17 albums and one Open University degree to her credit.

Joan Armatrading was Britain's first introspective female songwriter. Since her 1972 debut, she has detailed the most intimate matters of the heart without letting anything slip regarding herself. She's not going to change now, but she's been in a deal-free rut of late after a run of lackluster efforts and the mysterious disappearance of her once ferociously loyal audience. Lovers Speak puts her back on track nicely. She's motivated enough to do everything here (save drums and horns) and the title track, the epic Fire & Ice and the little lullaby closer Blessed are as deep and lovely as her best work.

John Aizlewood.