From the Heart of a Woman cover

From the Heart of a Woman

Koko Taylor · 1981

39 min · 10 tracks · R&B · soul · Chicago blues

Raw and powerful, Koko Taylor's vocals soar over a backdrop of gritty blues instrumentation and soulful rhythms.

Why this album works

'From the Heart of a Woman' is significant for showcasing Taylor's powerful vocal delivery, which helped it to reach No. 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. The album further influenced the blues genre by highlighting the role of women in a traditionally male-dominated field, contributing to the emergence of female blues artists in the years that followed.
Best for
steady emotional exploration introspective late-night vibes raw, powerful vocal delivery
Context
Released in 1981, 'From the Heart of a Woman' was Koko Taylor's second studio album following her debut 'Koko Taylor' in 1975. By this time, she had established herself as a prominent figure in the Chicago blues scene, known for her dynamic voice and commanding stage presence. This album marked a continuation of her artistic evolution and solidified her reputation as the 'Queen of Blues'.
Stylistic neighbors
Ray Charles· Ike & Tina Turner· Etta James

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Something Strange Is Going On 4:03
  • 2 I'd Rather Go Blind Standout 5:00
  • 3 Keep Your Hands Off Him Standout 3:52
  • 4 Thanks but No Thanks 4:17
  • 5 If You Got a Heartache 3:41
  • 6 Never Trust a Man 3:21
  • 7 Sure Had a Wonderful Time Last Night Standout 3:06
  • 8 Blow Top Blues 4:18
  • 9 If Walls Could Talk 3:30
  • 10 Took a Long Time 4:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata