Though Joan Armatrading has already sold nearly six million records worldwide, she remains relatively unknown in America. I’m not sure why, but I’m fairly certain that the obscurity can’t last much longer. Armatrading’s 1979 EP (How Cruel) evidenced versatility, accessibility, and a truly original talent; and her new album, Me Myself I, underscores those assets.

You’ll find numerous examples of Armatrading’s first-rate, jazz-influenced balladeering here, and also such fine surprises as the hard-rocking “Ma-Me-O-Beach” and title cut and the reggae-spiced “Simon.” The production by Richard Gottehrer (Blondie, Robert Gordon) is faultless, as is the backup by such luminaries as Chris Spedding and Bruce Springsteen saxophonist Clarence Clemons.