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After a one month hiatus from posting on this blog, I am happy (oh so happy) to return to this project with Etta James as the first album to listen to. At Last! is Jamesetta Hawkins', aka Etta James', debut solo studio album, originally released in 1961 as a 12-inch LP with ten tracks.
Track Listing
Side One
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- Anything To Say You're Mine
- My Dearest Darling
- Trust In Me
- A Sunday Kind Of Love
- Tough Mary
Side Two
- I Just Want To Make Love To You
- At Last
- All I Could Do Is Cry
- Stormy Weather
- Girl Of My Dreams
At Last! is named after one of Etta James' most famous songs, which is also a hit in most singing competitions and talent shows, although it usually doesn't get the justice it deserves. The entire album is relaxing to listen to, with Etta's beautifully supported voice which is motivated by a broad range of emotions. As a result, many of the tracks sound deep and vulnerable, including "A Sunday Kind Of Love".
The album includes some R&B, Blues, Jazz, and a bit of a rock and roll influence. It has a classic sound, incorporating orchestral arrangements, with other tracks (like "Tough Mary") that have more of a pop sound.
And of course, the beautiful track "At Last", which has been featured in countless movies, commercials, karaoke bars, and weddings a like. I'm going to go ahead and say that if you haven't heard this track, you must've made an effort to avoid it. But there's a reason its so well known. It has perfect pace, and sexy, slinky strings that support Etta's timeless emotional expression. Its short - only 3 minutes long), and perfectly captures that beautiful satisfaction of feeling completely content with a partner. And that's a great feeling. This track is seriously timeless, and I'm sure it always will be.
If you haven't listen to this album before, then check it out. This is definitely one of the pinnacle albums in the last 60 years. And its just got that awesome, awesome American blues sound that everyone loves. It just makes you feel good.
Enjoy!
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