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Joan Armatrading — Show Some Emotion
Album: Show Some Emotion
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1891









Released: 1977
Length: 3:28
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up if you're feeling happy
But if it's bad then let those tears roll down

Some people hurting
Someone choking up inside
Some poor souls dying
Too proud to say they got no place to lie
And there's people if they hear a joke
Can't keep the laugh out of their eye
I said

Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up if you're feeling happy
But if it's bad then let those tears roll down

Some people in love
But all they got's a photograph
How can they get it
Too scared to open their mouths and laugh
I said

Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up if you're feeling happy
But if it's bad then let those tears roll down

Come on try

Learn to bleed when you get a bad fall
Light up light up light up if it's nice
And if it's bad then let those tears roll down
I said

Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up if you're feeling happy
But if it's bad then let those tears roll down

Come on try
Come on try
Come on try
Learn to bleed when you get a bad fall
Light up light up light up if it's nice
But if it's bad then let those tears roll down

If it's bad then let those tears roll down
Comments (121)add comment
You cannot play enough Joan Armatrading for me!
Posted 6 months ago by McSomething    [ Reply ]
Saw her live at Wolf Trap in N. Virginia back in the mid 80's. We had to see her after hearing Walk Under Ladders and The Key.  Sold out show. She was spectacular! Just amazing. 
Posted 6 months ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
That intro was a bit too much like Joni Mitchell.  Made me throw up a little in my mouth.  But she pulled out of that noise nicely.  Solid track.  All good
Posted 7 months ago by patrickgmd    [ Reply ]
Saw her in concert at the Montreal Forum in 1977. Great show.
Posted 7 months ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 ottojschlosser wrote:

Joan can bring it.

Yup! And, the sad part is, they sure don't make 'em like they used to! Yes, I enjoy newer artists too! But, ANY of the music from oh.... The 50's thru the late seventies... Anything newer, for the most part, there ARE exceptions, none of it compares to when it was an easier day in time! Joan, Bonnie Raitt, so many more! Where's that damn time machine?!!!? 

Posted 11 months ago by Signwrtr61    [ Reply ]
She was a fresh and talented voice on the 70s AOR airwaves. 
Posted 1 year ago by pbouchar    [ Reply ]
I've heard this song many times since it came out and always liked it, but listening this time, I also hear how amazing all the instrumentalists are and how tightly they play together. Amazing. 
Posted 1 year ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
Great song - love Joan. And damm, what a drummer!
Posted 2 years ago by willjay    [ Reply ]
Love Joan!
Posted 2 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
A woman down the hall from me in college (mid-80s) played this album on constant repeat. Still not tired of it!
Posted 2 years ago by pdibby    [ Reply ]
 Ok_Sobriquet wrote:

I had this on cassette. Haven't heard it in years. Disco-Funky!!



I'm fairly sure I heard this in a friend's car on 8 track.
Posted 2 years ago by reallylost    [ Reply ]
I had this on cassette. Haven't heard it in years. Disco-Funky!!
Posted 2 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
 mjmurphy61 wrote:
Great tune. I'm digging the drummer on the track, wonder who it was...
 


David Kemper
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

Based on my limited knowledge of you, at first I was surprised to read this....then I realized you're a cool MF (like me!) and then it made perfect sense....I found this in a used record store recently and have enjoyed the album a lot....I might have to go 8 to 9 on it one day....until and after then Long Live RP!!
 
Today's the day I'll +1 to the 9....must be partly due to the bluesy/jazzy riffs and the folk-rock sounding vocals, something really meshes well here and well....it's a 9...LLRP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Oh thank you!  This is awesome.  Love this album and Joan Armatrading.
Posted 5 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
 LowPhreak wrote:
I remember well the year this came out. Liked it then and still do.
 
Based on my limited knowledge of you, at first I was surprised to read this....then I realized you're a cool MF (like me!) and then it made perfect sense....I found this in a used record store recently and have enjoyed the album a lot....I might have to go 8 to 9 on it one day....until and after then Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 GINRUSH wrote:
This would have made a good Grateful Dead cover tune.
 
Yes, I hear that too, probably because "Hell in a Bucket" borrows heavily from this tune.
Posted 6 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 jmsmy wrote:
A Mid 70's AOR Favorite now only on RP

 
Fabulous, at first I thought Grateful Dead.
Posted 7 years ago by che_cavolo    [ Reply ]
A Mid 70's AOR Favorite now only on RP
Posted 7 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
I would love to hear more Joan Armatrading on RP...but not this one.
Posted 7 years ago by kylieh    [ Reply ]
I remember well the year this came out. Liked it then and still do.
Posted 8 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Very appropriate on this day in the US.  My tears are rolling down freely. {#Fever}
Posted 8 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
Great songwriting ..one of her best
 
Posted 8 years ago by jazzbo    [ Reply ]
Absolute genius.
Posted 8 years ago by Andybob    [ Reply ]
such a great funky album. smiles
Posted 8 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
sweet! {#Daisy}
and "old" as I am {#Smile}
Posted 9 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
My husband and I have a joke...whenever we hear an unknown female singer we guess it is Joan Armatrading.....sometimes we are right!
Great tune!
 
Posted 9 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
absolutely fabulous!!!
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
She should have opened for Steely Dan
 
Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan    [ Reply ]
holds up real good
Posted 9 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
This would have made a good Grateful Dead cover tune.
Posted 10 years ago by GINRUSH    [ Reply ]
i love Tracey Chapman, heard Joan first, love these Ladies
Posted 10 years ago by yippee    [ Reply ]
All album good!
Posted 10 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss} Pure Class.
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 lexica wrote:
All of Joan Armatrading's songs get a +1 from me for the halo effect of reminding me of my mom.
{#Heartkiss}


 
Nice. Lucky you.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Joan can bring it.
Posted 11 years ago by ottojschlosser    [ Reply ]
verrry nice  !!
Posted 11 years ago by mistabird    [ Reply ]
Everyone in my senior jazz dance class loves this song!
Posted 11 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 11 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Love Joan Armatrading - maybe we could hear "The Weakness in Me" sometime??
 
Posted 12 years ago by sssterling    [ Reply ]

what a cracking song. Brilliant.


Posted 12 years ago by mistyfloyd    [ Reply ]
Hearing Joan Armatrading (to me) is a gift from an Artist!
Posted 12 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Groovy track, Bill.  I dig it.
Posted 13 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
All of Joan Armatrading's songs get a +1 from me for the halo effect of reminding me of my mom.
{#Heartkiss}

Posted 13 years ago by lexica    [ Reply ]
Timeless.
Posted 13 years ago by dsmcd01    [ Reply ]
 Panama_Floyd wrote:
Thanks, Bill. Have you considered "When I Get It Right"? It's on "Walk Under Ladders".
 

Yeah!!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
Thanks, Bill. Have you considered "When I Get It Right"? It's on "Walk Under Ladders".
Posted 14 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
i like this song—-like hearing things on here haven't heard in a long time!

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
She's back on tour with a new album, going to see her on Tuesday, looking forward to that!
I've always had a soft spot for her voice, this album used to be a tune to show off a good hi-fi system in the 80's as the recording is really good. much like Fleetwood mac's Rumours.
Posted 14 years ago by gumbo73039    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:
I like a lot of Armatrading's music—but this one sounds to me not like an attempt to make art but an attempt to sell records.  Don't much care for that.
 
Can't she do both? After all, selling records is what made it possible for us to continue enjoying her art 30 years later.

Posted 14 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
I've liked her from her debut.  I have quite a few of her albums.  A unique voice.
Posted 14 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
I like a lot of Armatrading's music—but this one sounds to me not like an attempt to make art but an attempt to sell records.  Don't much care for that.
Posted 15 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Great tune. I'm digging the drummer on the track, wonder who it was...
Posted 15 years ago by mjmurphy61    [ Reply ]
 dctrpunda wrote:
I hear the Dead in this song, is it just me?
  Yeah, I think something from Terrapin Station?


Posted 15 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Simply awesome after all these years.
Posted 15 years ago by rlinsk    [ Reply ]
I hear the Dead in this song, is it just me?
Posted 15 years ago by dctrpunda    [ Reply ]

Amazing voice.  Been a fan sine the 1976 S/T album.  "Down To Zero" and "Love And Affection" move me.

Saw her at the Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC with Don Dixon opening, quite a few years back.  A lovely show!


Posted 15 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
Incredible lady, incredible music
Posted 15 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
Ahhh, thanks Bill and Rebecca!!
Posted 15 years ago by JoBo    [ Reply ]
Great stuff !!!
Posted 15 years ago by btt    [ Reply ]
Look at all this LOVE (scroll down) this is what Radio Paradise is all about.
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
One of her finest. Awesome.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Always loved her, and this song. Love hearing it on RP. Thanks, Bill.
Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
first time ive heard joan armatrading, what a beautiful voice
Posted 16 years ago by theirishtickler    [ Reply ]
Thank You
Posted 16 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by muronacif    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP!
Posted 16 years ago by Tree_Hugger    [ Reply ]
give me love woo hoo I'd like to hear that one again.
Posted 16 years ago by gutboy    [ Reply ]
More Joan PULEEZE!!
Posted 17 years ago by Tree_Hugger    [ Reply ]
MORE JOAN!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Honeyman    [ Reply ]
Love this song and album. What a powerful voice!
Posted 17 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
Great album, but IMO there are better tracks on it. Superbly talented artist, had a sensational live act at around this time. There was a 'Live at the Hammersmith' video featuring some tracks off this album, featuring Joan and her band, really fantastic stuff. Somewhat under-rated artist, IMO. Personally I think she is brilliant!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Very cool. Are you ready for this? Sounds like a combination of these: 1. Talking Heads, Remain in Light era 2. Steely Dan 3. Grateful Dead (think Hell in a Bucket) Anybody with me?
I'm hearing sounds similar to Blues for Allah, especially since the Dead had a female vocalist at the time, her name eludes me but I'm sure that many among you out there know who she is . . . oh yeah, Donna Godchaux, that's it. Isn't Google wonderful!! Joan is an original! Solid 9.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
peyotecoyote wrote:
OHHHHH YEAAAAAH!
ABSOLUTLY!
Posted 17 years ago by eeke    [ Reply ]
What an artist.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
window wrote:
Good observation. Now that you mention it, I hear all those influences. Especially Steely Dan.
Which way on the influence? I know for sure that this recording preceeded "Remain in Light." Been hearing more Joan on RP and nothing wrong with that.
Posted 17 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Very cool. Are you ready for this? Sounds like a combination of these: 1. Talking Heads, Remain in Light era 2. Steely Dan 3. Grateful Dead (think Hell in a Bucket) Anybody with me?
Good observation. Now that you mention it, I hear all those influences. Especially Steely Dan.
Posted 17 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
my Joan favorite album (yes album) was Back to the night, never released on CD, what a bummer!
Posted 17 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
Drop the Pilot!
Posted 18 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
luv it. reminds me of many feel-good moments at pubby bars dancing to jam bands in college. Shoulders up, down, up, down... she'd be perfect for Berkfest!
Posted 18 years ago by lillymedesto    [ Reply ]
As I recall, she got kind of rolled into '80s Womyn's Music ...not a really good-selling genre. Personallly, I like her a lot. iggy33 wrote:
One of the most underated truly talented talents this country has ever known
Posted 18 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Peyote wrote:
WOOHOO!! Perfect for a Friday morning too!!
OHHHHH YEAAAAAH!
Posted 18 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
WOOHOO!! Perfect for a Friday morning too!!
Posted 18 years ago by Peyote    [ Reply ]
Old_Pool_Skunk wrote:
The last rays of sunset before dark.
Scary. I've watched the dusk spill into my living room while relaxing to this song. How'd you know that?
Posted 18 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Very cool. Are you ready for this? Sounds like a combination of these:
1. Talking Heads, Remain in Light era
2. Steely Dan
3. Grateful Dead (think Hell in a Bucket)
Anybody with me?
 
But this was before almost all Talking Heads except for '77 (and it may have even been before that). 

Steely Dan, sure - lots of jazz riffs

Posted 18 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
The last rays of sunset before dark.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]
Definitely in my top 10 of best songs ever
Posted 18 years ago by MM13    [ Reply ]
Never understood the interest here.
Posted 18 years ago by deadfdr    [ Reply ]
Great song ... but I love most of Joan's work. I had The Key on cassette ... burned it out. I'll have to look for that CD sometime, methinks.
Posted 18 years ago by ursus88    [ Reply ]
Beauty. I have her best of collection and it's truly amazing.
Posted 18 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
Funky... looks like that forum worked.
Posted 18 years ago by turnergirl1of2    [ Reply ]
Dam, I missed it...love Joan Armatrading! Edit: Caught again on March 10...God I played this album to death in London.
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
What an outstanding musician, never really credited for such. Nice!
Posted 19 years ago by yogaboat    [ Reply ]
I have always loved this song. I'm dancing in my cube! Light up... light up.... I may need to go out for a smoke now...
Posted 19 years ago by BGGA    [ Reply ]
whoated wrote:
Definately some Dead in this track! I came here to post that observation of mine, but you beat me by a year. :)
Love the follow to Oliver Mtukudzi, the transition was so smoooooth
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Very cool. Are you ready for this? Sounds like a combination of these: 1. Talking Heads, Remain in Light era 2. Steely Dan 3. Grateful Dead (think Hell in a Bucket) Anybody with me?
Definately some Dead in this track! I came here to post that observation of mine, but you beat me by a year. :)
Posted 20 years ago by whoated    [ Reply ]
Feel free to play more Joan anytime. As a matter of fact, why is "All the King's Gardens" still sitting unplayed on your server? It's time to correct that little oversight.
Posted 20 years ago by ladybinnath    [ Reply ]
She had a big following when I was growing up in NY in the mid-70's. WNEW-FM used to give her lots of airplay. Glad to see there are so many folks here who appreciate her. Overall, she never gotten the due she's deserved.
Posted 20 years ago by llazare    [ Reply ]
Great cut !!! Was once a favorite , years ago, but somehow I had forgotten. RP to the rescue once again.
Posted 20 years ago by philarktos    [ Reply ]
Joan Armatrading has just found a new fan. I've heard her name for years, since I was a kid, really. But I never listened to any of her work. Nice segue into Diana Krall, too.
Posted 20 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
A truly great talent. Please play one of her "slow burners" like Weakness In Me, Love and Affection, The Letter, etc.
Posted 20 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
tictocsailor wrote:
She is so great! I am a longtime fan. I have wondered why I have not heard any of her on Paradise. She seems to be a perfect fit.
Yep! Lets have more from Joan - Certainly brightened up my evening especially when closely followed by The Clash.
Posted 20 years ago by skhooly    [ Reply ]
She is so great! I am a longtime fan. I have wondered why I have not heard any of her on Paradise. She seems to be a perfect fit.
Posted 20 years ago by tictocsailor    [ Reply ]
More More More!!! I still treasure my Joan Armatrading LP's. I saw her play in a no-longer-existing theatre in East Lansing, MI--sat in front. What a great performer, song-writer, singer. First time I ever saw anyone play Ovation guitars, too. Thanks for playing Joan!
Posted 20 years ago by rhgadavis    [ Reply ]
Love hearing this here. Great memories for me from when this was new.
Posted 20 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
I couldn't agree more with some of the other comments about this amazingly talented and wonderful artist. Saw her many years ago now but still recall the sweet energy she exuded that night. Her "The Shouting Stage" release is a must check out for those of you who missed it, got some great contributions by Mark Knopfler and others as well as just great compositions. My hat's off to Joan!!!
Posted 20 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
iggy33 wrote:
One of the most underated truly talented talents this country has ever known
Agreed but somehow I prefer it when the artists I love are under rated. I have always loved Joan and don't think she probably cares much about ratings. Great artist.
Posted 20 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]
Let me also recommend a live version of "(I Love It When You) Call Me Names" on The Secret Policeman's Third Ball.
Posted 20 years ago by DrFoo    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this. Reminds me of my favorite by her, "Love and Affection." So I looked it up - it was last played in April 2002, a year and a half ago. Wow, that's a long time. And "Love and Affection" has a rating of 7.5 (higher than "Show Some Emotion.")
Posted 21 years ago by robinesque    [ Reply ]
One of the most underated truly talented talents this country has ever known
Posted 21 years ago by iggy33    [ Reply ]
I was wondering when she would show up around here!
Posted 21 years ago by chinacat    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Very cool. Are you ready for this? Sounds like a combination of these: 1. Talking Heads, Remain in Light era 2. Steely Dan 3. Grateful Dead (think Hell in a Bucket) Anybody with me?
Count me in on your observations! Joan is an original who experimented with different sounds through the 70s and 80s, with smashing success IMHO. She never became a pop darling but somehow I don't think she minds! She has a very loyal fandom, deservedly.
Posted 21 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Light up everyone - Joan's at the mic!
Posted 21 years ago by Skeletor    [ Reply ]
i'd love to borrow that bass player...who it be?
Posted 21 years ago by MtnSinger    [ Reply ]
Ah Yeah! This is what I was missing and didn't even know it. Excellent. Love Joan.
Posted 21 years ago by Buzzardcheater    [ Reply ]
Very cool. Are you ready for this? Sounds like a combination of these: 1. Talking Heads, Remain in Light era 2. Steely Dan 3. Grateful Dead (think Hell in a Bucket) Anybody with me?
Posted 21 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Great music, a pleasing voice. Easy listening on a stressful afternoon.
Posted 21 years ago by timc    [ Reply ]
Hear, Hear! She is great! This is why i LOVE RP. Thanks to whoever uploaded this!
Originally Posted by fisherking: Joan is an amazing singer and songwriter. I have some suggestions: Down to Zero and All the Way From America.
Posted 21 years ago by cpmwi    [ Reply ]
Joan is an amazing singer and songwriter. I have some suggestions: Down to Zero and All the Way From America.
Posted 22 years ago by fisherking    [ Reply ]