Originally published by L.S. Media. September 12th 2011.
Suzi Quattro may not be a name that immediately leaps to mind when asked of influential women in Rock and Roll, especially with those raised on a diet of post 1980’s pop culture. However Suzi deserves to be mentioned not just in hushed tones of reverence and slight nods but to be celebrated and enjoyed over and over again.
In the Spotlight is the new album by the Michigan born singer and for a woman who has created foot tapping music since the early 1970’s, she has never sounded better than she does on this album. Perhaps it’s the element of time or the creative freedom she now obviously enjoys and none of the pressure to keep on the treadmill of album after album just to appease recording executives.
In the Spotlight is Suzi’s second album after her comeback in 2006 and whilst she may now be a lady of a certain age, she still knows how to shrug off years of the absurd notion that when women go under the radar of popularity they should retire gracefully. Alongside the likes of Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks and Debbie Harry, Suzi can not only be seen as an inspiration to women coming through the Rock ranks today but also as a quality artist whose Rock and Roll distinctive voice and top bass playing is cleverly stamped on every track of the album.
Suzi rolls back the years with the opening number A Girl Like Me, a guitar driven anthem that sure to remind older Suzi fans of her heyday but sounding fresh enough to sit comfortably on any younger fans music collection with just a little bit of pride.
The gentleness of Spotlight may bring the tempo down slightly but the raw emotion in Suzi’s voice on this track is one to savour. The subtlety of the vocal range perfectly complements the lyrics and will leave the listener humming along with a tear in their eye.
It can’t be easy for some musicians, no matter their calibre or reputation, to attempt to make a comeback or even produce a second album after so long away from the public eye. However when you have the guile and spirit that Miss Quattro has in spades then no matter how long you have been away, it still sounds pretty awesome.
Ian D. Hall