Scarred * by Johnette Napolitano (CD, May-2007, Hybrid Recordings)

I have to start by saying that I am a big Concrete Blonde and Johnette Fan. Perhaps what sounds good to me may sound different to someone else. Johnette still has strong rock n' roll vocals and her lyrics are still extremely poetic. This album may not be be for all tastes but fans of Johnette will appreciate it. The first single "Amazing" has a strong melody and is the most radio friendly tune on the album. "Poem for the Native" has a gentle melody. "Just Like Time" sounds a little like "Caroline" by Concrete Blonde except a little more melodic. "My Diane" sounds a little psychotic but entertaining. "Save Me" "Everything for Everyone" & "I'm Up Here" are strong angry hard rockin' tunes with Johnette belting it out. "All Tomorrows Parties" has a little Irish feel to it and not something you'd expect Johnette to record. Fans will want to buy this. Hope this is the start of many more Johnette albums to come...

There are two rabid Cincrete Blonde fans in my house. We split on how we felt about this album. I found it in keeping with what I would expect from Johnette and liked it. There seems to always be one song on any Concrete Blonde that I dont care for, and this album was no exeption. But that is true on just about ANY album. I listen to this CD alot, and love Johnettes vocals. My daughter, however, felt it was too "poppy" and mainstream. When asked for specifics, she just said it wasnt as raw and emotional as Concrete Blonde, and had too many "effects". I differ. All in all, I think if you like newer Concrete Blonde, that you will like this. I look forward to more solo stuff by Johnette.