Janice-Marie aka Janice Marie Johnson was a member of
A Taste of Honey which topped the R&B and pop charts with the disco hit "Boogie Oogie Oogie" and a smooth cover of
Kyu Sakamoto's "Sukiyaki," both million-selling singles. While there is both a tight Spanish version and a crunchy, distorted guitar-laced take of "Boogie Oogie Oogie," the bulk of her
Hiatus of the Heart album is of the mid-tempo variety, closer in tone to "Sukiyaki" and her solo soft ballad "Love Me Tonite." The lyrics for the most part revolve around universal love themes of the "We Are the World" kind. Co-produced with David Cochrane, it works because Johnson seems to believe what she's singing about, and it's a nice alternative to the standard fare. The bassist/singer/songwriter/producer's wispy vocals work best on "In the Light," the pop/rock-tinged "The Story," and the dreamy, quiet storm-flavored title track. ~ Ed Hogan