Search - Etta James :: Deep in the Night

Classic Etta

chasmusic | Ottawa, Ontario Canada | 09/12/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The ingredients that make this such a great CD are the powerful vocals of Etta James, a tight group of musicians, talented backing vocals, some great songs, and all under the masterful hand of Jerry Wexler. Etta has a controlled thunderous voice, powerful but never screeching or overreaching. She does a definitive version of Piece of My Heart. Sorry Janis, but this lady sings without the histrionics. The songs set the narrative for a woman dealing with despair, defiance, vunerability, and love. Only Women Bleed is a raw, uncomfortable and too personal experience. She takes us to church to testify with an electrifying choir on Strange man. Deep in the night takes us to that lonely experience at 3:00 in the morning thinking back on past loves. Blind Girl tells of that desperate attempt to ignore the truth and hang on to a cheating lover. Etta can wring such emotion from that roller coaster song of truth and illusion. I admit, Sugar on the Floor I do not really get. If I could choose just one Etta James CD, this would be it. She teamed up once more with Jerry Wexler for Right Time, but somehow the magic was not there."

SOULFUL&DEEP

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 05/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albums Like this Showcase The Richness&QUality that is Etta James.Her Voice can Tackle any Style&Add Another New Flavor to it.This Record is Very Soulful&Spirited.Very Essential."

~RIVETING VOCAL MASTERPIECE~BRAVO ETTA!!!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 07/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening funky note, any lover of soulful music knows this is going to be a great ride and then comes that classic raw & soulful voice of Etta James sounding awesome..."Laying Beside You" is funky bliss then a definitive "Piece Of My Heart" making one wonder where were Radio Programmers Of America when this masterpiece came out and how could the Grammy Foundation miss something so great! Next Alice Cooper's "Only Women Bleed" made into a total anthem by Ms. James as is the earthy & tremendous version of "Take It To The Limit" and does Etta ever...performance goes deep inside of this great song turning it inside out like never before. Etta James draws from everywhere selecting songs for this amazing collection even Broadway is represented here by a truly earthy and engrossing 4 A.M. version of "Deep In The Night" from "Inner City" showing that Etta can take songs from any area of music and make them all her own. A hot and wildly funky "Lovesick Blues" showcase a gritty vocal that has Etta flying into great falsetto rifts and this is a masterful performance...gospel take on "Strange Man" features another awesome vocal while "Sugar On The Floor" becomes another riveting anthem sung with so much passion and soul...sensual romp "Sweet Touch Of Love" has the legend groaning and growling in a way that only she can and the towering finale "Blind Girl" is a stellar performance that has got to be one of the greatest performances ever from this great singer and one of the greatest ever recorded by anyone...a riveting and tremendous performance to experience and "Blind Girl" is intense and stunning! A must have vocal collection...Bravo Etta!!!"