Returning to the uptempo groove of her classic LP Tell Mama, this release finds
James backed by another tight rhythm section and as sassy as ever. Tracks like "Woman (Shake Your Booty)" and "Only a Fool" (a remake of the
Bobby Bland classic "I Pity the Fool") show that the famous soul belter has lost none of the strength of her voice. And, if anyone dare question, just listen to
James' version of
Randy Newman's "Leave Your Hat On," a ballsy track that exemplifies everything great about
Etta. Out of print, this album is worth the hunt. ~ Steve Kurutz