Best CD to introduce Etta to a New listener.

Everytime I hear the powerfully melancholy voice of Etta James, it sends chills down my spine. A true legend, she is an absolute must-see live. If you think her coutenance is powerful when recorded, you should treat yourself to an expreience of a lifetime by catching her ever-more difficult to find, live show. You'll be hooked. She radiates of power, passion and pure soul. Whenever I try to spread the music of Etta James to a new blues fan, I always break out this CD first.

etta wow

wow- even makes sexist songs sound sooooo right

Her masterpiece

I am a blues vocalist so I know a good blues vocalist when I hear one. In addition, I am a fan of Etta James and have all of her material. To call her a good blues vocalist is an understatement and it is incorrect. She is much more than just a good blues vocalist - she is a good vocalist no matter what genre she tackles, blues, R&B, jazz, country (yes, she has done country), or rock. In my opinion, without a doubt, this CD is her masterpiece. It combines an excellent vocalist (at the prime of her vocal capabilities) with excellent material. Add to that winning combination is a back-up band that provides exactly the right sound. I have listened to it HUNDREDS of times and, the more I listen to the CD, the more I like it. My favorite cuts are "Damn Your Eyes" and "The Jealous Kind" but there is not a cut on the CD that I do not like.

In addition to this CD, I would highly recommend her CD, Love's Been Rough On Me. Of all of her work, Seven Year Itch and Love's Been Rough on Me are my first and second favorite CDs, respectively.