Fefe Finally Rocks

FEFE DOBSON came out in 2003 with some decent rocky-pop songs that never quite took off but the rock side felt genuine to me despite her being just 16.  But after that first album one or two singles showed up on Itunes but no full albums. She’s canadian so I think she kind of made a bigger impression there and has been allowed to linger.  And  finally this fall she released JOY.  Most of it is Kelly Clarkson or Sheryl Crow stuff but there are two catchy little garage-punk rock gems “I WANT YOU” and “WATCH ME MOVE” that are her best efforts yet and deserves to get her some attention.   Apparently I’m not the only who thinks so since when I went to look I found this clip of the two songs together!

 

The #1 Hit

Janet, Miss Jackson if you’re nasty, took a hard-edged turn in 1989 with Rhythm Nation 1814, adding an industrial sound to irresistible dance beats.   The album is clearly her most innovative and the last time we get a glimpse of Janet not completely obsessed with sex. Released in 1989 it generated hit singles for almost three years, starting with “Miss You Much” in 1989 all the way through “Love Will Never Do” in 1991.  The 6th single “Black Cat” was the biggest departure as it was clearly, unequivocally a rock song. Shockingly the song made it all the way to #1 on the BIllboard Hot 100.  (The week after Ice Ice Baby was #1… hmmm black rock song followed by white rap song, weird?)  And Janet was also nominated for the Best Female Rock Vocal Award for the song.  Interestingly, it is the only song on the album that Janet wrote all be herself.  Rock on, little sister.

 

Hello world!

Welcome to my new blog.

I have always had a soft spot for soulful black women who sing rock music.

Examples are few and far between but this blog will attempt introduce and remind you of some great examples.

By default I will also delve into the definitions of rock music itself and examine why black artists have had such a hard time finding success in the genre.

Feel free to submit ideas and suggestions to me. I am always looking.

 

The FIRST?…. THE QUEEN

Tina Turner has been hailed the Queen of Rock & Roll. And guess what?  She’s black.

Check out her version of “Come Together”