CD Reviews

"Stronger For It"

Janiva Magness

Alligator Records

Janiva Magness’ third release for Alligator is yet another stellar performance by an artist who seems to turn to gold anything she touches as of late. Strong touching you to your soul vocals with flawless backing from some of the finest musicians attainable, Janiva has certainly delivered once again. And to make it even more impressive, she has stretched out to include songwriting to her credentials, co-penning three tracks on this outing, including the number “I Won’t Cry,” which is undoubtedly one of the most amazing songs of her career. Filled with her soul openly bared with past pain, remorse and emotion it is the key song on an album where she lays herself out for everybody to see. Thus the title Stronger For It, because like us all, we do learn from our trials and tribulations and what doesn’t kill us will surely make us stronger.

That theme rolls through all three of the originals she wrote with Dave Darling, who also produced and mixed the album. It is also a common theme with the covers she has chosen, with songs written by the likes of Tom Waits, Shelby Lynne, Matthew Sweet and Ike Turner. No matter what approach on the song selections, she remains true throughout. Whether it is a soulful reading of the Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong” or her lone voice opening “Things Left Undone” or her aggressive delivery on “There It Is” where she states she never wanted to hurt a man so bad, Janiva creates a mood full of passion that never lets up on this incredible collection of music.

Of course she has brought her main group of musicians along for the ride. Who better to have on hand than those same individuals who travel with her day after day and go through life’s experiences together. Zack Zunas remains one of the most fiery and crafty guitarists on the scene today, with Jim Alfredson laying down magnificent keys and Matt Teco and Gary Davenport pulsing it all together with their steady rhythm.

It is often stated that one has to live the blues in order to play them correctly. Well Janiva is telling us right out that she has gone through a great deal of suffering recently and it is coming out in full force with Stronger For It. Sorry for the pain she has gone through, but boy howdy did she create an album for the ages here. Stronger For It will be considered yet another master recording in the storied accumulation of Janiva’s career that is continually uprising.

Total Time: 44:17

There It Is / I Won’t Cry / Make It Rain / Whistlin’ In The Dark / I’m Alive / Ragged Company / You Got What You Wanted / I Don’t Want To Do Wrong / Thought I Knew You / Dirty Water / Things Left Undone / Whoop And Holler

Reviewed by Greg Johnson