Artist: Etta James Album: Let's Roll

Year: 2003
Duration: 0:0-1

Let's Roll with Etta James: A Critic's Perspective

With over five decades of music under her belt, Etta James remains an icon in the music industry. Her music has transcended time, and her soulful voice remains as enchanting and raw as it was when she first graced the stage. In this blog post, we are going to take a critical review of the album Let's Roll, her final work before she passed on. We will also take a brief look at the life and times of this legendary artist.

Let's Roll was Etta James' final album, released in 2003, a year before she passed on. It was a departure from her earlier works, which leaned more towards the blues, and this time around, she opted for a more contemporary sound. The album featured elements of rock, funk, and even hip-hop, and it was all tied up nicely with her soulful voice. While this deviation from her earlier works may have confused some of her ardent fans, it was a bold statement from a musician who had done it all.

The album's best tracks were Gotta Serve Somebody, a Bob Dylan cover that featured backing vocals from the Roots, Stacked Deck, a funky track with an infectious groove, and The Dreamer, a heartfelt ballad that showcased James' deep, emotive vocal range. These tracks stood out from the rest of the album and were a testament to Etta James' versatility as an artist.

One of the most innovative parts of the album was the use of hip-hop elements. Being a musician who started her career in the 50s, it was impressive to see her incorporate elements of a genre that started in the 70s and was in its prime in the 2000s. This move may have alienated some of her older fans, but it was a bold statement that showed that she was not afraid to try new things.

However, Let's Roll was not without its faults. Some of the tracks felt like filler material and didn't quite match up to the overall quality of the album. Some of the more experimental tracks like Lie No Better and Breakin' Up Somebody's Home didn't quite hit the mark and felt out of place.

Let's Roll by Etta James was the culmination of a legendary career. It was a bold statement from an artist who had nothing left to prove. While it may have deviated from her earlier works, it was a testament to her versatility as an artist. It had its faults, but it was still a worthy addition to her discography. All in all, Let's Roll was a beautiful swansong from an artist who will forever be remembered as a legend in the music industry.