Back to the Night
It followed her debut album Whatever's for Us and marked her first release under a new contract with A&M.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Joan Armatrading
- Released
- April 1975
- Studio
- Rockfield, Monmouthshire
- Morgan, London
- Basing Street, London
- Genre
- Pop
- Label
- A&M
- Producer
- Pete Gage
Facts from the source article.
Musical background
The album develops the mood of Armatrading's first album and explores different aspects of her talent, encompassing folk, jazz, calypso, and up-tempo songs. A number of musicians were hired to reflect the variety of styles she was creating. Notable musicians include Jean Roussel, Colin Pincott, and Andy Summers. The album was promoted on tour with a six-piece jazz-pop group called The Movies.
General background
After her debut album, Armatrading ended her contract with Cube Records and signed with A&M. Back to the Night was recorded in 1974 at Basing Street Studios and Morgan Studios in London, and Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, mixed at Basing Street, and mastered at Sterling Sound in New York. During the making of the album, Armatrading realized she could make a career out of music; previously she had only wanted to be a songwriter and was reluctant to sing or perform. She told producer Pete Gage she did not want to sing, wanting others to perform her songs. The album's making was difficult for Gage, who was hired by manager Mike Stone. Stone described Armatrading as very difficult after the departure of lyricist Pam Nestor but possessing immense talent. Gage was struck by her natural musical ability. Armatrading found the process hard due to her reluctance to perform and personal unhappiness. Gage recruited musicians who would be sympathetic and patient. Armatrading was often absent-minded, walking out and wandering off. Gage eventually lost patience and gave her a dressing down while driving her to Paddington Station, telling her to appreciate the resources at her disposal. His remarks helped Armatrading grow up and realize she could be a performer and make a living from music.
Songs
Many songs arose from Armatrading's experience touring the US after her debut. While in the Bronx, New York, she stayed in a Times Square hotel and walked the streets late at night, encountering beggars, buskers, and Vietnam veterans. These people provided background for the songs; for example, 'No Love For Free' is about prostitutes she met in the Bronx. 'Cool Blue Stole My Heart' recalls a holiday in Amsterdam; Armatrading began writing it there and finished it in London three months later. Most songs were written by Armatrading, but 'Dry Land' and 'Come When You Need Me' were carryovers from her collaboration with Pam Nestor. Several tracks appeared on compilation albums: 'Steppin' Out', 'Dry Land', 'Cool Blue Stole My Heart', and 'Come When You Need Me'. 'Cool Blue Stole My Heart' and 'Steppin' Out' were included in Armatrading's 1979 Rockpalast concert and the live album Steppin' Out.
Reception
Back to the Night earned praise from critics but failed to achieve strong sales. Record Mirror highlighted its "indefinable magic" and described the music as funkier than her first album, noting that Joan Armatrading blends Soul, Blues, Folk, and Caribbean influences to create something fresh and invigorating. AllMusic's Dave Connolly observed that while the album isn't clearly better than Whatever's for Us, it shows early signs of her future greatness in songs like "Travel So Far," "Dry Land," and the title track. Bassist Steve York called it a highly original and interesting record, praising Armatrading's unique writing and distinctive voice. Wilfrid Mellers, in Angels of the Night, admired its bold tone, sprightly rhythms, and clipped phrasing, singling out "Travel So Far" and "Steppin' Out" as reggae-style celebrations of freedom.
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