Marianne Faithfull's "Broken English" was released in 1979 to a musical world suffering from a disco hangover while riding a punk tidal wave. Marianne, herself, was an under-rated pop songstress who had successes in the sixties. But, the seventies were not kind to her, personally and professionally, and what music she did produce tended to be heard by only the most die-hard of fans. As such, few really expected much from Marianne Faithfull, musically. But, boy did she deliver the goods with "Broken English". Critically acclaimed as a classic and a true "masterpiece", "Broken English" took the musical world by storm. Based in part on the glowing reviews of the time and my innate curious nature, I did what I never do - I went out and bought the record without ever hearing a single note of music from it. Regrets? I should say not!!!
Twenty years later, "Broken English" is still one of my all-time favorites and I play it often (but with the lights on!). I could never tire of it as it is a timeless piece of music that is as fresh and vital today as it was when it was released twenty years ago.
What sets this record apart is the masterful blending of excellent songs, excellent musical support, excellent production and last, but certainly not least, the raw, unique and soulful voice of Marianne Faithfull. Her voice is an art form in and of itself. From the opening chords of the wonderful title song "Broken English" to the final refrains of the naughty but supurb "Why'D Ya Do It", this record takes you on a wild ride that leaves you breathless and wanting for more. Though there is not a bad song on the record, my personal favorites, aside from the two already mentioned, include the haunting "Witches Song", "Guilt", "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan", and her wonderful version of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero". One listen and I was hooked, a true fan for life of the music and artistry of Marianne Faithfull. Considering buying "Broken English"? Do as I did - buy it without even listening to a single note from it. It is sure to make you a fan for life too! Did she rest on her laurels with "Broken English"? No! Check her other music as well as she continued to put out some really excellent music to the present day. Then, go back and check out her older pop music and you will see why I say she was under-rated. That she was voted 25th by her peers on the list of 100 Greatest Women in Music, as produced by VH1, is no fluke. Marianne Faithfull is certainly one of the greatest musical stylists ever and "Broken English" is certainly her "masterpiece".
