyone who tries out for American Idol should have to listen to this album, and then a recording of themselves. It would definitely thin out the herd. She can growl and wail, but it's all perfectly timed, and comes through with a sincerity that draws you in. She owns these songs. OWNS them.

 The content is jazz and Rhythm and Blues. I was listening to the album last night with my parents, who were visiting. My father contends that "At Last" is the best blues song ever.  I don't know if I can say that with any certainty, but it is damn good. She has such a dynamic, yet honest delivery. The music is fabulous as well, the strings create a silky background, and there is a solid beat laid down by the rhythm section. 

 A favourite moment on the album is the second track, "My Dearest Darling". I absolutely love the baritone sax shots. It is one of my favourite things in music. BaaaWaaap, BaaaWaap.  It is effective in creating the bass line for the track with just two notes, and some silence. Etta sings like an angel. It's just a good track. Also of note is the jazz standard "Stormy Weather". It is beautiful and full of soul. The ubiquitous Willie Dixon is credited with writing the first song on the second side called "I Just Want To Make Love To You".

 I threw this album on when I was making dinner the other night, and it was the perfect soundtrack. It is so easy to listen to, and though the general vibe is rather downbeat, the vocals are so dynamic that it pays off. Hugely. So if the Nickelback is getting a little old, throw on Etta James. This is just good music. One rocking pop tune is "Tough Mary". It has background singers and a totally retro 60's feel. There is a wicked sax solo, and Etta belts out the lyrics like she is singing for her heroin. Allegedly, she had battled drug addiction, like so many others that created amazing art for our enjoyment. Nasty stuff, but apparently it assists the creative process.

 I remember her death last year, and made a note to myself that I should know more of her music. I realized that this was the stuff I knew very little about. In a small part it may have led to the creation of this project of mine, to educate myself musically by actually listening to these albums. Who better than Rolling Stone to compile an essential listening list. It has paid off so far, and I think "At Last!" is my favourite of the sixteen albums I have listened to thus far. Rolling Stone placed this one at number 116 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. I strongly recommend this one. Excellent.


Buy it here.

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