Joan Armatrading

You might discount her new, blues-oriented disc (aptly titled Into The Blues) for its pallid genre clichés, but notice that even on this misguided collection a few tunes still shimmer with Joan Armatrading’s trademark emotional hum. For decades now, she has bared her soul with pride and erudition instead of pretense and self-pity, capturing the paradoxical strength of vulnerability with as much visceral nuance as any singer-songwriter (it’s a big claim but no exaggeration). Back to the Night (1975), Lovers Speak (2003), and the others in between are all five-star records. While unfurling her agony, ecstasy, and all the careening within that gamut, this statuesque St. Kitts native will make you grateful for your goosebumps. 651-690-6700; http://oshaughnessy.stkate.edu