Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
It is a cry of anger, frustration or absolute certainty, the moment when you reach a point in a relationship with someone, platonic or otherwise when you understand they are with you just so they can try to change you, to turn you into something you are not; the strong minded, the resolute and the clear thinking know and appreciate this and stick to their guns no matter what. Take Me As I Am, for better or for worse, each person has the right to be incredible no matter what.
When you have been taught guitar by the likes of Randy Rhoades, when the adrenaline fever you supply to the world is realised to be just the start of something extravagant and cool. Then to imagine being in the crowd as Janet Robin as she performs tracks from her sixth album Take Me As I Am, feeling the energy seep into the veins and caressing, slapping the notes back and forth between good humour and gentle wit, with the mood able to snap in a millisecond to beautiful imploring, then the imagination holds no bounds.
An express train of an album, it is one that makes all the correct stops, it pauses should the need be found by the listener to reflect on the songs just played out and one that is comfortable and secure in its own skin. It is the celebration of such sentiment that drives and focuses the album, it is the sharp intake of breath and pleased knowing smile that gives its edge and humanity and it is a deep breath that you don’t want to release for the world.
In tracks such as the exciting Rich Girl, On My Feet Again, Dancing Barefoot and Can’t Have Me Now that sees Janet Robin seriously show her skill and professionalism off to the world in the manner she would be proud of; the satisfied fulfilment is shared by the listener and the stereo alike and as the title track plays out, the resonating hunger to show the audience that take someone as they are is the finest feeling, the greatest compliment anyone can actually demonstrate.
A fine start to the year, music should know no boundaries and Take Me As I Am certainly understands that to try and do so would only inhibit the performer.
Ian D. Hall