Released 40 years ago
Sleight of Hand
Joan Armatrading · 1986
40 min · 10 tracks · pop music
A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic pop-rock, showcasing Armatrading's signature storytelling style and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Kind Words (and a Real Good Heart) Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its heartfelt melody and poignant lyrics about sincerity and connection, encapsulating Armatrading's vulnerability.
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Killing Time — The song explores themes of introspection and existential reflection, featuring a captivating arrangement that highlights Armatrading's vocal prowess.
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Russian Roulette — With its metaphorical exploration of risk and uncertainty, this track showcases Armatrading's ability to weave complex emotions into accessible pop rock.
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One More Chance — This track's yearning lyrics and expressive delivery exemplify the album's emotional resonance, illustrating Armatrading's skill in conveying personal narratives.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting with varied pacing but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The last two tracks utilize a more stripped-down arrangement, allowing Armatrading's vocals and storytelling to take center stage.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- emotive storytelling through melodies
- thoughtful listening during quiet times
- introspective themes for personal reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in her catalog, not widely recognized but appreciated by fans.
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Sleight of Hand marked Joan Armatrading's eighth studio album, following the commercially successful The Shouting Stage. At this point in her career, Armatrading was solidifying her reputation as a distinctive voice in British music, exploring varied musical styles while maintaining her lyrical integrity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Laura Marling· Nick Drake
Tracklist
- 1 Kind Words (and a Real Good Heart) Start here 3:47
- 2 Killing Time 3:57
- 3 Reach Out 4:19
- 4 Angel Man 3:44
- 5 Laurel and the Rose 3:52
- 6 One More Chance 5:15
- 7 Russian Roulette 4:39
- 8 Jesse 3:27
- 9 Figure of Speech 3:29
- 10 Don Juan 4:17
What to play next
The Shouting Stage
1988
Continues the introspective themes with a slightly evolved sound and emotional depth.
Secret Secrets
1985
Precedes 'Sleight of Hand' with similar melodic pop-rock and storytelling style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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