Tanita Tikaram burst on to the music scene in the UK in 1988 with this seemingly timeless and chart topping debut album- which still sounds fresh and vital today after 37 years.
Her original style transcended many genres and that’s what makes this album universally appealing.
She was mature and self contained as a songwriter.
Check out one of my favorites - the jazz swing feel of “Poor Cow” - name checking the 1967 Ken Loach “kitchen sink” film about a single mother in an abusive relationship- very ahead of its time for 1967.
In fact I was always unsure if “Poor Cow” was an ode to vegetarianism or women’s rights - perhaps it was both - nonetheless its a beautiful song.
Beautifully recorded by Rod Argent (of the Zombies and Argent) fame) and Peter Van Hooke (drummer for Van Morrison and Mike and the Mechanics) - “Ancient Heart” weaves its way through different genres , memorable melodies and thought provoking lyrics.
Tanita’s voice has a certain husky Nico feel and you sense this is a profound work of someone much older than her 19 years when she recorded the album.
Cellos , oboes , trumpets and violins really flesh out the songs - as this album transcends the pop that was on the airwaves at this time.
Her success was really in Europe - and the album went on to sell 4 million copies.
Future albums would not captivate her audience in the same way - they were beautifully crafted -but somehow the melodies and subject matter did not connect as strongly as her debut.
She is still active to this day and in fact a sequel to “Ancient Heart” will be released this year.
Go check Tanita Tikaram out!
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