Artist: Etta James Album: Come a Little Closer

Year: 1997
Duration: 35:30

Come a Little Closer - A Critical Review of Etta James' Classic Album

Etta James is one of the most celebrated voices in music history and her album Come a Little Closer is a shining example of her talent. Released in 1974, the album is a representation of James' signature blues and soul sound. With standout tracks like Out on the Street Again and Only Women Bleed, Come a Little Closer made its mark on the music industry. In this blog post, we will dive into the history of the artist Etta James, analyze the music genre of the album, discuss the best songs from the album, explore the most innovative parts of the album, and end with a critical review of the album.

Etta James was born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California. She began her career in music at 14 years old and signed her first record deal at 16. James' voice was a mix of gospel, blues, and R&B that captivated audiences. She released her first solo album in the early 1960s and by the mid-1970s, she had already established herself as a legendary artist. Come a Little Closer was her eleventh studio album which showcased her versatility and range.

The album is a blend of blues, funk, and soul music, with James' voice as the centerpiece. Of the 10 tracks on the album, Out on the Street Again stands out as the quintessential James track. It's a slow-burning blues jam with strong organ and guitar. Only Women Bleed is another standout track from the album. It's an emotional ballad that highlights James' poignant vocals.

The most innovative parts of the album are the use of strings and horns, along with the incorporation of funk elements. James' signature sound is enhanced with these additions, giving the album a fresh feel despite being released in 1974. The production quality is top-notch, giving the album a timeless quality that still resonates with listeners today.

In terms of criticism, some have pointed out that the album lacks consistency. While the individual tracks are strong, the album as a whole doesn't have a cohesive theme or sound. Additionally, Come a Little Closer doesn't showcase much growth from James' previous albums. However, these criticisms can also be seen as a positive aspect of the album as it showcases James' strong vocal range and versatility as an artist.

Overall, Come a Little Closer is a classic album that encapsulates Etta James' iconic sound. Listening to the album feels like being transported to a different time and place, which is a testament to the timeless quality of the music. While there are some criticisms of the album, it still stands as a shining example of James' talent and artistry. If you're a fan of blues, soul, or just great music in general, Come a Little Closer is an album worth checking out.